thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Rockies Mailbag: Don’t count on MLB losing its anti-trust exemption anytime soon

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .
With MLB contracting minor-league baseball from 162 to 120 teams , and reducing the entry draft to five rounds , will Congress take action and remove their anti-trust exemptions ?
Having seen MiLB in seven cities , I am a firm believer in “ if it ain ’ t broke , don ’ t fix it.
” — Gregory , Denver Gregory , there has been some noise about removing baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt that will happen .
The loss of minor-league teams was a hot topic in Congress in the winter and during spring training , but it ’ s been pushed to the backburner because of the coronavirus .
According to The Hill , “ lawmakers moved quickly against the plan , ” setting up the Save Minor League Baseball Task Force , which drew broad bipartisan support .
In a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in November , more than 100 lawmakers detailed the damage contracting minor league teams would have on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are vital components of our communities because they provide affordable , family-friendly entertainment to members of our communities , support scores of allied businesses , employ thousands of individuals , donate millions of dollars in charitable funds , and connect our communities to Major League Baseball , ” the letter read .
In response to The Hill , MLB sent a letter that read : “ MLB wants to modernize our minor league system , improve playing conditions for our players and protect baseball in communities across America .
Those are goals we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minor League Baseball ’ s approach thus far has been neither constructive nor solutions-oriented .
Political rhetoric aside , the bottom line is that the contraction of minor-league baseball is likely to happen in September .
Hey Patrick , I ’ m very excited about the prospects of watching baseball on TV this year .
Has this given you a new appreciation for the game and what you do ?
For example , last year was very disappointing .
We always buy a 20-game mini-plan , and we couldn ’ t bring ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last summer .
It felt like a waste of four hours .
— Scott A , Lakewood Scott , that ’ s a great question and I ’ m sure you ’ ll go to games — when you get the chance again .
But my answer is yes .
I realize now , more than ever , that I am blessed to have the job that I do .
I miss covering games , going to the ballpark , and talking with Bud Black and the players .
I ’ ll admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes turns me into a curmudgeon , and with so much going on in the world , covering baseball seems very trivial sometimes .
But the quarantine without baseball has given me some new perspective .
That ’ s especially true because I ’ ve been forced to take unpaid furloughs .
That being said , I ’ m concerned about what kind of coverage beat writers will provide if baseball returns .
Watching games on TV is fine , but not having access to players , etc .
will severely hamper our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an aberration .
Patrick , the latest proposal from MLB with its nonrealistic requirements for return is a joke .
Telling guys they can ’ t spit or ( chew ) seeds , they need to shower at home and to come to the ballpark already dressed is laughable .
If these are the new rules , along with baseball wanting a 50/50 monetary split or giving players an option not to play , makes me think we will have no baseball in 2020 .
Tell me I ’ m wrong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re wrong .
I think .
I think there is a 60-40 chance baseball returns .
I agree that the details released on the 67-page “ safety plan ” show an unworkable solution to the coronavirus .
But please keep in mind that MLB ’ s plan was a rough draft .
Its goal was to assure the players and their union that baseball would go above and beyond to keep players safe .
So I think there is a lot of negotiating still to come .
Today , as a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of those same questions ( albeit in a different way ) .
Here ’ s a link to my Q & A with Arenado .
Patrick : Why the insistence on the designated hitter when ballgames start again ?
— Bill Sonn , Denver Bill , I take it you are not a fan of the DH ?
Neither am I .
But this is part of the owners ’ proposal to the players to get baseball going again .
Owners and the MLB powers that be believe the DH makes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball to make a big splash if it comes back .
For the short term , they want it included because the NL and AL teams will be meeting each other a lot in the proposed 82-game season .
When the next collective bargaining agreement comes due after the 2021 season , there is going to be a big push for the universal DH .
For now , however , it will only be for half a season .
We have two questions/opinions on the recent comments of Tampa Bay pitcher Blake Snell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players .
Another fan thinks Snell is way off base .
Thanks for your dedicated reporting and journalistic integrity .
We appreciate what you do .
I can ’ t seem to come to grips with the condemnation of the players asking that MLB stick to the agreement they signed in March to give players a prorated salary for a shortened 2020 season .
Blake Snell ’ s comments , while not particularly sensitive , seem like what any of us ask of our employers .
Would you agree to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Without a guarantee of safety ?
That ’ s a tough sell to anybody .
Not to mention the cowardly way owners have tried to manipulate public opinion by leaking their proposal before sharing it with the players .
Nolan Arenado ’ s comments in support of Snell seemed to echo the same sentiment .
As a lifelong fan , I ’ m not nearly as empathetic for Dick Monfort losing out on the profits from the $ 11 beers at Coors Field , than I am for players who have such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( albeit a great living ) off their ability to play baseball .
I have a quick question about the Snell article .
He basically sounded like a self-absorbed millionaire who only cares about money and himself .
Do you think the majority of the other players feel the same way ?
OK , for those not in the know , here ’ s a quick refresher on what Snell said : “ I ’ m not playing unless I get mine .
… “ I ’ m not splitting no revenue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ y ’ all got to understand , too , because y ’ all going to be like : ‘ Bro , play for the love of the game .
Man , what ’ s wrong with you , bro ?
Money should not be a thing.
’ Bro , I ’ m risking my life .
What do you mean , ‘ It should not be a thing ?
’ It 100 percent should be a thing.
” Here are my thoughts : • Snell has a valid argument , but his comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clumsy .
• I understand the players ’ perspective .
The initial agreement was for players to be paid on a prorated basis .
When the owners discovered how much money they were going to lose as the coronavirus further postponed the season , they wanted to change the terms .
• It seems ridiculous that an economic dispute will prevent a season from occurring , but that could happen .
The players ’ union believes a resolution already is in place , while MLB has yet to offer an alternative .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB and the MLBPA .
The union does not think it should even discuss making more monetary concessions until MLB demonstrates its financial distress with hard evidence , i.e.
, opens its book .
• The players are opposed to the idea of a 50-50 revenue sharing system , which the union equates to a salary cap .
• MLB says paying players their full prorated salaries with empty stadiums is not workable .
Nearly 40 % of baseball ’ s revenue comes from ticket sales and other in-park sources , revenue that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The owners say they can ’ t afford that .
• I agree with Chris more than I do Del , though I can understand why fans are disgruntled .
I would encourage you both to read a recent column by ESPN ’ s Buster Olney : “ Tony Clark , MLB players might be able to break standoff by thinking big picture.
” Just read your response , re : Jeff Bridich .
How weak .
Nobody wants you to hound him .
Just tell like it is .
The guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s doing .
He ’ s an idiot .
Played baseball for Harvard qualifies him ?
Give me a break .
You have no guts .
— Steve Webb , Aurora Steve , I ’ m sticking by my answer .
You didn ’ t provide an especially compelling or convincing argument just now .
But it ’ s a great rant .
I ’ ll give you that .
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related @ @ @ @ @ @

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.
With MLB contracting minor-league baseball from 162 to 120 teams, and reducing the entry draft to five rounds, will Congress take action and remove their anti-trust exemptions? Having seen MiLB in seven cities, I am a firm believer in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
— Gregory, Denver
Gregory, there has been some noise about removing baseball’s anti-trust exemption but I seriously doubt that will happen. The loss of minor-league teams was a hot topic in Congress in the winter and during spring training, but it’s been pushed to the backburner because of the coronavirus.
According to The Hill, “lawmakers moved quickly against the plan,” setting up the Save Minor League Baseball Task Force, which drew broad bipartisan support. In a letter to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in November, more than 100 lawmakers detailed the damage contracting minor league teams would have on communities.
“These professional baseball clubs are vital components of our communities because they provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment to members of our communities, support scores of allied businesses, employ thousands of individuals, donate millions of dollars in charitable funds, and connect our communities to Major League Baseball,” the letter read.
In response to The Hill, MLB sent a letter that read: “MLB wants to modernize our minor league system, improve playing conditions for our players and protect baseball in communities across America. Those are goals we share with lawmakers and communities, however Minor League Baseball’s approach thus far has been neither constructive nor solutions-oriented.
Political rhetoric aside, the bottom line is that the contraction of minor-league baseball is likely to happen in September.
Hey Patrick, I’m very excited about the prospects of watching baseball on TV this year. Has this given you a new appreciation for the game and what you do? For example, last year was very disappointing. We always buy a 20-game mini-plan, and we couldn’t bring ourselves to go to most of the games last summer. It felt like a waste of four hours.
— Scott A, Lakewood
Scott, that’s a great question and I’m sure you’ll go to games — when you get the chance again.
But my answer is yes. I realize now, more than ever, that I am blessed to have the job that I do. I miss covering games, going to the ballpark, and talking with Bud Black and the players. I’ll admit that the daily grind of the beat sometimes turns me into a curmudgeon, and with so much going on in the world, covering baseball seems very trivial sometimes.
But the quarantine without baseball has given me some new perspective. That’s especially true because I’ve been forced to take unpaid furloughs.
That being said, I’m concerned about what kind of coverage beat writers will provide if baseball returns. Watching games on TV is fine, but not having access to players, etc. will severely hamper our coverage.
Hopefully, this summer will be an aberration.
Patrick, the latest proposal from MLB with its nonrealistic requirements for return is a joke. Telling guys they can’t spit or (chew) seeds, they need to shower at home and to come to the ballpark already dressed is laughable. If these are the new rules, along with baseball wanting a 50/50 monetary split or giving players an option not to play, makes me think we will have no baseball in 2020. Tell me I’m wrong.
— JB, Aurora
JB, you’re wrong. I think. I think there is a 60-40 chance baseball returns.
I agree that the details released on the 67-page “safety plan” show an unworkable solution to the coronavirus. But please keep in mind that MLB’s plan was a rough draft. Its goal was to assure the players and their union that baseball would go above and beyond to keep players safe. So I think there is a lot of negotiating still to come.
Today, as a matter of fact, I asked Nolan Arenado some of those same questions (albeit in a different way). Here’s a link to my Q&A with Arenado.
Patrick: Why the insistence on the designated hitter when ballgames start again?
— Bill Sonn, Denver
Bill, I take it you are not a fan of the DH? Neither am I.
But this is part of the owners’ proposal to the players to get baseball going again. Owners and the MLB powers that be believe the DH makes for a more entertaining game. They want baseball to make a big splash if it comes back. For the short term, they want it included because the NL and AL teams will be meeting each other a lot in the proposed 82-game season.
When the next collective bargaining agreement comes due after the 2021 season, there is going to be a big push for the universal DH. For now, however, it will only be for half a season.
We have two questions/opinions on the recent comments of Tampa Bay pitcher Blake Snell. One fan sides with Snell and the players. Another fan thinks Snell is way off base.
Thanks for your dedicated reporting and journalistic integrity. We appreciate what you do. I can’t seem to come to grips with the condemnation of the players asking that MLB stick to the agreement they signed in March to give players a prorated salary for a shortened 2020 season. Blake Snell’s comments, while not particularly sensitive, seem like what any of us ask of our employers. Would you agree to return to work at less than your negotiated pay? Without a guarantee of safety? That’s a tough sell to anybody. Not to mention the cowardly way owners have tried to manipulate public opinion by leaking their proposal before sharing it with the players.
Nolan Arenado’s comments in support of Snell seemed to echo the same sentiment. As a lifelong fan, I’m not nearly as empathetic for Dick Monfort losing out on the profits from the $11 beers at Coors Field, than I am for players who have such a short window to earn a living (albeit a great living) off their ability to play baseball.
— Chris, Fort Collins
I have a quick question about the Snell article. He basically sounded like a self-absorbed millionaire who only cares about money and himself. Do you think the majority of the other players feel the same way?
— Del, Lamar
OK, for those not in the know, here’s a quick refresher on what Snell said:
“I’m not playing unless I get mine. … “I’m not splitting no revenue. I want all mine. Bro, y’all got to understand, too, because y’all going to be like: ‘Bro, play for the love of the game. Man, what’s wrong with you, bro? Money should not be a thing.’ Bro, I’m risking my life. What do you mean, ‘It should not be a thing?’ It 100 percent should be a thing.”
Here are my thoughts:
• Snell has a valid argument, but his comments came off as selfish, callous and clumsy.
• I understand the players’ perspective. The initial agreement was for players to be paid on a prorated basis. When the owners discovered how much money they were going to lose as the coronavirus further postponed the season, they wanted to change the terms.
• It seems ridiculous that an economic dispute will prevent a season from occurring, but that could happen. The players’ union believes a resolution already is in place, while MLB has yet to offer an alternative.
• There remains a lot of distrust between MLB and the MLBPA. The union does not think it should even discuss making more monetary concessions until MLB demonstrates its financial distress with hard evidence, i.e., opens its book.
• The players are opposed to the idea of a 50-50 revenue sharing system, which the union equates to a salary cap.
• MLB says paying players their full prorated salaries with empty stadiums is not workable. Nearly 40% of baseball’s revenue comes from ticket sales and other in-park sources, revenue that will not exist when parks are empty. The owners say they can’t afford that.
• I agree with Chris more than I do Del, though I can understand why fans are disgruntled.
I would encourage you both to read a recent column by ESPN’s Buster Olney: “Tony Clark, MLB players might be able to break standoff by thinking big picture.”
Just read your response, re: Jeff Bridich. How weak. Nobody wants you to hound him. Just tell like it is. The guy doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s an idiot. Played baseball for Harvard qualifies him? Give me a break. You have no guts.
— Steve Webb, Aurora
Steve, I’m sticking by my answer. You didn’t provide an especially compelling or convincing argument just now. But it’s a great rant. I’ll give you that.
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Northglenn nursing home designated for coronavirus-negative patients sees outbreak with 27 cases, 2

Northglenn nursing home designated for coronavirus-negative patients sees outbreak with 27 cases, 2 deaths

Less than a month after two Denver-area nursing homes began trading residents to separate those infected with the new coronavirus from those without it , the facility designated to house COVID-negative residents has reported 27 cases and two deaths .
On April 13 , Avamere Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Brighton — at the time enduring an outbreak — began transferring residents who had tested negative for COVID-19 to its sister facility in Northglenn , Avamere Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Malley .
Residents who tested positive at the Northglenn facility were , in turn , to be transferred to a COVID-only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which some experts said was a reasonable plan to keep the virus from spreading through nursing homes , doesn ’ t seem to have worked .
As of May 13 , state records — which include confirmed and presumed cases — showed the Northglenn facility had 14 coronavirus cases and two deaths among residents , and nine cases among staff members .
The Brighton facility ’ s outbreak was determined to be over as of May 7 , meaning cases were no longer spreading inside the home , according to data from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only two cases were reported there .
Shawn Raloff , a spokesman for the Northglenn facility , said they tested 51 residents and 40 staff members last week , and found a total of five cases .
That brings the total to 13 confirmed cases among residents — one lower than the state ’ s tally — and 14 among staff , with two deaths , he said .
Residents who are infected still are being moved to a unit treating only COVID-19 patients at the Brighton facility , Raloff said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay home if they test positive .
“ With a large number of COVID-19 infections being asymptomatic , we expect to see case counts rise , but it doesn ’ t mean that the virus is spreading faster .
It means we are doing a better job of testing and learning more about the size of the epidemic , ” Raloff said .
The state doesn ’ t release how facility outbreaks began , so there ’ s no way to know if the virus arrived with a transferred resident or with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
Many people don ’ t show symptoms in the first days of an infection , and tests can give false negative results , making it difficult to identify and exclude everyone who has the virus .
The Northglenn facility was determined to have an outbreak , which the state defines as two or more cases , on May 5 .
At that time , there were 10 cases and one death among residents , and nine cases among staff .
A former Avamere employee , who said she quit because she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to stop the spread of the virus , told The Denver Post that supervisors knew of at least one case at Northglenn before they began transferring patients , and at least three as of May 1 .
She said employees weren ’ t told the full number of cases , though they were informed if a person they had direct contact with tested positive .
Raloff said Avamere ’ s homes complied with all laws for reporting cases , and notify residents and their families any time there ’ s a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unconfirmed cases of COVID-like symptoms .
The former employee , a nurse who spoke to the Post on condition of anonymity , said she has a condition that could raise her risk of complications , and thought providing staff with surgical masks wasn ’ t enough to protect them .
Northglenn residents were transferred to Brighton if they tested positive , but could infect people before they were identified , and some Brighton residents transferred there didn ’ t cooperate with the required quarantine period before they started interacting with Northglenn residents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was a presumed positive and two employee cases .
They were not even honest with their own employees on this fact , ” she said .

Less than a month after two Denver-area nursing homes began trading residents to separate those infected with the new coronavirus from those without it, the facility designated to house COVID-negative residents has reported 27 cases and two deaths.
On April 13, Avamere Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Brighton — at the time enduring an outbreak — began transferring residents who had tested negative for COVID-19 to its sister facility in Northglenn, Avamere Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Malley. Residents who tested positive at the Northglenn facility were, in turn, to be transferred to a COVID-only unit in Brighton.
The strategy, which some experts said was a reasonable plan to keep the virus from spreading through nursing homes, doesn’t seem to have worked. As of May 13, state records — which include confirmed and presumed cases — showed the Northglenn facility had 14 coronavirus cases and two deaths among residents, and nine cases among staff members.
The Brighton facility’s outbreak was determined to be over as of May 7, meaning cases were no longer spreading inside the home, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Only two cases were reported there.
Shawn Raloff, a spokesman for the Northglenn facility, said they tested 51 residents and 40 staff members last week, and found a total of five cases. That brings the total to 13 confirmed cases among residents — one lower than the state’s tally — and 14 among staff, with two deaths, he said.
Residents who are infected still are being moved to a unit treating only COVID-19 patients at the Brighton facility, Raloff said, and staff members are being asked to stay home if they test positive.
“With a large number of COVID-19 infections being asymptomatic, we expect to see case counts rise, but it doesn’t mean that the virus is spreading faster. It means we are doing a better job of testing and learning more about the size of the epidemic,” Raloff said.
The state doesn’t release how facility outbreaks began, so there’s no way to know if the virus arrived with a transferred resident or with an employee who picked it up in the community. Many people don’t show symptoms in the first days of an infection, and tests can give false negative results, making it difficult to identify and exclude everyone who has the virus.
The Northglenn facility was determined to have an outbreak, which the state defines as two or more cases, on May 5. At that time, there were 10 cases and one death among residents, and nine cases among staff.
A former Avamere employee, who said she quit because she felt the facility wasn’t doing enough to stop the spread of the virus, told The Denver Post that supervisors knew of at least one case at Northglenn within days of starting to transfer patients, and at least three as of May 1. She said employees weren’t told the full number of cases, though they were informed if a person they had direct contact with tested positive.
Raloff said Avamere’s homes complied with all laws for reporting cases, and notify residents and their families any time there’s a new confirmed case, or three or more unconfirmed cases of COVID-like symptoms.
The former employee, a nurse who spoke to the Post on condition of anonymity, said she has a condition that could raise her risk of complications, and thought providing staff with surgical masks wasn’t enough to protect them. Northglenn residents were transferred to Brighton if they tested positive, but could infect people before they were identified, and some Brighton residents transferred there didn’t cooperate with the required quarantine period before they started interacting with Northglenn residents, she said.
“Weeks ago, there was a presumed positive and two employee cases. They were not even honest with their own employees on this fact,” she said.
Updated 11 a.m May 20, 2020 Due to a reporter’s error, this story has been updated to correct a statement by a former Avamere nurse, who said supervisors at the facility knew of at least one case at Northglenn within days of starting to transfer patients.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--It snowed 4 inches in Denver a year ago today

While May snowfall is far from unheard of in Denver , a year ago today , an epic snow shattered gardens and tree branches across the metro area .
A whopping 3.7 inches of snow fell on Denver a year ago Wednesday and Thursday , making it Denver ’ s latest measurable snowfall in almost 20 years .
That was just the start of a laundry list of records set by this unusual May 20-21 snowfall event .
Colorado Springs saw over a foot from the same storm , and the Palmer Divide saw as much as 17 inches of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Memorial Day .
The heavy , wet snowfall from this storm led to downed tree branches and even weighed down power lines .
It also hampered traffic , leading to numerous spin-offs on area roadways .
It was only the seventh time in recorded history — dating back to 1882 — that Denver had seen an inch or more of snow that late in the season .
It was also the third-latest snowstorm of that magnitude on record , and the latest since 1975 .
Last year ’ s May snow event also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen more than an inch of snow this late into a year since 2001 .
It was all a part of a huge 2018-19 winter with off-the-charts snowpack numbers , and the snowpack lasted well into the summer season .
A big spring of snow systems , including last March ’ s bomb cyclone and this May snowstorm , helped boost those unusually high snowpack numbers .
Despite the lack of May snowfall so far this year , there has been a somewhat notable recent trend toward more late-season snows across the Front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely that there will be any additional snowfall this season .

While May snowfall is far from unheard of in Denver, a year ago today, an epic snow shattered gardens and tree branches across the metro area.
A whopping 3.7 inches of snow fell on Denver a year ago Wednesday and Thursday, making it Denver’s latest measurable snowfall in almost 20 years. That was just the start of a laundry list of records set by this unusual May 20-21 snowfall event.
Colorado Springs saw over a foot from the same storm, and the Palmer Divide saw as much as 17 inches of fresh snow — a few days before Memorial Day.
The heavy, wet snowfall from this storm led to downed tree branches and even weighed down power lines. It also hampered traffic, leading to numerous spin-offs on area roadways.
It was only the seventh time in recorded history — dating back to 1882 — that Denver had seen an inch or more of snow that late in the season. It was also the third-latest snowstorm of that magnitude on record, and the latest since 1975.
Last year’s May snow event also marked the first time that Denver had seen more than an inch of snow this late into a year since 2001.
It was all a part of a huge 2018-19 winter with off-the-charts snowpack numbers, and the snowpack lasted well into the summer season. A big spring of snow systems, including last March’s bomb cyclone and this May snowstorm, helped boost those unusually high snowpack numbers.
Despite the lack of May snowfall so far this year, there has been a somewhat notable recent trend toward more late-season snows across the Front Range. That said, it appears unlikely that there will be any additional snowfall this season.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Unseasonably warm, windy weather to continue in Denver Wednesday

Windy and unseasonably warm weather continues in Colorado on Wednesday with a chance of severe afternoon thunderstorms on the Eastern Plains and red flag fire warning west and south of Denver .
After record-setting heat in Denver on Tuesday — 92 degrees — the city is in for another hot day with a forecast high temperature of 87 degrees on Wednesday , according to the National Weather Service .
Skies will be sunny and winds will gust to 37 mph .
Severe thunderstorms are expected on the Eastern Plains with storms stretching from Fort Morgan to Limon .
Large hail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ couple ” of tornadoes is possible .
Fire dangers are elevated in widespread areas south and west of Denver , including the Palmer Divide .
Low humidity , strong winds and unseasonable heat are combing to increase concerns about wildland fire on the Western Slope , southwestern Colorado , the southern and central mountains , and along the Interstate 25 corridor from Trinidad to Castle Rock , the weather service said .
On Thursday in Denver , the weather will cool down to a more seasonal level with the high temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be mostly sunny , but there ’ s a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. , the weather service said .
There ’ s a 20 % chance for for precipitation .

Windy and unseasonably warm weather continues in Colorado on Wednesday with a chance of severe afternoon thunderstorms on the Eastern Plains and red flag fire warning west and south of Denver.
After record-setting heat in Denver on Tuesday — 92 degrees — the city is in for another hot day with a forecast high temperature of 87 degrees on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Skies will be sunny and winds will gust to 37 mph.
Severe thunderstorms are expected on the Eastern Plains with storms stretching from Fort Morgan to Limon. Large hail, damaging winds and a chance for a “couple” of tornadoes is possible.
Fire dangers are elevated in widespread areas south and west of Denver, including the Palmer Divide. Low humidity, strong winds and unseasonable heat are combing to increase concerns about wildland fire on the Western Slope, southwestern Colorado, the southern and central mountains, and along the Interstate 25 corridor from Trinidad to Castle Rock, the weather service said.
On Thursday in Denver, the weather will cool down to a more seasonal level with the high temperature hitting about 74 degrees. Skies will be mostly sunny, but there’s a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m., the weather service said. There’s a 20% chance for for precipitation.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Ask Amy: Health precludes partying during coronavirus pandemic

Dear Amy : My fiance has asthma .
I have reoccurring bronchitis , due to complications from emergency lung surgery .
We are both in our late-20s .
Because of those pre-existing conditions , we have been taking our state ’ s stay-at-home order seriously .
We ’ re not scared — just cautious .
We wear masks when we go out .
Otherwise , we are staying in .
We live in a duplex with a shared front yard .
Our neighbors are not taking the stay-at-home seriously ( they are in their early 20s ) .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , and ( early on ) they had co-workers over every night .
Today they threw a party on our front lawn , where people were standing shoulder to shoulder .
I wanted to call the police to break it up but my fiance didn ’ t want to snitch .
I have been trying to stay away from them , but we do share a few spaces , including the front entrance and basement laundry .
The few times we talked early on , I talked about how the city we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and how the first case was only a few blocks from us , but it fell on deaf ears .
At what point should I ask them to take this seriously — for our health ?
Dear Sheltering : The point has long passed for you to ask your neighbors to take this crisis seriously .
Generally , it is easier to pre-empt negative behavior before it starts , and harder to roll it back — after the fact .
Now that they are partying under your nose , you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hope for the best .
My understanding is that because “ stay-at-home ” orders are being handled differently in various cities and states , the police might not be interested ( or legally able ) to bust up a party on your front lawn .
You should take rational and commonsense precautions regarding these very close neighbors .
Wipe shared door handles and any other common point of contact ( railings , door frames , and the handle of the washer and dryer ) with disinfectant before you touch them .
Wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbors : “ Hey , we ’ re your neighbors and have serious health conditions that make us vulnerable to COVID-19 .
Could you do us a favor and please be more considerate ?
As you know , the state is discouraging large gatherings .
Having people clustered together on the front lawn is too close for our comfort .
We hope you understand and can respect this , until we get the all-clear .
After that … party on !
” Dear Amy : I live in northwest Washington state .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with neighbors while they were sitting on their porch .
They invited me to join them for dinner that evening .
These are neighbors who have had many family members drop by for visits and outdoor barbecues during the stay-home order .
I was stunned at the invitation and my first thought was , “ Are you crazy ?
” I struggled with what to say beyond , “ No thanks.
” I don ’ t want to sound judgmental .
I also am grappling with a family milestone birthday and graduation party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That state has not had a tremendous number of coronavirus cases .
I know through social media that many of my family members have not been taking the virus as seriously as I have .
Everyone expects me to attend .
However , I know that I am unwilling to put myself at risk , and that I can not make the trip .
How do you politely turn down invitations to social gatherings during this time of COVID-19 without being judgmental of their choices and alienating friends ?
A “ No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a good enough response .
I ’ m trying to figure out the best way to back out without causing friction .
Dear Staying Home : For an impromptu invitation , you can say , “ Thank you for asking , but I won ’ t be able to make it .
So sorry.
” Give your family members advance notice that you won ’ t be at the event in June .
Simply say , “ I ’ m heartsick that I won ’ t be able to make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can FaceTime while you ’ re all together.
” Dear Amy : “ Scared Teen ” was upset by their parents ’ fighting .
Your response was fine , but I wish you had suggested that this teen reach out to the school ’ s counselor .
I assume that even with schools closed , counseling staffs have an online presence .
Dear Concerned : Absolutely .
This is a great suggestion .
The bickering parents could also use some professional help and mediation .

Dear Amy: My fiance has asthma. I have reoccurring bronchitis, due to complications from emergency lung surgery. We are both in our late-20s. Because of those pre-existing conditions, we have been taking our state’s stay-at-home order seriously. We’re not scared — just cautious. We wear masks when we go out. Otherwise, we are staying in.
We live in a duplex with a shared front yard. Our neighbors are not taking the stay-at-home seriously (they are in their early 20s).
They are still going to friends’ houses every weekend, and (early on) they had co-workers over every night.
Today they threw a party on our front lawn, where people were standing shoulder to shoulder.
I wanted to call the police to break it up but my fiance didn’t want to snitch.
I have been trying to stay away from them, but we do share a few spaces, including the front entrance and basement laundry.
The few times we talked early on, I talked about how the city we live in was spiking in coronavirus cases, and how the first case was only a few blocks from us, but it fell on deaf ears.
At what point should I ask them to take this seriously — for our health?
— Sheltering in Wisconsin
Dear Sheltering: The point has long passed for you to ask your neighbors to take this crisis seriously. Generally, it is easier to pre-empt negative behavior before it starts, and harder to roll it back — after the fact.
Now that they are partying under your nose, you’ll have to give it a try, and hope for the best.
My understanding is that because “stay-at-home” orders are being handled differently in various cities and states, the police might not be interested (or legally able) to bust up a party on your front lawn.
You should take rational and commonsense precautions regarding these very close neighbors. Wipe shared door handles and any other common point of contact (railings, door frames, and the handle of the washer and dryer) with disinfectant before you touch them. Wash your hands frequently.
Communicate with your neighbors: “Hey, we’re your neighbors and have serious health conditions that make us vulnerable to COVID-19. Could you do us a favor and please be more considerate? As you know, the state is discouraging large gatherings. Having people clustered together on the front lawn is too close for our comfort. We hope you understand and can respect this, until we get the all-clear. After that … party on!”
Dear Amy: I live in northwest Washington state. I was out walking and paused to chat with neighbors while they were sitting on their porch.
They invited me to join them for dinner that evening. These are neighbors who have had many family members drop by for visits and outdoor barbecues during the stay-home order.
I was stunned at the invitation and my first thought was, “Are you crazy?” I struggled with what to say beyond, “No thanks.” I don’t want to sound judgmental.
I also am grappling with a family milestone birthday and graduation party in June in a nearby state. That state has not had a tremendous number of coronavirus cases. I know through social media that many of my family members have not been taking the virus as seriously as I have.
Everyone expects me to attend. However, I know that I am unwilling to put myself at risk, and that I cannot make the trip.
How do you politely turn down invitations to social gatherings during this time of COVID-19 without being judgmental of their choices and alienating friends?
A “No, thank you” doesn’t seem to be a good enough response.
I’m trying to figure out the best way to back out without causing friction.
— Staying Home
Dear Staying Home: For an impromptu invitation, you can say, “Thank you for asking, but I won’t be able to make it. So sorry.”
Give your family members advance notice that you won’t be at the event in June. Simply say, “I’m heartsick that I won’t be able to make it to the party. I hope we can FaceTime while you’re all together.”
Dear Amy: “Scared Teen” was upset by their parents’ fighting. Your response was fine, but I wish you had suggested that this teen reach out to the school’s counselor. I assume that even with schools closed, counseling staffs have an online presence.
— Concerned
Dear Concerned: Absolutely. This is a great suggestion. The bickering parents could also use some professional help and mediation.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Denver jumps to 22nd in U.S. cities parks rankings, lagging on acreage

Denver lags behind most other U.S. cities in park space , but jumped from 29th to 22nd in the latest rankings based on increased public funds .
A voter-approved tax hike in 2018 raises more than $ 30 million a year for parks , and Denver officials have said they ’ ll spend about half that on acquiring open space .
The Trust for Public Land researchers , who produce annual rankings , credited Denver with maintaining a wide distribution of parks — 91 % of residents can reach a park within 10 minutes — and abundant amenities such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per resident on parks over the past year , up from $ 115 the previous year , researchers found .
But with existing parks designated on 8 % ( 9.85 square miles ) of Denver ’ s 153 square-mile area amid a development boom , the city is behind the national average of 9.6 % , according to TPL data from the 100 most populous cities .
Denver park space compares with 21 % in New York , 24 % in Washington , D.C. , and 21 % in San Francisco .
Neighboring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area designated as parks but scored lower than Denver overall due to less access and amenities .
TPL ’ s “ parkscore ” rankings are based on four factors : park access ( percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park ) , park acreage ( median park size and percentage of city area ) , public spending on parks , and amenities ( basketball hoops , off-leash dog parks , playgrounds , water play structures , rec centers , restrooms ) .
TPL researcher Charlie McCabe said Denver stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along waterways , and that these could be expanded as in Dallas to help address acreage deficiency .

Denver lags behind most other U.S. cities in park space, but jumped from 29th to 22nd in the latest rankings based on increased public funds.
A voter-approved tax hike in 2018 raises more than $30 million a year for parks, and Denver officials have said they’ll spend about half that on acquiring open space.
The Trust for Public Land researchers, who produce annual rankings, credited Denver with maintaining a wide distribution of parks — 91% of residents can reach a park within 10 minutes — and abundant amenities such as basketball hoops. Denver spent $130 per resident on parks over the past year, up from $115 the previous year, researchers found.
But with existing parks designated on 8% (9.85 square miles) of Denver’s 153 square-mile area amid a development boom, the city is behind the national average of 9.6%, according to TPL data from the 100 most populous cities. Denver park space compares with 21% in New York, 24% in Washington, D.C., and 21% in San Francisco.
Neighboring Aurora has 11% of the city area designated as parks but scored lower than Denver overall due to less access and amenities.
TPL’s “parkscore” rankings are based on four factors: park access (percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park), park acreage (median park size and percentage of city area), public spending on parks, and amenities (basketball hoops, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, water play structures, rec centers, restrooms).
TPL researcher Charlie McCabe said Denver stands out as a successful builder of trails along waterways, and that these could be expanded as in Dallas to help address acreage deficiency.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Police standoff in Aurora apartment complex Tuesday comes up empty

A man wanted as a suspect in a vehicular homicide apparently eluded police in Aurora on Tuesday after a street @ @ @ @ @ SWAT team was called to the scene .
Multiple officers , including SWAT members , @ @ @ @ @ of East Harvard Avenue on Tuesday afternoon looking for 27-year-old Joseph Benson , police said @ @ @ @ @ is wanted as a suspect in a May 3 two-vehicle crash at East Yale Avenue @ @ @ @ @ killed a man , police said .
Benson allegedly ran away from the scene of @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Benson was seen running into an apartment on Harvard Avenue , police said @ @ @ @ @ contact him and when there was no response police believed he had barricaded himself inside @ @ @ @ @ , police determined Benson was not there .
Anyone with information on Benson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 911 .

A man wanted as a suspect in a vehicular homicide apparently eluded police in Aurora on Tuesday after a street was sealed off and a SWAT team was called to the scene.
Multiple officers, including SWAT members, responded to the 14000 block of East Harvard Avenue on Tuesday afternoon looking for 27-year-old Joseph Benson, police said on social media.
Benson is wanted as a suspect in a May 3 two-vehicle crash at East Yale Avenue and South Vaughn Way that killed a man, police said. Benson allegedly ran away from the scene of the fatal crash.
#APDAlert The SWAT call on E. Harvard is wrapping up. Officers were attempting to arrest Joseph Benson (05/16/93) for vehicular homicide from a crash that occurred in Aurora on May 3 that left one man dead and where Joseph also ran away from the scene (https://t.co/CWRVVZB4Nx). pic.twitter.com/O6kNHO3Kte — Aurora Police Dept. 👮🏼♀👮🏾♂😷 (@AuroraPD) May 20, 2020
On Tuesday, Benson was seen running into an apartment on Harvard Avenue, police said. Attempts were made to contact him and when there was no response police believed he had barricaded himself inside. After about four hours, police determined Benson was not there.
Anyone with information on Benson’s whereabouts is asked to call 911.


thedenverpost--2020-05-21--Man charged with vandalizing Tri-County Health Department offices

A man accused of vandalizing the Tri-County Health Department offices multiple times allegedly sent threatening messages on Facebook to employees , saying the graffiti and broken windows were just the beginning of his attacks unless the county reopened businesses shuttered by the coronavirus pandemic .
Daniel James Pesch , 36 , appeared in Arapahoe County court Wednesday morning where he was charged with felony criminal mischief in connection with vandalism at the offices .
He was arrested at 8:15 p.m. Monday by Aurora police officers who spotted the suspect walking in the parking lot of the building at 15192 E. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Department arrest affidavit .
Pesch is suspected of causing about $ 5,000 in damages at the county health offices where windows were smashed and windows were defaced with profanity-laced messages in spray paint , according to the affidavit .
The building was damaged on six occasions in April and May , the affidavit said .
Pesch allegedly sent messages on Facebook to Tri-County Health which included : “ Hope you ’ re enjoying putting small businesses under .
Enjoy your broken windows ( expletive ) ” The message refers to Pesch ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials because of the novel coronavirus , according to the affidavit .
Pesch allegedly sent multiple messages bragging about the damage and threatening more , and he used his personal Facebook account to do so , the affidavit said .
One message , according to the affidavit , said : “ Cops can ’ t be posted at your building every night .
I ’ ll get you ( expletive ) all of you.
” Pesch was arrested multiple times in Denver in 2019 for similar destruction of property incidents , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pesch ’ s bond was set at $ 5,000 , according to the Arapahoe County District Attorney ’ s Office .
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 23 .
In 2017 , Pesch was arrested in connection with the 2010 murder of an Elbert County schoolteacher , Randy Wilson , who was found strangled to death in a remote field .
A murder charge against Pesch was dismissed after his confession was found to be false .

A man accused of vandalizing the Tri-County Health Department offices multiple times allegedly sent threatening messages on Facebook to employees, saying the graffiti and broken windows were just the beginning of his attacks unless the county reopened businesses shuttered by the coronavirus pandemic.
Daniel James Pesch, 36, appeared in Arapahoe County court Wednesday morning where he was charged with felony criminal mischief in connection with vandalism at the offices. He was arrested at 8:15 p.m. Monday by Aurora police officers who spotted the suspect walking in the parking lot of the building at 15192 E. Hampden Ave., according to an Aurora Police Department arrest affidavit.
Pesch is suspected of causing about $5,000 in damages at the county health offices where windows were smashed and windows were defaced with profanity-laced messages in spray paint, according to the affidavit. The building was damaged on six occasions in April and May, the affidavit said.
Pesch allegedly sent messages on Facebook to Tri-County Health which included: “Hope you’re enjoying putting small businesses under. Enjoy your broken windows (expletive)” The message refers to Pesch’s dissatisfaction with Stay-at-Home guidelines by issued health officials because of the novel coronavirus, according to the affidavit. Pesch allegedly sent multiple messages bragging about the damage and threatening more, and he used his personal Facebook account to do so, the affidavit said.
One message, according to the affidavit, said: “Cops can’t be posted at your building every night. I’ll get you (expletive) all of you.”
Pesch was arrested multiple times in Denver in 2019 for similar destruction of property incidents, including broken windows on the Auraria Campus.
Pesch’s bond was set at $5,000, according to the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 23.
In 2017, Pesch was arrested in connection with the 2010 murder of an Elbert County schoolteacher, Randy Wilson, who was found strangled to death in a remote field. A murder charge against Pesch was dismissed after his confession was found to be false.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Broncos named one of four finalists for ESPN’s Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year Award

The Broncos are one of four finalists for ESPN ’ s 2020 Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year Award , the network announced Wednesday , an honor reflective of the franchise ’ s measurable impact on the local community .
In the six years since ESPN began presenting the award , the Broncos are just the second NFL team to become a finalist .
Denver received a $ 25,000 grant for being a finalist and would get another $ 75,000 grant if selected as the winner during the ESPYs on June 21 .
“ This isn ’ t a one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of award , ” said Allie Engelken , the Broncos ’ executive director of community development .
“ There ’ s so many signature initiatives that the Broncos have been a part of for decades leading up to this point , and the combination of long-term strategic programming with unique , specialty one-off events really sets the team apart.
” The Broncos ’ community outreach is focused on five areas : youth development , quality of life , health and wellness , youth football and civic engagement .
The teams gives more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the community in the form of direct grants , events and support .
Most notable among the team ’ s many give-back efforts is the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club — the only branch of the Boys & Girls club in the country that ’ s fully funded by a professional sports team .
It has assisted more than 15,000 youth since opening in 2013 , but Engelken said “ the impact of that club goes far beyond numbers or the financial resources that have been put into that.
” “ In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls club is a community pillar , and a foundation that sets kids and families up for success , ” she said .
Partnerships with Food Bank of the Rockies and the Denver Rescue Mission resulted in the distribution of more than 275,000 meals in 2019 alone .
Add in donations to the American Cancer Society , an active philanthropic role in the Alzheimer ’ s community , the annual investment in “ Futures Football ” that helped save football in Denver Public Schools as well as the work done by the Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a franchise that ’ s deeply embedded within its community .
“ I really take to heart Mr. ( Pat ) Bowlen ’ s well-known quote about being No .
1 in everything , and I truly believe that expands into our work off the field , ” Engelken said .
“ I hope that he ’ d be proud that the team has created lasting signature programs that have had a lasting impact across the community.
” In 2019 , 120 Broncos players participated in voluntary community events in support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and events , players volunteered over 1,750 hours .
The team ’ s outreach efforts have continued during the coronavirus pandemic , as the organization has contributed almost $ 1 million to efforts like Colorado ’ s COVID Relief Fund .
The Broncos also hosted a Food of the Rockies mobile pantry and a personal protective equipment drive at their stadium .

The Broncos are one of four finalists for ESPN’s 2020 Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year Award, the network announced Wednesday, an honor reflective of the franchise’s measurable impact on the local community.
In the six years since ESPN began presenting the award, the Broncos are just the second NFL team to become a finalist. Denver received a $25,000 grant for being a finalist and would get another $75,000 grant if selected as the winner during the ESPYs on June 21.
“This isn’t a one event, one program or one season type of award,” said Allie Engelken, the Broncos’ executive director of community development. “There’s so many signature initiatives that the Broncos have been a part of for decades leading up to this point, and the combination of long-term strategic programming with unique, specialty one-off events really sets the team apart.”
The Broncos’ community outreach is focused on five areas: youth development, quality of life, health and wellness, youth football and civic engagement. The teams gives more than $1.5 million annually back to the community in the form of direct grants, events and support.
Most notable among the team’s many give-back efforts is the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club — the only branch of the Boys & Girls club in the country that’s fully funded by a professional sports team. It has assisted more than 15,000 youth since opening in 2013, but Engelken said “the impact of that club goes far beyond numbers or the financial resources that have been put into that.”
“In the Montbello community, the boys and girls club is a community pillar, and a foundation that sets kids and families up for success,” she said.
Partnerships with Food Bank of the Rockies and the Denver Rescue Mission resulted in the distribution of more than 275,000 meals in 2019 alone. Add in donations to the American Cancer Society, an active philanthropic role in the Alzheimer’s community, the annual investment in “Futures Football” that helped save football in Denver Public Schools as well as the work done by the Broncos Social Justice Committee, and the result is a franchise that’s deeply embedded within its community.
“I really take to heart Mr. (Pat) Bowlen’s well-known quote about being No. 1 in everything, and I truly believe that expands into our work off the field,” Engelken said. “I hope that he’d be proud that the team has created lasting signature programs that have had a lasting impact across the community.”
In 2019, 120 Broncos players participated in voluntary community events in support of non-profit organizations. In 874 different appearances and events, players volunteered over 1,750 hours.
The team’s outreach efforts have continued during the coronavirus pandemic, as the organization has contributed almost $1 million to efforts like Colorado’s COVID Relief Fund. The Broncos also hosted a Food of the Rockies mobile pantry and a personal protective equipment drive at their stadium.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--How much revenue would Denver Broncos lose without fans in stands?

The Denver Broncos released a complete schedule for the 2020 season two weeks ago , but it remains to be seen what that will look like amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Will all the games go off as scheduled ?
And if so , will there be fans in the stands ?
The Miami Dolphins revealed a social distancing plan for to get 15,000 into its stadium for home games .
The Broncos have yet to do the same , but they should have plenty of motivation to do so .
According to a report released by Forbes based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approximately $ 162 million in stadium revenue ( tickets , concessions , sponsors , parking and team stores ) without spectators in the stands in 2020 .
That would account for roughly 36.3 % of all revenue for the franchise ( $ 446 million ) .
All told , the NFL would lose $ 5.5 in stadium revenue , with the Dallas Cowboys standing to lose the most at $ 621 million .
That is nearly double the next closes franchise : the New England Patriots at $ 315 million .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 data , it ’ s quite possible the actual losses would be higher .
That rings especially true for franchises like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( recently acquired Tom Brady ) and Las Vegas Raiders ( moved from Oakland ) , who have generated a fair amount of fan excitement during the offseason .

The Denver Broncos released a complete schedule for the 2020 season two weeks ago, but it remains to be seen what that will look like amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Will all the games go off as scheduled? And if so, will there be fans in the stands?
The Miami Dolphins revealed a social distancing plan for to get 15,000 into its stadium for home games. The Broncos have yet to do the same, but they should have plenty of motivation to do so.
According to a report released by Forbes based on 2018 numbers, the Broncos would lose approximately $162 million in stadium revenue (tickets, concessions, sponsors, parking and team stores) without spectators in the stands in 2020. That would account for roughly 36.3% of all revenue for the franchise ($446 million).
All told, the NFL would lose $5.5 billion in stadium revenue, with the Dallas Cowboys standing to lose the most at $621 million. That is nearly double the next closes franchise: the New England Patriots at $315 million.
Of course, with these numbers being based on 2018 data, it’s quite possible the actual losses would be higher. That rings especially true for franchises like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (recently acquired Tom Brady) and Las Vegas Raiders (moved from Oakland), who have generated a fair amount of fan excitement during the offseason.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Tested positive for COVID-19? Police might know when they show up at your house.

If you ’ ve tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the Denver metro area , your home address might be handed over to an emergency dispatch center and flagged for law enforcement as an infection site .
The addresses of COVID-19 patients in Denver , Boulder , El Paso , Adams , Douglas , Arapahoe and Jefferson counties have been given to 911 centers so the dispatchers can warn police officers and first responders who are called to the addresses that there are confirmed novel coronavirus cases within .
Proponents of the practice say it gives first responders an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to don enhanced protective gear when responding to addresses with confirmed cases , while critics say it ’ s an unnecessary disclosure that ’ s ripe for abuse .
“ This looks to me like a pointless invasion of privacy , ” said Mark Silverstein , legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado .
“ The disclosures can ’ t possibly serve the intended purpose of protecting first responders from transmission of the virus.
” The coronavirus has spread much farther in the community than testing has confirmed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precautions at all times to protect themselves , not just when they ’ re called to an address with confirmed cases .
“ A list of who has tested positive is such incomplete information about who is possibly contagious , I can ’ t see how it does any good , ” he said .
But for the Tri-County Health Department , which covers Adams , Arapahoe and Douglas counties , the practice began as a way to conserve personal protective equipment among widespread shortages , said Michele Askenazi , director of emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The health department sent a list of addresses , which did not include any names , to dispatch centers daily in encrypted emails that included a warning about keeping the information confidential , she said .
Arapahoe County opted to stop receiving the lists in April , as it became clear that the virus was being spread widely in the community , she said .
Douglas and Adams counties still receive daily updates .
In Denver , the city ’ s public health department has sent more than 1,000 addresses to dispatchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , updated daily , also includes addresses where patients have recovered enough to be allowed out of isolation , according to a statement from the city ’ s joint information center .
It was not clear Wednesday how or when the addresses of such former Denver patients would be removed from the database , although other jurisdictions had clear policies : in Boulder County , every address comes with a preset “ purge date ” and is automatically removed from the system after that date ; El Paso County keeps flagged addresses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 days .
Denver , which handles only a small portion of COVID-19 testing , does not tell patients that their addresses will be provided to police , according to the statement .
“ When people go in for a medical test or procedure , I think they assume that ’ s private , confidential information , and if it ’ s going to be disclosed , it needs to be for a pretty good reason and there need to be guardrails and safeguards around the disclosure , ” Silverstein said .
Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed to some such precautions .
Dispatch centers never receive patients ’ names , officials said , and only will be warned about a patients ’ address if they ’ re called to the site for another reason .
“ It ’ s not something people can just go in and say , ‘ Tell me all the addresses , ’ ” said Vicki Pickett , operations manager at Jeffcom 911 , which receives an updated list of addresses five days a week from Jefferson County Public Health .
The warning system is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addresses , she said .
If a resident has a history of making threats toward law enforcement , or if in the past officers responded to a gun-related call at an address , that information can be — and often is — attached to that address as a caution for officers on future calls .
Sometimes cautions will be put on addresses if a resident has dementia and frequently calls police , she said .
Flagging the homes of COVID-19 patients is another way to be sure officers are prepared for what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office .
“ It ’ s just an extra layer of information that the deputy is armed with , ” she said .
“ To protect themselves and the individuals they are going to the calls for service for .
It is confidential information that is not shared outside the agency.
” Law enforcement officers routinely handle private and sensitive information , she said , and are well-versed in the regulations and laws protecting such information .
The sheriff ’ s office faces a variety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information , Kirby said .
Information sharing between local public health agencies and law enforcement on COVID-19 patients is appropriate , according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , which recommends agencies only disclose the “ minimum necessary ” information to achieve the desired purpose of protecting first responders from infection .
Federal privacy laws also give leeway to health agencies to disclose otherwise protected health information to first responders if the first responders are at risk of infection or the disclosure is necessary to “ prevent or lessen a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety of a person or the public , according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services .
The data shouldn ’ t be used for any purpose aside from allowing first responders to better protect themselves , the CDPHE said in a statement Wednesday .
“ This information was only intended to be shared on an as-needed basis for the safety of first responders as they responded to calls , ” the statement said .
“ It would be inappropriate for law enforcement agencies to access and use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Still , some abuses have been reported .
In New Hampshire , first responders in March passed along information on positive cases to local leaders — a practice which has been stopped , according to the Associated Press , which found in an investigation published Tuesday that at least two-thirds of states share addresses of COVID-19 patients with first responders .
The Associated Press named Colorado as one of 10 states that share not only patients ’ addresses but also their names with dispatch centers .
All of the counties contacted by The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not disclosed .
Broomfield and Weld counties did not answer inquiries about whether COVID-19 disclosures are made to dispatch centers ; a spokeswoman for Broomfield said the county follows federal guidance .
More than 11 million people nationwide have been tested for the novel coronavirus , and more than 130,000 people have been tested in Colorado , which on Wednesday had 22,482 confirmed cases .

If you’ve tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the Denver metro area, your home address might be handed over to an emergency dispatch center and flagged for law enforcement as an infection site.
The addresses of COVID-19 patients in Denver, Boulder, El Paso, Adams, Douglas, Arapahoe and Jefferson counties have been given to 911 centers so the dispatchers can warn police officers and first responders who are called to the addresses that there are confirmed novel coronavirus cases within.
Proponents of the practice say it gives first responders an important heads up to be particularly careful and to don enhanced protective gear when responding to addresses with confirmed cases, while critics say it’s an unnecessary disclosure that’s ripe for abuse.
“This looks to me like a pointless invasion of privacy,” said Mark Silverstein, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado. “The disclosures can’t possibly serve the intended purpose of protecting first responders from transmission of the virus.”
The coronavirus has spread much farther in the community than testing has confirmed, he said, and officers should take precautions at all times to protect themselves, not just when they’re called to an address with confirmed cases.
“A list of who has tested positive is such incomplete information about who is possibly contagious, I can’t see how it does any good,” he said.
But for the Tri-County Health Department, which covers Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, the practice began as a way to conserve personal protective equipment among widespread shortages, said Michele Askenazi, director of emergency preparedness, response and communicable disease surveillance.
The health department sent a list of addresses, which did not include any names, to dispatch centers daily in encrypted emails that included a warning about keeping the information confidential, she said.
Arapahoe County opted to stop receiving the lists in April, as it became clear that the virus was being spread widely in the community, she said. Douglas and Adams counties still receive daily updates.
In Denver, the city’s public health department has sent more than 1,000 addresses to dispatchers denoting COVID-19 patients’ homes. The list, updated daily, also includes addresses where patients have recovered enough to be allowed out of isolation, according to a statement from the city’s joint information center.
It was not clear Wednesday how or when the addresses of such former Denver patients would be removed from the database, although other jurisdictions had clear policies: in Boulder County, every address comes with a preset “purge date” and is automatically removed from the system after that date; El Paso County keeps flagged addresses for 45 days and Jefferson County for 30 days.
Denver, which handles only a small portion of COVID-19 testing, does not tell patients that their addresses will be provided to police, according to the statement.
That’s problematic, said Silverstein.
“When people go in for a medical test or procedure, I think they assume that’s private, confidential information, and if it’s going to be disclosed, it needs to be for a pretty good reason and there need to be guardrails and safeguards around the disclosure,” Silverstein said.
Law enforcement agencies and health officials on Wednesday pointed to some such precautions. Dispatch centers never receive patients’ names, officials said, and only will be warned about a patients’ address if they’re called to the site for another reason.
“It’s not something people can just go in and say, ‘Tell me all the addresses,’” said Vicki Pickett, operations manager at Jeffcom 911, which receives an updated list of addresses five days a week from Jefferson County Public Health.
The warning system is similar to other ways authorities can flag addresses, she said. If a resident has a history of making threats toward law enforcement, or if in the past officers responded to a gun-related call at an address, that information can be — and often is — attached to that address as a caution for officers on future calls. Sometimes cautions will be put on addresses if a resident has dementia and frequently calls police, she said.
Flagging the homes of COVID-19 patients is another way to be sure officers are prepared for what they encounter, said Jacqueline Kirby, spokeswoman for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s just an extra layer of information that the deputy is armed with,” she said. “To protect themselves and the individuals they are going to the calls for service for. It is confidential information that is not shared outside the agency.”
Law enforcement officers routinely handle private and sensitive information, she said, and are well-versed in the regulations and laws protecting such information. The sheriff’s office faces a variety of penalties for divulging or misusing such information, Kirby said.
Information sharing between local public health agencies and law enforcement on COVID-19 patients is appropriate, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which recommends agencies only disclose the “minimum necessary” information to achieve the desired purpose of protecting first responders from infection.
Federal privacy laws also give leeway to health agencies to disclose otherwise protected health information to first responders if the first responders are at risk of infection or the disclosure is necessary to “prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat” to the health and safety of a person or the public, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The data shouldn’t be used for any purpose aside from allowing first responders to better protect themselves, the CDPHE said in a statement Wednesday.
“This information was only intended to be shared on an as-needed basis for the safety of first responders as they responded to calls,” the statement said. “It would be inappropriate for law enforcement agencies to access and use the data to target individuals for enforcement.”
Still, some abuses have been reported. In New Hampshire, first responders in March passed along information on positive cases to local leaders — a practice which has been stopped, according to The Associated Press, which found in an investigation published Tuesday that at least two-thirds of states share addresses of COVID-19 patients with first responders.
The Associated Press named Colorado as one of 10 states that share not only patients’ addresses but also their names with dispatch centers. All of the counties contacted by The Denver Post Wednesday said patients’ names are not disclosed. Broomfield and Weld counties did not answer inquiries about whether COVID-19 disclosures are made to dispatch centers; a spokeswoman for Broomfield said the county follows federal guidance.
More than 11 million people nationwide have been tested for the novel coronavirus, and more than 130,000 people have been tested in Colorado, which on Wednesday had 22,482 confirmed cases.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--CU Denver to begin furloughing employees in July

Most University of Colorado Denver employees will be subject to a furlough plan beginning in July and potentially lasting through June 2021 , according to an email announcement sent to employees on Wednesday .
A furlough is mandated , unpaid leave and not considered a layoff , the email explained .
The plan outlined in the email about pandemic-related budget cuts is set up in six tiers with employees who earn less than $ 60,000 annually exempt from furloughs and those earning more than $ 180,000 assigned 26 furlough days — amounting to a 10 % reduction in salary for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The four tiers between those salaries will take 12 , 16 , 20 and 24 furlough days depending on income .
The furlough plan will apply to most CU Denver employees and administration .
Graduate assistants , temporary student employees and university staff who are part of Central Services and Administration units that support both CU Denver and and CU ’ s Anschutz Medical Campus are not subject to furloughs .
All CU Denver cabinet , deans and other officers will be furloughed at the sixth tier .
“ Our people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment , and salaries represent approximately 70 % of our expenses , ” the email said .
“ We must take steps that , unfortunately , will have a direct impact on most of our employees .
We will be asking for a shared sacrifice among faculty , staff and administration , with the largest contributions from our leadership and highest earners.
” Due to state higher education budget cuts and costs incurred from the new coronavirus pandemic , CU Denver estimated a “ conservative ” budget shortfall of $ 33 million .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tapping three main “ buckets ” to make up for this shortfall : campus reserves , operating expenses and compensation .
Each area would be reduced by approximately one-third , the email said .
Anyone with questions about the furloughs can attend a CU Denver virtual town hall from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday that will later be posted on the university ’ s YouTube page .

Most University of Colorado Denver employees will be subject to a furlough plan beginning in July and potentially lasting through June 2021, according to an email announcement sent to employees on Wednesday.
A furlough is mandated, unpaid leave and not considered a layoff, the email explained.
The plan outlined in the email about pandemic-related budget cuts is set up in six tiers with employees who earn less than $60,000 annually exempt from furloughs and those earning more than $180,000 assigned 26 furlough days — amounting to a 10% reduction in salary for the highest earners, the email said.
The four tiers between those salaries will take 12, 16, 20 and 24 furlough days depending on income.
The furlough plan will apply to most CU Denver employees and administration. Graduate assistants, temporary student employees and university staff who are part of Central Services and Administration units that support both CU Denver and and CU’s Anschutz Medical Campus are not subject to furloughs.
All CU Denver cabinet, deans and other officers will be furloughed at the sixth tier.
“Our people are our most important asset and our highest investment, and salaries represent approximately 70% of our expenses,” the email said. “We must take steps that, unfortunately, will have a direct impact on most of our employees. We will be asking for a shared sacrifice among faculty, staff and administration, with the largest contributions from our leadership and highest earners.”
Due to state higher education budget cuts and costs incurred from the new coronavirus pandemic, CU Denver estimated a “conservative” budget shortfall of $33 million.
The email said the campus would be tapping three main “buckets” to make up for this shortfall: campus reserves, operating expenses and compensation.
Each area would be reduced by approximately one-third, the email said.
Anyone with questions about the furloughs can attend a CU Denver virtual town hall from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday that will later be posted on the university’s YouTube page.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Nearly 1,300 Coloradans have died with COVID-19 in their systems as testing ticks up

Colorado health officials on Wednesday reported 1,299 people have died with COVID-19 in their systems , and that death-certificate data shows 1,001 fatalities were due to the virus .
On Friday , the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment revamped the way it reports deaths related to the new coronavirus , listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had contracted the virus as well as the number of deaths that can be attributed directly to COVID-19 .
There have been 3,990 people hospitalized since the outbreak first was confirmed in the state in early March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms of the illness as of Tuesday afternoon , state data shows .
Hospitalization data was not released Wednesday afternoon .
At least 43 people since Monday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care , like a rehabilitation facility .
Additionally , as of Tuesday , there were 358 critical care ventilators being used across the state , down from 463 a month ago , according to state data .
Nearly 22,800 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials have said the true number is closer to 167,000 .
Officials recorded 4,453 tests on Tuesday as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus .
The testing rate — 78.2 tests per 100,000 people per day — has improved drastically since the beginning of the pandemic but remains roughly half of the 152-per-100,000 daily number that health experts say is necessary to safely monitor the outbreak .
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes , though Gov .
Jared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state showing COVID-19 symptoms can now get tested for free .
Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 249 contained facilities across the state , including nursing homes , jails and factories .
That ’ s nine more than the previous day .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state .

Colorado health officials on Wednesday reported 1,299 people have died with COVID-19 in their systems, and that death-certificate data shows 1,001 fatalities were due to the virus.
On Friday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment revamped the way it reports deaths related to the new coronavirus, listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had contracted the virus as well as the number of deaths that can be attributed directly to COVID-19.
There have been 3,990 people hospitalized since the outbreak first was confirmed in the state in early March, though only 463 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness as of Tuesday afternoon, state data shows. Hospitalization data was not released Wednesday afternoon. At least 43 people since Monday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care, like a rehabilitation facility.
Additionally, as of Tuesday, there were 358 critical care ventilators being used across the state, down from 463 a month ago, according to state data.
Nearly 22,800 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus, though health officials have said the true number is closer to 167,000.
Officials recorded 4,453 tests on Tuesday as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus. The testing rate — 78.2 tests per 100,000 people per day — has improved drastically since the beginning of the pandemic but remains roughly half of the 152-per-100,000 daily number that health experts say is necessary to safely monitor the outbreak.
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes, though Gov. Jared Polis on Monday announced that anybody in the state showing COVID-19 symptoms can now get tested for free. Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 249 contained facilities across the state, including nursing homes, jails and factories. That’s nine more than the previous day.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.
—
Outbreaks


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Why Broncos’ rookie offensive lineman Netane Muti might be steal of the NFL draft — if he stays heal

Why Broncos’ rookie offensive lineman Netane Muti might be steal of the NFL draft — if he stays healthy

Fresno State offensive line coach Ryan Grubb gathered his players to watch film after drubbing FCS opponent Incarnate Word in their 2017 season opener when he first discovered Netane Muti ’ s intense pursuit of perfection .
Muti , selected No .
181 overall ( sixth round ) by the Broncos in April ’ s draft , was a redshirt freshman that season .
He had a strong first game , but not flawless .
Grubb pointed out several of the guard ’ s mental mistakes to his group of linemen .
Grubb later returned to his football office to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born in the South Pacific — sitting inside with an emotional request and a promise .
“ He was waiting for me , with tears in his eyes , wanting to know how to fix this , ” Grubb said .
“ He told me , ‘ Coach , I don ’ t ever want to be the weak link again.
’ ” Ask Grubb , since promoted to offensive coordinator , and the kid held up his end of the deal .
But Muti ’ s NFL dreams now hinge on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over four years , Broncos offensive line coach Mike Munchak is left to wonder : Will Muti strengthen the chain ?
“ My injuries , they helped me be stronger , ” Muti said .
“ lt gave me a lot of adversity , but I fought through it .
If I ’ m able to go through stuff like that , then I ’ m able to go through anything .
I ’ m excited to be with the Broncos , to get healthy and to have a long career.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fresno State with all-conference honorable mention honors for holding ground against elite rushers such as Daron Payne ( Alabama ) , Vita Vea ( Washington ) and Ed Oliver ( Houston ) .
Fresno State teammates voted Muti team captain as a junior .
He broke the school ’ s bench press record — about 550 pounds , Grubb said — and Muti later hit 44 reps of 225 at the NFL Combine ; the most by any offensive line prospect since 2012 .
Grubb said some pro scouts graded Muti as high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength , technique and character .
So , why did Muti slide to Denver ?
“ Because of the injury history , ” Grubb said .
“ I know all the teams I spoke to in the NFL , that was their only hang-up .
Netane possesses everything else you need on the field.
” A torn right Achilles held him out of his first season on campus .
Two years later , Muti tore his left Achilles .
And last season , he suffered a Lisfranc injury — a fractured bone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he appeared in only five games over the past two years .
Grubb was there in 2018 when Muti left the field against Minnesota with his second torn Achilles .
Muti returned from the locker room in a boot .
Then Fresno State scored late on a big play , and Muti inserted himself directly into the sideline celebration .
“ Here ’ s Muti , jumping up and down in a boot , waving a towel and going nuts , ” Grubb said .
“ This was his second torn Achilles in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him would be laying in the locker room crying .
That ’ s what really made me respect him as a competitor .
“ I always thought it was impressive how fast his lower body strength came back after these injuries .
All of a sudden , he ’ s back squatting 600 pounds .
I was blown away.
” If Muti sheds the injury-prone label with an elongated stretch of healthy offensive line play , the Broncos are banking on his potential as the steal of this NFL draft class .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roster spot inside , where the Broncos currently start left guard Dalton Risner and right guard Graham Glasgow .
Broncos general manager John Elway told reporters in April that the medical staff was not concerned about Muti ’ s torn Achilles , as repaired tendons are often stronger , and said Muti ’ s Lisfranc recovery was right on schedule .
“ We felt that we were going to be taking a little bit of a risk with the medical , ” Elway said .
“ But we really felt at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting tremendous value and it was worth the risk to take a chance on him.
” Muti ’ s NFL success would be shared by the large Polynesian family from which he was raised in Hawaii .
Leilehua High School has not seen one of its football players rise to the NFL since the early 2000s , Leilehua athletic director Nolan Tokuda said .
“ For Netane to get that chance , he ’ s representing our community , ” Tokuda said .
“ We ’ re definitely proud of him .
”

Fresno State offensive line coach Ryan Grubb gathered his players to watch film after drubbing FCS opponent Incarnate Word in their 2017 season opener when he first discovered Netane Muti’s intense pursuit of perfection.
Muti, selected No. 181 overall (sixth round) by the Broncos in April’s draft, was a redshirt freshman that season. He had a strong first game, but not flawless. Grubb pointed out several of the guard’s mental mistakes to his group of linemen.
Grubb later returned to his football office to find Muti — a 6-foot-3 Polynesian mauler born in the South Pacific — sitting inside with an emotional request and a promise.
“He was waiting for me, with tears in his eyes, wanting to know how to fix this,” Grubb said. “He told me, ‘Coach, I don’t ever want to be the weak link again.’”
Ask Grubb, since promoted to offensive coordinator, and the kid held up his end of the deal.
But Muti’s NFL dreams now hinge on a similar question. After three season-ending injuries over four years, Broncos offensive line coach Mike Munchak is left to wonder: Will Muti strengthen the chain?
“My injuries, they helped me be stronger,” Muti said. “lt gave me a lot of adversity, but I fought through it. If I’m able to go through stuff like that, then I’m able to go through anything. I’m excited to be with the Broncos, to get healthy and to have a long career.”
In 2017, Muti started 14 games at Fresno State with all-conference honorable mention honors for holding ground against elite rushers such as Daron Payne (Alabama), Vita Vea (Washington) and Ed Oliver (Houston). Fresno State teammates voted Muti team captain as a junior. He broke the school’s bench press record — about 550 pounds, Grubb said — and Muti later hit 44 reps of 225 at the NFL Combine; the most by any offensive line prospect since 2012.
Grubb said some pro scouts graded Muti as high as the second round with his exceptional strength, technique and character. So, why did Muti slide to Denver?
“Because of the injury history,” Grubb said. “I know all the teams I spoke to in the NFL, that was their only hang-up. Netane possesses everything else you need on the field.”
Muti’s series of Fresno State mishaps proved devastating.
A torn right Achilles held him out of his first season on campus. Two years later, Muti tore his left Achilles. And last season, he suffered a Lisfranc injury — a fractured bone in his left foot. In total, he appeared in only five games over the past two years.
Grubb was there in 2018 when Muti left the field against Minnesota with his second torn Achilles. Muti returned from the locker room in a boot. Then Fresno State scored late on a big play, and Muti inserted himself directly into the sideline celebration.
“Here’s Muti, jumping up and down in a boot, waving a towel and going nuts,” Grubb said. “This was his second torn Achilles in three years, and most guys like him would be laying in the locker room crying. That’s what really made me respect him as a competitor.
“I always thought it was impressive how fast his lower body strength came back after these injuries. All of a sudden, he’s back squatting 600 pounds. I was blown away.”
If Muti sheds the injury-prone label with an elongated stretch of healthy offensive line play, the Broncos are banking on his potential as the steal of this NFL draft class. He projects to initially compete for a reserve roster spot inside, where the Broncos currently start left guard Dalton Risner and right guard Graham Glasgow.
Broncos general manager John Elway told reporters in April that the medical staff was not concerned about Muti’s torn Achilles, as repaired tendons are often stronger, and said Muti’s Lisfranc recovery was right on schedule.
“We felt that we were going to be taking a little bit of a risk with the medical,” Elway said. “But we really felt at the top of the sixth round, we were getting tremendous value and it was worth the risk to take a chance on him.”
Muti’s NFL success would be shared by the large Polynesian family from which he was raised in Hawaii. Leilehua High School has not seen one of its football players rise to the NFL since the early 2000s, Leilehua athletic director Nolan Tokuda said.
Muti strives to change that.
“For Netane to get that chance, he’s representing our community,” Tokuda said. “We’re definitely proud of him.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Growth in deaths from Colorado’s coronavirus outbreaks shows signs of leveling off

The growth in deaths from Colorado ’ s COVID-19 outbreaks appears to be leveling off , though it ’ s far from certain that the trend will continue .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported that outbreaks linked to residential facilities or workplaces were responsible for 7,414 cases of the new coronavirus and 743 deaths .
That ’ s roughly one-third of all cases and three-fifths of all deaths among infected people .
While those numbers might not be cause for celebration , it was the slowest week-over-week increase in deaths since the state began reporting outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing about 10 % .
In comparison , deaths nearly doubled between the first report and the second one on April 22 .
Case counts and the total numbers of outbreaks also were growing more slowly in recent weeks than they were at the beginning , though their week-to-week trajectories were less clear than for deaths .
Though in one notable case , the Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center in downtown Denver saw confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases among inmates and staff triple , from 184 to 584 , in just one week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s largest outbreak .
Statewide , 220 outbreaks remain active , with 29 declared “ resolved , ” meaning the state believes the virus is no longer spreading in that particular setting .
Most of the ongoing outbreaks were linked to residential facilities providing various levels of medical help , though outbreaks were reported in 21 facilities involved in food manufacturing , 13 jails or prisons , 10 grocery stores , five homeless shelters , three child care centers , three farms and a plant that makes hand sanitizer , among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreaks by case count are : • JBS meatpacking plant , Greeley : 268 cases , six deaths ( two additional reported deaths aren ’ t yet reflected in the state data ) Cherry Creek Nursing Center has the highest number of deaths of any outbreak in the state .
Other facilities with at least 20 deaths are : Colorado ordered nursing homes to restrict non-essential visitors in mid-March , and to screen employees and anyone else who must come in .
The virus has proven difficult to keep out , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days before developing a fever or other symptoms .

The growth in deaths from Colorado’s COVID-19 outbreaks appears to be leveling off, though it’s far from certain that the trend will continue.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported that outbreaks linked to residential facilities or workplaces were responsible for 7,414 cases of the new coronavirus and 743 deaths. That’s roughly one-third of all cases and three-fifths of all deaths among infected people.
While those numbers might not be cause for celebration, it was the slowest week-over-week increase in deaths since the state began reporting outbreaks on April 15, with the total growing about 10%. In comparison, deaths nearly doubled between the first report and the second one on April 22.
Case counts and the total numbers of outbreaks also were growing more slowly in recent weeks than they were at the beginning, though their week-to-week trajectories were less clear than for deaths.
Though in one notable case, the Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center in downtown Denver saw confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases among inmates and staff triple, from 184 to 584, in just one week. The Denver jail now is home to Colorado’s largest outbreak.
Statewide, 220 outbreaks remain active, with 29 declared “resolved,” meaning the state believes the virus is no longer spreading in that particular setting.
Most of the ongoing outbreaks were linked to residential facilities providing various levels of medical help, though outbreaks were reported in 21 facilities involved in food manufacturing, 13 jails or prisons, 10 grocery stores, five homeless shelters, three child care centers, three farms and a plant that makes hand sanitizer, among other locations.
Facilities with the largest outbreaks by case count are:
Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center, Denver: 584 cases, zero deaths
Sterling Correctional Facility: 463 cases, two deaths
JBS meatpacking plant, Greeley: 268 cases, six deaths (two additional deaths reported by the plant’s union aren’t reflected in the state data)
Orchard Park Health Care Center, Centennial: 145 cases, five deaths
Cherry Creek Nursing Center, Aurora: 142 cases, 33 deaths
Cherry Creek Nursing Center has the highest number of deaths of any outbreak in the state. Other facilities with at least 20 deaths are:
Centennial Healthcare Center, Greeley: 88 cases, 24 deaths
Laurel Manor, Colorado Springs: 80 cases, 21 deaths
Mountain Vista Health Care, Wheat Ridge: 101 cases, 20 deaths
Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center, Brush: 96 cases, 20 deaths
Colorado ordered nursing homes to restrict non-essential visitors in mid-March, and to screen employees and anyone else who must come in. The virus has proven difficult to keep out, however, because some people are contagious for several days before developing a fever or other symptoms.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Why are there so many (darn) moths in Colorado?

It ’ s not just you .
It seems that moths are just about everywhere across eastern Colorado this spring , and there are weather-related drivers behind this recent surge in these pesky , fluttery insects .
A Colorado State University outlook earlier this month warned that moth populations might be on the increase this spring due to a number of factors , but two of the primary reasons are weather-related .
A dry late winter and spring to-date are likely boosting local moth populations , said Colorado State entomology professors Whitney Cranshaw and Frank Peairs .
So-called miller moths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and with fewer plants due to drier conditions , moths are more likely to concentrate in areas where vegetation is already in place — like backyards and gardens .
Last season , a wet spring and late winter increased the number of plants , spreading out the moths over a wider area .
It ’ s not just the unusually dry weather , though .
A harsh mid-April freeze killed off potential vegetation for moths to feed off of .
“ This ( mid-April freeze ) killed blossoms from a very wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in peak bloom in early to mid-May , ” Cranshaw and Peairs wrote .
The study also says that moth populations have generally run below average over the last four years , potentially making it feel like there are more moths than usual this spring .

It’s not just you.
It seems that moths are just about everywhere across eastern Colorado this spring, and there are weather-related drivers behind this recent surge in these pesky, fluttery insects.
Miller moth invasion. Welcome to Colorado in May. Did I mention I have a phobia for miller moths? 😱😱😱 #millermoths #infestation #colorado pic.twitter.com/lMgiwlQeG1 — Kelly Hannah (@kgirlartist66) May 20, 2020
If you hate moths now is definitely NOT the time to come to Colorado. They are everywhere. #MothTakeover #AttackoftheMoth pic.twitter.com/odWzb4zjE0 — Kolby Crossley (@KolbyKRDO13) May 20, 2020
A Colorado State University outlook earlier this month warned that moth populations might be on the increase this spring due to a number of factors, but two of the primary reasons are weather-related.
A dry late winter and spring to-date are likely boosting local moth populations, said Colorado State entomology professors Whitney Cranshaw and Frank Peairs. So-called miller moths are looking for nectar to feed off, and with fewer plants due to drier conditions, moths are more likely to concentrate in areas where vegetation is already in place — like backyards and gardens.
Last season, a wet spring and late winter increased the number of plants, spreading out the moths over a wider area.
It’s not just the unusually dry weather, though. A harsh mid-April freeze killed off potential vegetation for moths to feed off of.
“This (mid-April freeze) killed blossoms from a very wide variety of plants that normally would be in peak bloom in early to mid-May,” Cranshaw and Peairs wrote.
The study also says that moth populations have generally run below average over the last four years, potentially making it feel like there are more moths than usual this spring.


thedenverpost--2020-05-20--Rockies podcast: Nolan Arenado’s Cooperstown talents, soaking in ballparks and more things we miss a

Rockies podcast: Nolan Arenado’s Cooperstown talents, soaking in ballparks and more things we miss amid MLB’s postponement

In edition of the On The Rox podcast , Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders discuss what they @ @ @ @ @ MLB ’ s postponement during the coronavirus pandemic .
From Nolan Arenado ’ s Cooperstown @ @ @ @ @ of the game , from soaking in stadiums to talking hardball with manager Bud Black @ @ @ @ @ t wait for baseball to fire back up .

A third-generation Colorado native, Patrick has worked for The Denver Post since October 1998 when he began covering the Denver Broncos. He’s been a Rockies beat writer since 2005, save for a two-year stint as The Post’s online sports editor in 2010-11. Patrick was honored as the 2018 Colorado Sportswriter of the Year and was president of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2017. He graduated from Arvada High School, earned a degree in history and education from Fort Lewis College and has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado.