thedenverpost--2020-06-29--COVID threat isn’t over, especially for Coloradans with chronic conditions

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a shock for most people , but for Clay Drake , much of it was familiar : the need to stay in , the stocking up on hand sanitizer , the concern that a simple trip to church could turn deadly .
Drake , of Windsor , has multiple myeloma , a blood cell cancer , and underwent two stem cell transplants that knocked out his immune system for months .
A bout with the seasonal flu lasted more than a month , and for a while he was getting colds that took him weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was my COVID , ” he said .
“ I spent probably about a year doing what everybody started doing in March.
” While many — though not all — healthy people who get COVID-19 can recover at home , those who have chronic conditions are six times as likely to be hospitalized and 12 times as likely to die , according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Drake still gets chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments to keep the cancer in remission .
Because of the heightened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimize trips to crowded places but has started seeing small groups of friends again and occasionally eating out .
Most people around Windsor seem to be wearing masks and following other recommendations , which makes it safer , he said .
“ For the most part , I feel comfortable going out in public , ” he said .
People who have chronic conditions need to be vigilant about social distancing , wearing a mask and washing their hands , according to the CDC , and should talk to their doctors about additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face a higher risk of dying can take some steps to protect themselves , the rest of the community also needs to help keep the virus from breaking out , said Dr. Peter Buttrick , a cardiologist and member of the board for the Denver branch of the American Heart Association .
Most people who get the virus can spread it before developing symptoms , meaning they could inadvertently give it to someone who ’ s at a higher risk — especially if they aren ’ t wearing masks , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contact with someone who is infected and asymptomatic is higher when there ’ s ongoing community spread , ” he said .
Colorado ’ s new cases are down from a peak in April , but they ’ ve started to tick back up and Gov .
Jared Polis has urged the public to continue avoiding large events and wearing masks .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an updated list Thursday of the clearest risk factors for getting severely sick or dying from COVID-19 : • Chronic obstructive pulmonary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flow of oxygen to the lungs ) • Having had an organ transplant The CDC also listed other conditions as possible risk factors , though the evidence is mixed or from small studies : • Cerebrovascular disease ( problems with blood flow to the brain ) A large study in the United Kingdom found that the risk of dying increased sharply with age , but younger people were also at a higher risk if they had certain conditions , said Dr. Jonathan Samet , dean of the Colorado School of Public Health .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphysema roughly doubled the risk of dying compared to a healthy person of the same age , and heart disease increased the risk by about 25 % .
Obesity also raised a person ’ s risk of complications , he said .
About 7 % of adults in Colorado have diabetes and 23 % have obesity , which are some of the lowest rates in the country , according to America ’ s Health Rankings .
Still , that means thousands of people are at an elevated risk , and not all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home .
Ideally , those who are at a high risk would continue social distancing at a high level , Samet said .
“ It ’ s certainly a time for caution , if people ’ s jobs and lives allow it , ” he said .
Not everyone with diabetes is at an equal risk , said Dr. Robert Gabbay , chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Association .
People who have poorly controlled blood sugar and have other chronic conditions generally are at a higher risk from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it important to keep in touch with your doctor and to manage your diabetes well , he said .
“ If you have diabetes , you have high blood sugars , you ’ re obese and you have maybe cardiovascular disease , you ’ re at high risk and you need to be really careful , ” he said , adding that age also is a factor to consider .
It ’ s not entirely clear why certain conditions are linked to a higher risk of complications .
One possibility is that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or coronary artery disease , their cells produce more of certain receptors that the virus binds to — though more research is needed to understand if that ’ s the issue , Buttrick said .
He urged people not to put off seeking medical advice if they have symptoms that could suggest heart trouble , such as chest pain , shortness of breath , heart palpitations or fainting — not only because of the virus risk , but also because the problem itself may need immediate treatment .
“ Heart disease doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Buttrick and Samet don ’ t advise people with chronic illnesses to stay at home at all times , but say they should consider ways to avoid crowds , like visiting the grocery store during hours set aside for high-risk customers .
Ultimately , each patient and doctor need to discuss individual risks , though .
“ I ’ m telling all of my patients , and I think everybody is , that if you ’ re of a certain age , you need to be really careful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diabetes and other conditions have to consider their individual level of risk , as well as how risky any particular activity is , Gabbay said .
If you have well-controlled blood sugar and no other chronic conditions , you might feel more comfortable going to a lower-risk social event , while someone whose health is more precarious might avoid any exposure that isn ’ t absolutely necessary .
“ That ’ s what ’ s made this so difficult — there are no hard and fast rules , ” he said .
Drake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Society , said he sometimes gets calls from people trying to figure out what they should do , and he steers them toward the ACS guidelines .
Some of them are particularly worried about how to move forward with cancer treatment during a pandemic , he said .
“ I feel like there ’ s a lot of people , particularly the more susceptible and elderly , who are scared , ” he said .
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been a shock for most people, but for Clay Drake, much of it was familiar: the need to stay in, the stocking up on hand sanitizer, the concern that a simple trip to church could turn deadly.
Drake, of Windsor, has multiple myeloma, a blood cell cancer, and underwent two stem cell transplants that knocked out his immune system for months. A bout with the seasonal flu lasted more than a month, and for a while he was getting colds that took him weeks to shake, he said.
“That was my COVID,” he said. “I spent probably about a year doing what everybody started doing in March.”
While many — though not all — healthy people who get COVID-19 can recover at home, those who have chronic conditions are six times as likely to be hospitalized and 12 times as likely to die, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Drake still gets chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments to keep the cancer in remission. Because of the heightened risk from infections, he tries to minimize trips to crowded places but has started seeing small groups of friends again and occasionally eating out. Most people around Windsor seem to be wearing masks and following other recommendations, which makes it safer, he said.
“For the most part, I feel comfortable going out in public,” he said.
People who have chronic conditions need to be vigilant about social distancing, wearing a mask and washing their hands, according to the CDC, and should talk to their doctors about additional precautions.
While those who know they face a higher risk of dying can take some steps to protect themselves, the rest of the community also needs to help keep the virus from breaking out, said Dr. Peter Buttrick, a cardiologist and member of the board for the Denver branch of the American Heart Association. Most people who get the virus can spread it before developing symptoms, meaning they could inadvertently give it to someone who’s at a higher risk — especially if they aren’t wearing masks, he said.
“The likelihood you’ll be in contact with someone who is infected and asymptomatic is higher when there’s ongoing community spread,” he said.
Colorado’s new cases are down from a peak in April, but they’ve started to tick back up and Gov. Jared Polis has urged the public to continue avoiding large events and wearing masks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an updated list Thursday of the clearest risk factors for getting severely sick or dying from COVID-19:
Being older than 65
Serious heart conditions
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (conditions that interfere with the flow of oxygen to the lungs)
Obesity
Sickle cell disease
Having had an organ transplant
Type 2 diabetes
The CDC also listed other conditions as possible risk factors, though the evidence is mixed or from small studies:
Asthma
Cerebrovascular disease (problems with blood flow to the brain)
Hypertension
Pregnancy
Smoking
Taking medications that suppress the immune system
Having had a bone marrow transplant
HIV and other immune system diseases
Neurological conditions
Liver disease
Type 1 diabetes
Some genetic blood or metabolic disorders
A large study in the United Kingdom found that the risk of dying increased sharply with age, but younger people were also at a higher risk if they had certain conditions, said Dr. Jonathan Samet, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health. Diabetes and chronic lung conditions such as emphysema roughly doubled the risk of dying compared to a healthy person of the same age, and heart disease increased the risk by about 25%. Obesity also raised a person’s risk of complications, he said.
About 7% of adults in Colorado have diabetes and 23% have obesity, which are some of the lowest rates in the country, according to America’s Health Rankings. Still, that means thousands of people are at an elevated risk, and not all of them may have the ability to stay at home. Ideally, those who are at a high risk would continue social distancing at a high level, Samet said.
“It’s certainly a time for caution, if people’s jobs and lives allow it,” he said.
Not everyone with diabetes is at an equal risk, said Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Association. People who have poorly controlled blood sugar and have other chronic conditions generally are at a higher risk from infections, including COVID-19. That makes it important to keep in touch with your doctor and to manage your diabetes well, he said.
“If you have diabetes, you have high blood sugars, you’re obese and you have maybe cardiovascular disease, you’re at high risk and you need to be really careful,” he said, adding that age also is a factor to consider.
It’s not entirely clear why certain conditions are linked to a higher risk of complications. One possibility is that when hearts are stressed by high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, their cells produce more of certain receptors that the virus binds to — though more research is needed to understand if that’s the issue, Buttrick said. He urged people not to put off seeking medical advice if they have symptoms that could suggest heart trouble, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations or fainting — not only because of the virus risk, but also because the problem itself may need immediate treatment.
“Heart disease doesn’t go on vacation during the pandemic,” he said.
Buttrick and Samet don’t advise people with chronic illnesses to stay at home at all times, but say they should consider ways to avoid crowds, like visiting the grocery store during hours set aside for high-risk customers. Ultimately, each patient and doctor need to discuss individual risks, though.
“I’m telling all of my patients, and I think everybody is, that if you’re of a certain age, you need to be really careful,” Buttrick said.
People with diabetes and other conditions have to consider their individual level of risk, as well as how risky any particular activity is, Gabbay said. If you have well-controlled blood sugar and no other chronic conditions, you might feel more comfortable going to a lower-risk social event, while someone whose health is more precarious might avoid any exposure that isn’t absolutely necessary.
“That’s what’s made this so difficult — there are no hard and fast rules,” he said.
Drake, who volunteers with the American Cancer Society, said he sometimes gets calls from people trying to figure out what they should do, and he steers them toward the ACS guidelines. Some of them are particularly worried about how to move forward with cancer treatment during a pandemic, he said.
“I feel like there’s a lot of people, particularly the more susceptible and elderly, who are scared,” he said.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-29--After breakout 2019, Broncos inside linebacker Alexander Johnson may be just getting started

As soon as Broncos inside linebacker Alexander Johnson pulled into a hotel parking lot earlier this month to participate in a team-wide protest march , he got the itch to put on a helmet and shoulder pads .
“ When I got to the buses and saw my teammates , the first feeling I had was , ‘ Ooh , I ’ m ready for some football , ’ ” Johnson said with his signature big laugh .
Ready for football , ready to build on his 2019 breakout season , ready to prove to coach Vic Fangio he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show general manager John Elway he should be considered for a second contract .
Johnson had 93 tackles in 12 games last year , enough of a sample size to allow Elway and Fangio to wait until the fifth round to select an inside linebacker ( Wake Forest ’ s Justin Strnad ) .
“ It ’ s funny you say that because me and my family joked about it , ” Johnson said .
“ After the first year I was here , obviously I wasn ’ t playing and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they didn ’ t draft an inside linebacker ( in 2019 ) .
I was like , ‘ Shoot , they just know they have me in the backseat ( ready to play ) .
’ “ I guess it can be some kind of endorsement .
I know Todd ( Davis ) and I are going to go out there and perform and be the best inside linebacker ( duo ) in the league.
” No doubt , Johnson , 28 , is confident and possibly for good reason .
He couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last June .
Johnson started all five preseason games last year , suggesting the coaches wanted to see his mettle in August and that he wasn ’ t being considered for a regular role .
“ He was a depth player kind of fighting his way onto the roster at this point last year , ” defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said .
“ He ’ s sure in a better place ( now ) .
” Out of 258 defensive snaps during the Broncos ’ 0-4 start , Johnson played none .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of spark — Fangio moved Johnson and nose tackle Mike Purcell into the starting lineup .
At the time , the Broncos had the 30th-ranked rush defense and had no takeaways .
To use Johnson ’ s analogy , he moved from the back seat to the front seat of the Broncos ’ defense .
Over the final 12 games , Johnson played 749 of 823 snaps ( 90.9 % ) .
Despite spotting his teammates a four-game head start , he still finished tied for second on the team in tackles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ booked him for just six missed tackles .
“ He made the most of his opportunity , ” Donatell said .
“ We found a role for him and a way to feature his style.
” What a review of three selected games showed about Johnson ’ s 2019 season , but also his potential for 2020 … Week 5 at the Los Angeles Chargers : In first start , was “ factor ” ( impact on the play ) on 14 of 65 snaps .
… Credited with eight tackles and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … Showed terrific lateral speed by stopping running back Austin Ekeler short of goal-line on pass to right flat .
… Majority of his coverage responsibilities were in zone ( retreating back ) , but he did buzz outside to cover outlet option .
Week 8 at Indianapolis : Credited with 13 tackles , but we gave him a “ factor ” nod on 11 of 58 snaps .
… Forced fumble the Colts recovered and had quarterback knockdown .
… Showed inexperience when he blitzed unblocked , but bit on play action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 yards .
… Called for horse-collar penalty on Colts ’ winning drive .
Week 13 vs. the Chargers : We picked this game because Johnson wore a brace on his left knee and Fangio said he was “ 50-50 ” to play .
… “ Factor ” on 11 of 66 snaps .
… Involved in two tackles for lost yardage and had quarterback pressure .
… Clearly limited because of injury , which prevented him from running sideline to sideline and dodging second-level blocks , but showed high want-to level by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Johnson is being used more often in man coverage , able to trail a tight end down the seam and improve his tracking ability against running backs .
Johnson has already told inside linebackers coach Reggie Herring he wants a shot to cover tight ends .
“ Obviously , people talk about how me and Todd can ’ t cover ; we ’ re going to show them we can , ” Johnson said .
“ I told ( Herring ) , ‘ Let me cover a tight end in practice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then translate that over to the game.
’ ” If Johnson proves capable of covering tight ends , it could allow Fangio to use him as the only inside linebacker in dime personnel ( six defensive backs ) or keep him and Davis on the field in nickel personnel ( five defensive backs ) .
Regardless , Johnson will be an early-down mainstay .
“ He kind of brings that roughneck element to our defense , ” Donatell said .
“ We really like where he is .
He ’ s way ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) because he ’ s got a major role on this team .
”

As soon as Broncos inside linebacker Alexander Johnson pulled into a hotel parking lot earlier this month to participate in a team-wide protest march, he got the itch to put on a helmet and shoulder pads.
“When I got to the buses and saw my teammates, the first feeling I had was, ‘Ooh, I’m ready for some football,’” Johnson said with his signature big laugh.
Ready for football, ready to build on his 2019 breakout season, ready to prove to coach Vic Fangio he can be a long-term core player and ready to show general manager John Elway he should be considered for a second contract. Johnson had 93 tackles in 12 games last year, enough of a sample size to allow Elway and Fangio to wait until the fifth round to select an inside linebacker (Wake Forest’s Justin Strnad).
“It’s funny you say that because me and my family joked about it,” Johnson said. “After the first year I was here, obviously I wasn’t playing and was put on the practice squad, but they didn’t draft an inside linebacker (in 2019). I was like, ‘Shoot, they just know they have me in the backseat (ready to play).’
“I guess it can be some kind of endorsement. I know Todd (Davis) and I are going to go out there and perform and be the best inside linebacker (duo) in the league.”
No doubt, Johnson, 28, is confident and possibly for good reason. He couldn’t talk that type of talk last June.
Johnson started all five preseason games last year, suggesting the coaches wanted to see his mettle in August and that he wasn’t being considered for a regular role.
“He was a depth player kind of fighting his way onto the roster at this point last year,” defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said. “He’s sure in a better place (now).”
Out of 258 defensive snaps during the Broncos’ 0-4 start, Johnson played none.
But looking for a spark — any kind of spark — Fangio moved Johnson and nose tackle Mike Purcell into the starting lineup. At the time, the Broncos had the 30th-ranked rush defense and had no takeaways.
To use Johnson’s analogy, he moved from the back seat to the front seat of the Broncos’ defense.
Over the final 12 games, Johnson played 749 of 823 snaps (90.9%). Despite spotting his teammates a four-game head start, he still finished tied for second on the team in tackles. The Denver Post’s game charting booked him for just six missed tackles.
“He made the most of his opportunity,” Donatell said. “We found a role for him and a way to feature his style.”
Johnson’s style: Run and hit. Period.
What a review of three selected games showed about Johnson’s 2019 season, but also his potential for 2020 …
Week 5 at the Los Angeles Chargers: In first start, was “factor” (impact on the play) on 14 of 65 snaps. … Credited with eight tackles and one interception (dropped another interception). … Showed terrific lateral speed by stopping running back Austin Ekeler short of goal-line on pass to right flat. … Majority of his coverage responsibilities were in zone (retreating back), but he did buzz outside to cover outlet option.
Week 8 at Indianapolis: Credited with 13 tackles, but we gave him a “factor” nod on 11 of 58 snaps. … Forced fumble the Colts recovered and had quarterback knockdown. … Showed inexperience when he blitzed unblocked, but bit on play action, allowing Jacoby Brissett to throw for 12 yards. … Called for horse-collar penalty on Colts’ winning drive.
Week 13 vs. the Chargers: We picked this game because Johnson wore a brace on his left knee and Fangio said he was “50-50” to play. … “Factor” on 11 of 66 snaps. … Involved in two tackles for lost yardage and had quarterback pressure. … Clearly limited because of injury, which prevented him from running sideline to sideline and dodging second-level blocks, but showed high want-to level by playing every snap.
The next step for Johnson is being used more often in man coverage, able to trail a tight end down the seam and improve his tracking ability against running backs.
Johnson has already told inside linebackers coach Reggie Herring he wants a shot to cover tight ends.
“Obviously, people talk about how me and Todd can’t cover; we’re going to show them we can,” Johnson said. “I told (Herring), ‘Let me cover a tight end in practice and show you I can do it and then translate that over to the game.’”
If Johnson proves capable of covering tight ends, it could allow Fangio to use him as the only inside linebacker in dime personnel (six defensive backs) or keep him and Davis on the field in nickel personnel (five defensive backs).
Regardless, Johnson will be an early-down mainstay.
“He kind of brings that roughneck element to our defense,” Donatell said. “We really like where he is. He’s way ahead of where he was (last year) because he’s got a major role on this team.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-29--Ask Amy: Husband serves time for the sake of the kids

Dear Amy : I ’ ve been married to my wife since 2003 .
In 2011 , I found her texting and flirting with a friend of mine .
We ultimately broke up .
It was pretty much a mutual decision .
I met another woman who was everything I dreamed of .
I moved toward divorcing my wife .
I wanted to move on with my life .
Tragically , three years after falling in love , my fiance died … right in front of me .
Well , it turns out , my wife never filed the divorce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have two sons ( both born before the breakup ) .
Concerned for the well-being of my sons , I worked things out with her , and we got back together .
Fast-forward to today .
I feel like I ’ m serving a jail sentence with this person .
My oldest son is on his way to the Marines , and my youngest is on his way to sixth grade .
I am married to a selfish , unemotional woman who doesn ’ t seem to have any love or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication , no intimacy , no anything !
I ’ ve got just over five years to go until my youngest will be 18 .
My plan is to move out the day after his birthday .
I ’ ve tried everything I can think of — from talking to her directly to even talking to her mother .
I ’ m afraid she ’ s cheating again , but I have no proof .
She just seems totally not interested in me at all .
I love her , but my love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this out until it goes down in flames — or stick to the plan of just staying under the radar until my son turns 18 and then leave and ghost her ?
It feels like I ’ m just here to help with bills and kids .
That ’ s it .
Dear Lonely : You sound depressed and very sad .
You say you are staying in this prison of a marriage for your sons ’ sake – but you and your wife lived separately once before .
Your previous breakup lasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in the picture during that period .
My point is that when you were motivated to leave the marriage previously , you did – and you found love with someone else .
Many parents in empty marriages say they are staying together for the sake of their children , but children don ’ t necessarily benefit from living with two parents who don ’ t want to be together .
Your five-year plan sounds like a very tough haul .
Sessions with a marriage counselor might not bring your wife back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least have the opportunity to come up with a workable plan for either staying together , or parting peacefully .
Dear Amy : When I go to the grocery store , I notice other customers not wearing their masks correctly ( not covering their noses ) .
The cashiers are the same !
This gives me anxiety .
I want to say , “ Hey , you ’ re not wearing your mask right !
” but I hate confrontation .
Also , they have markers on the floor to indicate where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart , but three times I have had someone stand way too close to me as I waited in line .
It just freaks me out !
I let them get in front of me and I scoot back to six feet .
What is the best way to ask someone to back up ?
I am just fearful someone will curse me out if I ask them to back up or to wear their mask correctly .
Dear Anxious : In order to minimize your own risk/anxiety , you should make choices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and during times when there are the fewest other customers .
No – I don ’ t think you should call out another customer for wearing a mask incorrectly ( because this involves them and their body ) , but yes – you should definitely ask someone to space themselves further from you ( because this involves you and your body ) : “ Hey , could you do me a favor and step back a little bit ?
” Dear Amy : “ Exasperated Mom ” complained about not being able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the house .
I come from a family of 12 kids .
You can imagine the pile of shoes left around the living room .
One time my mom decided to put all the shoes in her and Dad ’ s bedroom , and we could redeem them for $ .05 a pair .
( It was a long time ago . )
Dear Memories : Looks like they really were “ cheaper by the dozen !
”

Dear Amy: I’ve been married to my wife since 2003. In 2011, I found her texting and flirting with a friend of mine. We ultimately broke up. It was pretty much a mutual decision.
I met another woman who was everything I dreamed of. I moved toward divorcing my wife. I wanted to move on with my life. Tragically, three years after falling in love, my fiance died … right in front of me.
Well, it turns out, my wife never filed the divorce papers, so we are still married.
We have two sons (both born before the breakup). Concerned for the well-being of my sons, I worked things out with her, and we got back together.
Fast-forward to today. I feel like I’m serving a jail sentence with this person. My oldest son is on his way to the Marines, and my youngest is on his way to sixth grade.
I am married to a selfish, unemotional woman who doesn’t seem to have any love or compassion for me.
There is no communication, no intimacy, no anything!
I’ve got just over five years to go until my youngest will be 18. My plan is to move out the day after his birthday.
I’ve tried everything I can think of — from talking to her directly to even talking to her mother. I’m afraid she’s cheating again, but I have no proof. She just seems totally not interested in me at all. I love her, but my love is not reciprocated.
Should I ride this out until it goes down in flames — or stick to the plan of just staying under the radar until my son turns 18 and then leave and ghost her?
It feels like I’m just here to help with bills and kids. That’s it.
— Lonely Man
Dear Lonely: You sound depressed and very sad. You say you are staying in this prison of a marriage for your sons’ sake – but you and your wife lived separately once before. Your previous breakup lasted for several years, and your sons were in the picture during that period.
My point is that when you were motivated to leave the marriage previously, you did – and you found love with someone else.
Many parents in empty marriages say they are staying together for the sake of their children, but children don’t necessarily benefit from living with two parents who don’t want to be together.
Your five-year plan sounds like a very tough haul. Sessions with a marriage counselor might not bring your wife back to you, but you two would at least have the opportunity to come up with a workable plan for either staying together, or parting peacefully.
Dear Amy: When I go to the grocery store, I notice other customers not wearing their masks correctly (not covering their noses). The cashiers are the same! This gives me anxiety.
I want to say, “Hey, you’re not wearing your mask right!” but I hate confrontation.
Also, they have markers on the floor to indicate where you should stand so you are six feet apart, but three times I have had someone stand way too close to me as I waited in line. It just freaks me out!
I let them get in front of me and I scoot back to six feet.
What is the best way to ask someone to back up?
I am just fearful someone will curse me out if I ask them to back up or to wear their mask correctly.
— Anxious
Dear Anxious: In order to minimize your own risk/anxiety, you should make choices to shop at places where employees comply, and during times when there are the fewest other customers.
No – I don’t think you should call out another customer for wearing a mask incorrectly (because this involves them and their body), but yes – you should definitely ask someone to space themselves further from you (because this involves you and your body): “Hey, could you do me a favor and step back a little bit?”
Dear Amy: “Exasperated Mom” complained about not being able to get her teens to help around the house.
I come from a family of 12 kids. You can imagine the pile of shoes left around the living room.
One time my mom decided to put all the shoes in her and Dad’s bedroom, and we could redeem them for $.05 a pair. (It was a long time ago.)
— Good Memories
Dear Memories: Looks like they really were “cheaper by the dozen!”
(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--2020-06-29--Patriots fined $1.1M, lose pick for filming game last season

NEW YORK — The New England Patriots have been fined $ 1.1 million by the NFL for inappropriately filming the Cincinnati Bengals ’ sideline during a game last season .
On Sunday , the league also took away a third-round pick in the 2021 draft .
Also , the team ’ s production crew will not be allowed to shoot any games in the 2020 season .
ESPN first reported the penalties .
NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed the discipline to The Associated Press .
The filming occurred at the Bengals game at Cleveland on Dec. 8 of last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following week and lost 34-13 .
When the taping became known last season , the team said at the time a three-person crew producing a web series titled “ Do Your Job ” “ inappropriately filmed the field from the press box ” as part of a feature on the scouting department .
The filming took place “ without specific knowledge of league rules , ” the statement said .
Also , the team ’ s statement last season said that while they were granted credentials for the crew from the Browns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the league was an unintended oversight.
” When confronted , the team said the crew “ immediately turned over all footage to the league and cooperated fully.
” At the time , Patriots coach Bill Belichick says neither he nor his coaching staff had watched any of the video footage .
• Dave Logan , optimistic there will be football this fall , talks defending champion Cherry Creek and hope surrounding Broncos • Broncos player among top 10 safeties in NFL , according to CBS Sports “ I personally have never viewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that those production people have done , other than what ’ s shown on public television or something like that , ” Belichick said in December .
Previously , New England was fined $ 250,000 and lost a first-round draft pick in 2007 for violating NFL rules against using video to steal signals in a scandal dubbed “ Spygate.
” Belichick was also fined $ 500,000 .
Spygate fueled a distrust of the Patriots that persisted when the team was accused of illegally deflating the footballs used in the 2015 AFC championship game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that case was also severe .
Quarterback Tom Brady was suspended four games , and the team was fined $ 1 million and docked another first-round draft pick .

NEW YORK — The New England Patriots have been fined $1.1 million by the NFL for inappropriately filming the Cincinnati Bengals’ sideline during a game last season.
On Sunday, the league also took away a third-round pick in the 2021 draft.
Also, the team’s production crew will not be allowed to shoot any games in the 2020 season.
ESPN first reported the penalties. NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed the discipline to The Associated Press.
The filming occurred at the Bengals game at Cleveland on Dec. 8 of last season. The Bengals hosted the Patriots the following week and lost 34-13.
When the taping became known last season, the team said at the time a three-person crew producing a web series titled “Do Your Job” “inappropriately filmed the field from the press box” as part of a feature on the scouting department.
The filming took place “without specific knowledge of league rules,” the statement said.
Also, the team’s statement last season said that while they were granted credentials for the crew from the Browns, “our failure to inform the Bengals and the league was an unintended oversight.”
When confronted, the team said the crew “immediately turned over all footage to the league and cooperated fully.”
At the time, Patriots coach Bill Belichick says neither he nor his coaching staff had watched any of the video footage.
“I personally have never viewed any video footage at all, anything that those production people have done, other than what’s shown on public television or something like that,” Belichick said in December.
Previously, New England was fined $250,000 and lost a first-round draft pick in 2007 for violating NFL rules against using video to steal signals in a scandal dubbed “Spygate.” Belichick was also fined $500,000.
Spygate fueled a distrust of the Patriots that persisted when the team was accused of illegally deflating the footballs used in the 2015 AFC championship game.
The punishment by the NFL in that case was also severe. Quarterback Tom Brady was suspended four games, and the team was fined $1 million and docked another first-round draft pick.


thedenverpost--2020-07-01--WATCH: Rockies vs. Pirates in MLB The Show 20, July 1, 2020

With the start of the Major League Baseball season postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic , we here at The @ @ @ @ @ at how the Rockies would fare in MLB The Show 20 on PlayStation 4 .
@ @ @ @ @ for every game that had been scheduled until real-life baseball returns .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Rockies ’ preseason preview .
Entering Wednesday ’ s game , the Rockies were 56-29 @ @ @ @ @ play the finale of their three-game series on Monday .
The live stream will begin @ @ @ @ @ Mobile users , if you can ’ t see the video , tap here .

With the start of the Major League Baseball season postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, we here at The Denver Post took a look at how the Rockies would fare in MLB The Show 20 on PlayStation 4. We will have a story for every game that had been scheduled until real-life baseball returns. Here’s a look at the virtual Rockies’ preseason preview. Entering Wednesday’s game, the Rockies were 56-29.
PITTSBURGH — German Marquez outdueled Jameson Taillon as the Rockies beat the Pirates, 2-1, on Wednesday at PNG Park.
Marquez (10-4) allowed just one run on four hits in seven innings of work in the victory. Taillon (3-10) gave up just three hits, but two of them came in the first inning.
Rockies outfielder David Dahl opened the game with a ground-rule double. Three batters later, shortstop Trevor Story crushed a home run to give Colorado a first-inning 2-0 lead.
Rockies closer Scott Oberg recorded his 24th save of the year.
Colorado (57-29) has a 6 1/2-game lead over the Dodgers (51-36) for first place in the National League West. The Rockies return home Friday to take on the Giants (34-52). Jon Gray (12-2) takes the mound against San Francisco’s Jeff Samardzija.
Note: The next live stream will take place at 3 p.m. MT Sunday. There will only be recaps for Friday’s and Saturday’s games.
Mobile users, if you can’t see the video, tap here.
Box score
COL — 200-000-000 — 2-5-1
PIT — 000-001-000 — 1-5-0
Colorado — Dahl 4-1-2-0, Blackmon 4-0-1-0, Arenado 4-0-0-0, Story 2-1-1-2, Murphy 4-0-0-0, McMahon 4-0-1-0, Desmond 2-0-0-0, Wolters 3-0-0-0, Marquez 3-0-0-0, McGee 0-0-0-0, Oberg 0-0-0-0. Totals — 30-2-5-2.
Pittsburgh — Newman 3-0-0-0, Frazier 3-0-1-0, Reynolds 4-1-1-0, Polanco 3-0-1-0, Martin 0-0-0-0, Moran 3-0-0-1, Kramer 4-0-0-0, Stallings 4-0-2-0, Maile 3-0-0-0, Taillon 1-0-0-0, Bell 1-0-0-0, Erlin 0-0-0-0, Burdi 0-0-0-0, Osuna 1-0-0-0, Rodriguez 0-0-0-0, Feliz 0-0-0-0. Totals — 30-1-5-1.
E — Story. 2B — Dahl; Reynolds. HR — Story. WP — Marquez (10-4). LP — Taillon (3-10). S — Oberg (24).


thedenverpost--2020-07-01--Denver to create camping locations for people experiencing homelessness

Denver will soon launch several designated campsites for people experiencing homelessness , a representative of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado confirmed Wednesday , signaling a substantial change of approach for Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s administration .
The Interfaith Alliance and the Colorado Village Collaborative will head the project with the city ’ s support , Kathleen Van Voorhis said .
The goal is to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19 as the global pandemic continues .
“ These are extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures .
By supporting the Colorado Village Collaborative ’ s proposal to establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m hopeful we can provide a new pathway that leads to more stable housing options for people experiencing homelessness , ” Hancock said in a release .
Details about the number and size of the campsites were not immediately available , but Van Voorhis said occupants will have access to bathrooms , security , and mental health and addiction services .
As the nation braces for a surge in homelessness , the designated campsites offer a safe and relatively stable options for people seeking help and permanent housing , Van Voorhis said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a developing story and will be updated .

Denver will soon host several designated campsites for people experiencing homelessness, marking a substantial shift in Mayor Michael Hancock’s approach and what advocates say is hopefully a catalyst for even more change.
“This is an emergency step that is necessary because of the ongoing pandemic,” Hancock said during a press conference. “The situation has deteriorated to the point where we must work and move to reduce risk now.”
At the same time, the city will work quickly to break up existing, unsanctioned camps, especially around Capitol Hill, almost certainly displacing more people than the new camps will be able to hold.
He also said he’ll back a proposed 0.25% sales tax increase to boost city services for people experiencing homelessness.
City Councilwoman Robin Kniech said she’ll introduce her proposal to permanently increase Denver’s sales tax in August. If approved by the council, the measure — which would charge customers an extra 2.5 cents for every $10 spent — would be set on the city’s November ballot.
Although sales tax revenue is currently down because of the pandemic, Kniech said during better years the increase could raise about $40 million a year for housing, 24-hour shelters and more.
The notion of a sales tax increase to create a dedicated cash stream for the homeless is old, but the pandemic gave it new life and urgency, Kniech said.
While the city-approved encampments and proposed tax increase are steps in the right direction, more work is needed to house the homeless and brace Denver for a likely surge in homelessness as evictions and other financial hardships befall residents, advocates say.
“Encampments will continue to exist throughout our entire city,” said Terese Howard of Denver Homeless Out Loud. “Until we have adequate housing options for all these people, we’re going to have to learn to live together in these public spaces.”
It’s not yet clear how many designated encampments, to be called “safe outdoor spaces,” will be built or where they’ll be located, Hancock said. But they’ll likely hold about 50 people each and be managed by the Colorado Village Collaborative.
About 4,000 people experiencing homelessness were counted in Denver last year during the annual point-in-time count, and Hancock noted Wednesday that during the coronavirus pandemic more people without housing have come to Denver from neighboring cities.
Staffing is already available for at least one encampment, which will have 24-hour access, community guidelines and bathrooms, said Cole Chandler, executive director of the Colorado Village Collaborative.
The encampment will also provide guests with access to mental health, addiction and other services, said Kathleen Van Voorhis of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, another partner on the project.
One of the main goals of the encampments is to quell or slow the spread of COVID-19, said Bob McDonald, Denver’s public health director.
While reports vary on whether people are more likely to contract the respiratory virus in group shelters or encampments, McDonald noted that current encampments are suffering from Hepatitis A and Shigella outbreaks, which could also be mitigated by safe outdoor spaces.
The other goal is to help campers transition into more permanent housing, said Britta Fisher, Denver’s chief housing officer.
The encampments are a groundbreaking move many years in the works, said John Parvensky, president and CEO of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. But until adequate housing alternatives are in place, he said, the city should not break up existing encampments.
Even if the first encampments can only host a few dozen people, they’re an important first step, Parvensky said. If they prove to be effective, building more encampments should be easier for the city.
“This is an acknowledgement that safe outdoor space and outdoor camping is part of the solution until we can create enough permanent housing for folks so that nobody has to call the streets their home,” he said.
In the coming months Denver’s homeless population could increase by as much as 40%, Parvensky said, further underscoring the need for these and other steps.
Hancock had long opposed the notion of sanctioned encampments, and he underscored that they will be temporary, though he didn’t elaborate on a specific timeline for their dissolution.
Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca credited protesters who stormed into council chambers and the mayor’s office in recent weeks to demand changes, with moving the city forward on the issue.


thedenverpost--2020-07-01--Citing racial bias, San Francisco will end mug shots release

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco police will stop releasing the mug shots of people who have been arrested unless they pose a threat to the public , as part of an effort to stop perpetuating racial stereotypes , the city ’ s police chief announced Wednesday .
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said the policy , which goes into effect immediately , means the department will no longer release booking photos of suspects to the media or allow officers to post them online .
Booking photos are taken when someone is arrested .
They are often made public whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the alleged crime , which undermines the presumption of innocence and helps perpetuate stereotypes .
Jack Glaser , a public policy professor at the University of California Berkeley who researches racial stereotyping and whose work Scott consulted , said data shows Black people who are arrested are more likely to have their cases dismissed by prosecutors .
But the mug shots live on .
Numerous websites post photos of mug shots online , regardless of whether anyone was convicted of a crime , and then charge a fee to those who want their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California ’ s attorney general to charge one of the biggest operators with extortion , money laundering , and identity theft .
That contributes to Americans making an unfair association between people of color and crime , Scott said .
“ This is just one small step but we hope this will be something that others might consider doing as well , ” he said .
Large cities like Los Angeles and New York already have policies against releasing booking photos but make exceptions .
For example , the New York Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ releases information on arrests but doesn ’ t put out mug shots unless investigators believe that will prompt more witnesses to come forward or aid in finding a suspect .
In San Francisco , the only exceptions will be if a crime suspect poses a threat or if officers need help locating a suspect or an at-risk person , Scott said .
Under the policy , the release of photos or information on a person who is arrested will also require approval from the police department ’ s public relations team .

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco police will stop releasing the mug shots of people who have been arrested unless they pose a threat to the public, as part of an effort to stop perpetuating racial stereotypes, the city’s police chief announced Wednesday.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said the policy, which goes into effect immediately, means the department will no longer release booking photos of suspects to the media or allow officers to post them online.
Booking photos are taken when someone is arrested. They are often made public whether or not the person is prosecuted for the alleged crime, which undermines the presumption of innocence and helps perpetuate stereotypes.
Jack Glaser, a public policy professor at the University of California Berkeley who researches racial stereotyping and whose work Scott consulted, said data shows Black people who are arrested are more likely to have their cases dismissed by prosecutors.
But the mug shots live on.
Numerous websites post photos of mug shots online, regardless of whether anyone was convicted of a crime, and then charge a fee to those who want their photo taken down. The phenomenon prompted California’s attorney general to charge one of the biggest operators with extortion, money laundering, and identity theft.
That contributes to Americans making an unfair association between people of color and crime, Scott said.
“This is just one small step but we hope this will be something that others might consider doing as well,” he said.
Large cities like Los Angeles and New York already have policies against releasing booking photos but make exceptions. For example, the New York Police Department, the nation’s largest, releases information on arrests but doesn’t put out mug shots unless investigators believe that will prompt more witnesses to come forward or aid in finding a suspect.
In San Francisco, the only exceptions will be if a crime suspect poses a threat or if officers need help locating a suspect or an at-risk person, Scott said. Under the policy, the release of photos or information on a person who is arrested will also require approval from the police department’s public relations team.


thedenverpost--2020-07-01--Russia nears end of vote on extending Putin’s rule to 2036

By Vladimir Isachenkov and Daria Litvinova , The Associated Press MOSCOW — A vote on amendments to Russia ’ s constitution that could allow President Vladimir Putin to hold power until 2036 entered its final day Wednesday amid widespread reports of pressure on voters and other irregularities .
For the first time in Russia , polls were open for a week to bolster turnout without increasing crowds casting ballots amid the coronavirus pandemic — a provision that Kremlin critics denounced as an extra tool to manipulate the outcome .
Putin is all but guaranteed to get the result he wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opposition ’ s failure to mount a coordinated challenge .
Ironically , the plebiscite aimed at consolidating Putin ’ s grip could end up eroding his position because of the unconventional methods used to boost participation and the dubious legal basis for the balloting .
By Wednesday morning , the overall turnout already exceeded 55 % , according to election officials , and kept climbing through the day to reach almost 90 % of eligible voters in some regions .
After polls closed in Russia ’ s easternmost Chukchi Peninsula , nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preliminary results showing 80 % of voters supported the amendments , and in other parts of the Far East , they said over 70 % of voters backed the changes .
“ We look at neighboring regions , and anomalies are obvious — there are regions where the turnout is artificially ( boosted ) , there are regions where it is more or less real , ” Grigory Melkonyants , co-chair of the independent election monitoring group Golos , told The Associated Press .
Putin voted at a Moscow polling station , dutifully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His face was uncovered , unlike most of the other voters who were offered free masks at the entrance The vote completes a convoluted saga that began in January , when Putin first proposed the constitutional changes .
He offered to broaden the powers of parliament and redistribute authority among the branches of government , stoking speculation he might seek to become parliamentary speaker or chairman of the State Council when his presidential term ends in 2024 .
His intentions became clear only hours before a vote in parliament , when legislator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the first woman in space in 1963 , proposed letting him run two more times .
The amendments , which also emphasize the primacy of Russian law over international norms , outlaw same-sex marriages and mention “ a belief in God ” as a core value , were quickly passed by the Kremlin-controlled legislature .
Putin , who has been in power for more than two decades — longer than any other Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin — said he would decide later whether to run again in 2024 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was necessary to keep his lieutenants focused on their work instead of “ darting their eyes in search for possible successors.
” Analyst Gleb Pavlovsky , a former Kremlin political consultant , said Putin ’ s push to hold the vote despite the fact that Russia has thousands of new coronavirus infections each day reflected his potential vulnerabilities .
“ Putin lacks confidence in his inner circle and he ’ s worried about the future , ” Pavlovsky said .
“ He wants an irrefutable proof of public support.
” Even though the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it law , the 67-year-old Russian president put his constitutional plan to voters to showcase his broad support and add a democratic veneer to the changes .
But then the coronavirus pandemic engulfed Russia , forcing him to postpone the April 22 plebiscite .
The delay made Putin ’ s campaign blitz lose momentum and left his constitutional reform plan hanging as the damage from the virus mounted and public discontent grew .
Plummeting incomes and rising unemployment during the outbreak have dented his approval ratings , which sank to 59 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to power , according to the Levada Center , Russia ’ s top independent pollster .
Moscow-based political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann said the Kremlin had faced a difficult dilemma : Holding the vote sooner would have brought accusations of jeopardizing public health for political ends , while delaying it raised the risks of defeat .
“ Holding it in the autumn would have been too risky , ” she said .
In Moscow , several activists briefly lay on Red Square , forming the number “ 2036 ” with their bodies in protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow and St. Petersburg staged one-person pickets and police didn ’ t intervene .
Authorities mounted a sweeping effort to persuade teachers , doctors , workers at public sector enterprises and others who are paid by the state to cast ballots .
Reports surfaced from across the vast country of managers coercing people to vote .
The Kremlin has used other tactics to boost turnout and support for the amendments .
Prizes ranging from gift certificates to cars and apartments were offered as an encouragement , voters with Russian passports from eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , and two regions with large number of voters — Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod — allowed electronic balloting .
In Moscow , some journalists and activists said they were able to cast their ballots both online and in person in a bid to show the lack of safeguards against manipulations .
Kremlin critics and independent monitors pointed out that the relentless pressure on voters coupled with new opportunities for manipulations from a week of early voting when ballot boxes stood unattended at night eroded the standards of voting to a striking new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the early voting sanctioned by election officials but not reflected in law further eroded the ballot ’ s validity .
Many criticized the Kremlin for lumping more than 200 proposed amendments together in one package without giving voters a chance to differentiate among them .
“ I voted against the new amendments to the constitution because it all looks like a circus , ” said Yelena Zorkina , 45 , after voting in St. Petersburg .
“ How can people vote for the whole thing if they agree with some amendments but disagree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not discouraged by being unable to vote separately on the proposed changes .
Taisia Fyodorova , a 69-year-old retiree in St. Petersburg , said she voted yes “ because I trust our government and the president.
” In a frantic effort to get the vote , polling station workers set up ballot boxes in courtyards and playgrounds , on tree stumps and even in car trunks — unlikely settings derided on social media that made it impossible to ensure a clean vote .
In Moscow , there were reports of unusually high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visited by election workers in a matter of hours , along with multiple complaints from monitors that paperwork documenting the turnout was being concealed from them .
At the same time , monitoring the vote became more challenging due to hygiene requirements and more arcane rules for election observers .
The Golos monitoring group pointed out at unusual differences between neighboring regions : in the Siberian republic of Tyva over 73 % voted in the first five days , while in the neighboring Irkutsk region , turnout was about 22 % and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was under 33 % .
“ These differences can be explained only by forcing people to vote in certain areas or by rigging , ” Golos said .
Observers warned that the new dubious methods used by authorities to boost turnout , combined with numerous bureaucratic hurdles that hindered independent monitoring , would undermine the legitimacy of the vote .
“ There is a big question about the results of this vote , ” Melkonyants said , adding that its outcome “ can ’ t really bear any legal standing .
”

By Vladimir Isachenkov and Daria Litvinova, The Associated Press
MOSCOW — A majority of Russians approved amendments to Russia’s constitution in a weeklong vote ending Wednesday, allowing President Vladimir Putin to hold power until 2036, although the balloting was tarnished by widespread reports of pressure on voters and other irregularities.
With most of the nation’s polls closed and 15% of precincts counted, 71% voted for the changes, according to election officials.
For the first time in Russia, polls were kept open for a week to bolster turnout without increasing crowds casting ballots amid the coronavirus pandemic — a provision that Kremlin critics denounced as an extra tool to manipulate the outcome.
A massive propaganda campaign and the opposition’s failure to mount a coordinated challenge helped Putin get the result he wanted, but the plebiscite could end up eroding his position because of the unconventional methods used to boost participation and the dubious legal basis for the balloting.
On Russia’s easternmost Chukchi Peninsula, nine hours ahead of Moscow, officials quickly announced full preliminary results showing 80% of voters supported the amendments, and in other parts of the Far East, they said over 70% of voters backed the changes.
Kremlin critics and independent election observers questioned official figures.
“We look at neighboring regions, and anomalies are obvious — there are regions where the turnout is artificially (boosted), there are regions where it is more or less real,” Grigory Melkonyants, co-chair of the independent election monitoring group Golos, told The Associated Press.
Putin voted at a Moscow polling station, dutifully showing his passport to the election worker. His face was uncovered, unlike most of the other voters who were offered free masks at the entrance
The vote completes a convoluted saga that began in January, when Putin first proposed the constitutional changes. He offered to broaden the powers of parliament and redistribute authority among the branches of government, stoking speculation he might seek to become parliamentary speaker or chairman of the State Council when his presidential term ends in 2024.
His intentions became clear only hours before a vote in parliament, when legislator Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet-era cosmonaut who was the first woman in space in 1963, proposed letting him run two more times. The amendments, which also emphasize the primacy of Russian law over international norms, outlaw same-sex marriages and mention “a belief in God” as a core value, were quickly passed by the Kremlin-controlled legislature.
Putin, who has been in power for more than two decades — longer than any other Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin — said he would decide later whether to run again in 2024. He argued that resetting the term count was necessary to keep his lieutenants focused on their work instead of “darting their eyes in search for possible successors.”
Analyst Gleb Pavlovsky, a former Kremlin political consultant, said Putin’s push to hold the vote despite the fact that Russia has thousands of new coronavirus infections each day reflected his potential vulnerabilities.
“Putin lacks confidence in his inner circle and he’s worried about the future,” Pavlovsky said. “He wants an irrefutable proof of public support.”
Even though the parliament’s approval was enough to make it law, the 67-year-old Russian president put his constitutional plan to voters to showcase his broad support and add a democratic veneer to the changes. But then the coronavirus pandemic engulfed Russia, forcing him to postpone the April 22 plebiscite.
The delay made Putin’s campaign blitz lose momentum and left his constitutional reform plan hanging as the damage from the virus mounted and public discontent grew. Plummeting incomes and rising unemployment during the outbreak have dented his approval ratings, which sank to 59%, the lowest level since he came to power, according to the Levada Center, Russia’s top independent pollster.
Moscow-based political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann said the Kremlin had faced a difficult dilemma: Holding the vote sooner would have brought accusations of jeopardizing public health for political ends, while delaying it raised the risks of defeat. “Holding it in the autumn would have been too risky,” she said.
In Moscow, several activists briefly lay on Red Square, forming the number “2036” with their bodies in protest before police stopped them. Some others in Moscow and St. Petersburg staged one-person pickets and police didn’t intervene.
Authorities mounted a sweeping effort to persuade teachers, doctors, workers at public sector enterprises and others who are paid by the state to cast ballots. Reports surfaced from across the vast country of managers coercing people to vote.
The Kremlin has used other tactics to boost turnout and support for the amendments. Prizes ranging from gift certificates to cars and apartments were offered as an encouragement, voters with Russian passports from eastern Ukraine were bused across the border to vote, and two regions with large number of voters — Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod — allowed electronic balloting.
In Moscow, some journalists and activists said they were able to cast their ballots both online and in person in a bid to show the lack of safeguards against manipulations.
Kremlin critics and independent monitors pointed out that the relentless pressure on voters coupled with new opportunities for manipulations from a week of early voting when ballot boxes stood unattended at night eroded the standards of voting to a striking new low.
In addition to that, the early voting sanctioned by election officials but not reflected in law further eroded the ballot’s validity.
Many criticized the Kremlin for lumping more than 200 proposed amendments together in one package without giving voters a chance to differentiate among them.
“I voted against the new amendments to the constitution because it all looks like a circus,” said Yelena Zorkina, 45, after voting in St. Petersburg. “How can people vote for the whole thing if they agree with some amendments but disagree with the others?”
Putin supporters were not discouraged by being unable to vote separately on the proposed changes. Taisia Fyodorova, a 69-year-old retiree in St. Petersburg, said she voted yes “because I trust our government and the president.”
In a frantic effort to get the vote, polling station workers set up ballot boxes in courtyards and playgrounds, on tree stumps and even in car trunks — unlikely settings derided on social media that made it impossible to ensure a clean vote.
In Moscow, there were reports of unusually high numbers of at-home voters, with hundreds visited by election workers in a matter of hours, along with multiple complaints from monitors that paperwork documenting the turnout was being concealed from them.
At the same time, monitoring the vote became more challenging due to hygiene requirements and more arcane rules for election observers.
The Golos monitoring group pointed out at unusual differences between neighboring regions: in the Siberian republic of Tyva over 73% voted in the first five days, while in the neighboring Irkutsk region, turnout was about 22% and in the neighboring republic of Altai, it was under 33%.
“These differences can be explained only by forcing people to vote in certain areas or by rigging,” Golos said.
Observers warned that the new dubious methods used by authorities to boost turnout, combined with numerous bureaucratic hurdles that hindered independent monitoring, would undermine the legitimacy of the vote.
“There is a big question about the results of this vote,” Melkonyants said, adding that its outcome “can’t really bear any legal standing.”
Irina Titova in St. Petersburg contributed.


thedenverpost--2020-07-01--Seattle cops clear “occupied” zone, more than 20 arrested

SEATTLE — Seattle police showed up in force early Wednesday at the city ’ s “ occupied ” protest zone , tore down demonstrators ’ tents and used bicycles to herd the protesters after the mayor ordered the area cleared following two fatal shootings in less than two weeks .
Television images showed no signs of clashes between the police , many dressed in riot gear , and dozens of protesters at the “ Capitol Hill Occupied Protest ” zone that was set up near downtown following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Police swarmed the zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a loud bang was heard at about 6:15 a.m. followed by a cloud of smoke .
At least 23 people were arrested , said Police Chief Carmen Best .
“ Our job is to support peaceful demonstration but what has happened on these streets over the last two weeks is lawless and it ’ s brutal and bottom line it is simply unacceptable , ” Best told reporters .
Police tore down fences that protesters had erected around their tents and used batons to poke inside bushes , apparently looking for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer took down a sign saying “ we are not leaving until our demands are met : 1 .
Defund SPD by 50 % now .
2 .
Fund Black Communities .
3 .
Free all protesters.
” Most protesters appeared to have dispersed several hours after the operations started and armed officers looked on from rooftops as clean-up crews of workers arrived to break down tables and tarps that protesters had set up in the zone .
Officers were investigating several vehicles circling the area after police saw people inside them “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tweet , adding that the vehicles did not appear to have “ visible license plates.
” The protesters had occupied several blocks around a park for about two weeks and police abandoned a precinct station following standoffs and clashes with the protesters , who called for racial justice and an end to police brutality .
Police said they moved in to protect the public after Mayor Jenny Durkan issued the order for protesters to leave .
“ Since demonstrations at the East Precinct area began on June 8th , two teenagers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously wounded in late-night shootings , ” Seattle police said on Twitter .
“ Police have also documented robberies , assaults , and other violent crimes .
The tweet added that “ suspects in recent shootings may still be in the area , and because numerous people in the area are in possession of firearms.
” Best said she supports peaceful demonstrations but that “ enough is enough.
” “ The CHOP has become lawless and brutal .
Four shootings–-two fatal–robberies , assaults , violence and countless property crimes have occurred in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There had been mounting calls by critics , including President Donald Trump , to remove protesters following the fatal shootings .
Protesters have said they should not be blamed for the violence in the area .

SEATTLE — Seattle police showed up in force early Wednesday at the city’s “occupied” protest zone, tore down demonstrators’ tents and used bicycles to herd the protesters after the mayor ordered the area cleared following two fatal shootings in less than two weeks.
Television images showed no signs of clashes between the police, many dressed in riot gear, and dozens of protesters at the “Capitol Hill Occupied Protest” zone that was set up near downtown following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Police swarmed the zone known as CHOP at about 5 a.m. and a loud bang was heard at about 6:15 a.m. followed by a cloud of smoke. At least 23 people were arrested, said Police Chief Carmen Best.
“Our job is to support peaceful demonstration but what has happened on these streets over the last two weeks is lawless and it’s brutal and bottom line it is simply unacceptable,” Best told reporters.
Police tore down fences that protesters had erected around their tents and used batons to poke inside bushes, apparently looking for people who might be hiding inside. One officer took down a sign saying “we are not leaving until our demands are met: 1. Defund SPD by 50% now. 2. Fund Black Communities. 3. Free all protesters.”
Most protesters appeared to have dispersed several hours after the operations started and armed officers looked on from rooftops as clean-up crews of workers arrived to break down tables and tarps that protesters had set up in the zone.
Officers were investigating several vehicles circling the area after police saw people inside them “with firearms/armor,” police said in a tweet, adding that the vehicles did not appear to have “visible license plates.”
The protesters had occupied several blocks around a park for about two weeks and police abandoned a precinct station following standoffs and clashes with the protesters, who called for racial justice and an end to police brutality.
Police said they moved in to protect the public after Mayor Jenny Durkan issued the order for protesters to leave.
“Since demonstrations at the East Precinct area began on June 8th, two teenagers have been killed and three people have been seriously wounded in late-night shootings,” Seattle police said on Twitter. “Police have also documented robberies, assaults, and other violent crimes.
The tweet added that “suspects in recent shootings may still be in the area, and because numerous people in the area are in possession of firearms.”
Best said she supports peaceful demonstrations but that “enough is enough.”
“The CHOP has become lawless and brutal. Four shootings–-two fatal–robberies, assaults, violence and countless property crimes have occurred in this several block area,” she said.
There had been mounting calls by critics, including President Donald Trump, to remove protesters following the fatal shootings.
Protesters have said they should not be blamed for the violence in the area.


thedenverpost--2020-07-01--How Colorado schools plan to reopen this fall during the coronavirus pandemic

Masks , sanitation requirements , social distancing and scheduling changes are all part of the coronavirus-induced new normal that Colorado schools are preparing for when students return this fall .
While there are still many details to be solidified about the coming 2020-2021 school year , districts have begun unveiling plans to reopen facilities based on advice from public health experts .
As they do , we ’ ll continue to update this list so parents and students can find the latest information about how their school is expected to restart .
Note : Most districts are offering an online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not feel comfortable with their children returning to in-person classes may still opt for remote learning .
Academy District 20 is planning for an in-person return to school on Aug. 17 .
Get the latest updates here .
Adams 12 Five Star Schools expects to announce its model for in-person learning in mid-July , based on feedback from district leaders and stakeholders .
Get the latest updates here .
Boulder Valley School District has outlined a five-phase plan for reopening schools in the fall based on guidance from health experts .
It expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would welcome all students for in-person learning .
Get the latest updates here .
Cherry Creek School District is considering in-person classes for students in all grades five days a week .
Classes start Aug. 17 .
Get the latest updates here .
Denver Public Schools is planning to welcome students back for in-person instruction five days a week .
Get the latest updates here .
Douglas County School District is planning to host classes in-person this fall .
Get the latest updates here .
Jeffco Public Schools is planning to host elementary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week .
The district has yet to decide a format for middle and high school .
Classes to resume the week of Aug. 24 .
Get the latest updates here .
Mapleton Public Schools approved a plan to host in-person classes five days a week for all grades level .
Classes resume Aug. 27 .
Get the latest updates here .
Poudre School District has proposed four possibilities for the fall semester , from full-time remote learning to full-time in-person instruction .
The district likely won ’ t make a final decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August , Superintendent Sandra Smysers said in a recent letter to families .
Get the latest updates here .
St. Vrain Valley School District expects elementary school students , as well as sixth and ninth graders , to return to school for in-person instruction full time .
Under the proposed plan , students in seventh , eighth , ninth , 10th , 11th and 12th grade would be split into groups that alternately attend school in-person and virtually .
Get the latest updates here .
Westminster Public Schools approved a plan to host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all grade levels .
Get the latest updates here .

Editor’s note: This list is being updated as school districts announce new reopening plans and changes to their previously announced plans. All information included here is subject to change.
Masks, sanitation requirements, social distancing and scheduling changes are all part of the coronavirus-induced new normal that Colorado schools are preparing for when students return this fall.
While there are still many details to be solidified about the coming 2020-2021 school year, districts have begun unveiling plans to reopen facilities based on advice from public health experts. As they do, we’ll continue to update this list so parents and students can find the latest information about how their school is expected to restart.
Note: Most districts are offering an online education option, so families that do not feel comfortable with their children returning to in-person classes may still opt for remote learning.
Colorado school districts’ 2020-2021 reopening plans
27J Schools expects to welcome students back to campus this fall for an amended in-person learning schedule. Elementary students will physically attend classes four day a week, while middle and high school students will physically attend every other day. Orientation starts the week of Aug. 18 before full-time classes begin Sept. 1. Get the latest updates here.
Academy District 20 has delayed the start of classes until Aug. 24. High school and middle school students have three options for the fall: hybrid learning, which would see them in-person some days and working remotely other days; synchronous learning, which is a 100% remote option that allows them to tune in live to their classes; and 100% online learning through a separate, self-paced virtual program. Elementary students may attend 100% in-person class or 100% virtual classes. Get the latest updates here.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools has pushed back the beginning of classes to Aug. 27, with all instruction remote until at least Sept. 25. There will be “some periodic, small group in-person opportunities,” the district says. Get the latest updates here.
Aurora Public Schools’ plans call for virtual learning for all grades through Oct. 8, the first quarter of the school year. Get the latest updates here.
Boulder Valley School District has outlined a five-phase plan for reopening schools in the fall based on guidance from health experts. On Aug. 4, it announced plans to begin in phase one, which calls for remote learning for all students. The start of the school year has also been pushed back one week to Aug. 26. Get the latest updates here.
Cherry Creek School District will reopen schools on Aug. 17 for full-time and part-time in-person learning, depending on grade. Students in preschool through fifth grade will return for in-person instruction five days a week, the district announced Thursday. Sixth through 12th graders will adhere to a hybrid format, attending school in person two days a week and learning remotely or virtually three days a week. Get the latest updates here.
Colorado Springs School District 11 anticipates remote learning for the majority of students through Oct. 15, the first quarter. Additionally, the district is developing a hybrid approach for students with “the greatest academic need for levels of in-school support,” such as special education support, English language learners, TITLE/Read Act supported students, and preschool students, it said. Classes start Aug. 24. Get the latest updates here.
Denver Public Schools is planning to conduct classes remotely for all grade levels through Oct. 16. The semester begins Aug. 24, one week later than originally expected. The district is still asking parents to choose whether their students will attend in-person, when available, or virtually, and offered its first details of the online program in late July. Get the latest updates here.
District 49 is planning for a full return to in-person learning this fall, though families may opt for online education. Classes start Aug. 17. Get the latest updates here.
Douglas County School District is planning to start the school year using a hybrid approach. Students will spend two days per week learning in-person at school and supplement with three days of remote classes. Orientation starts Aug. 17, before classes begin Aug. 24. Get the latest updates here.
Greeley-Evans School District 6 plans to welcome students in first through eighth grade back for full-time, in-person learning, but the first three days the district will implement a “phased” approach. That means one-third of students will come back for their first day on Aug. 17, 18 or 19, before classes resume fully on Aug. 20 and 21. Kindergarteners will start Aug. 19 as originally planned. High schools will implement hybrid learning, where students are physically in class two days a week and supplement with remote learning three days a week. The district expects to maintain this schedule throughout the fall semester. Get the latest updates here.
Harrison School District Two is preparing for all students to attend in-person classes five days a week; however, it’s staggering the return to school based on grade level. Kindergarten through fifth grades will begin in-person learning on Aug. 17. Sixth through 12th graders will start the semester remotely with virtual classes on Aug. 17, with the anticipation of returning to school for in-person classes on Sept. 8. Get the latest updates here.
Jeffco Public Schools expects all students to start the school year remotely and learn from home until at least until Sept. 8. Thereafter, it’s hoping to welcome back elementary students for full-time in-person instruction and employ a hybrid approach for middle and high schoolers. Classes resume Aug. 24. Get the latest updates here.
Littleton Public Schools plans to host in-person classes five days a week for students in grades preschool through fifth. Sixth through 12th graders will adhere to a hybrid schedule, attending class in-person two days per week and working from home three days per week. Classes start Aug. 24. Get the latest updates here.
Mapleton Public Schools will host in-person classes five days a week for all grade levels, starting Aug. 27. Get the latest updates here.
Mesa County Valley School District 51 plans call for in-person learning this fall, with classes beginning Aug. 17 for first through 12th graders and Aug. 19 for kindergarteners. Get the latest updates here.
Platte Canyon 1 School District plans to host full-time, in-person instruction in the fall and recently updated strategies on how it will do so. Get the latest updates here.
Poudre School District plans to have all student start the school year remotely via virtual learning. Schools will be closed until at least Oct. 16, through the first quarter. School starts Aug. 24. Get the latest updates here.
Pueblo School District 60 has delayed the start of the fall semester to Aug. 31. The district plans to welcome kindergarten through fifth grade students for full-time in-person learning four days a week, while sixth through 12th graders will follow a hybrid schedule of two days in class and two days learning remotely. PreK students are set to begin the semester on Sept. 8 and attend in-person four day per week. Get the latest updates here.
Pueblo County School District 70 plans to begin the school year remotely on Aug. 24 for at least four weeks. Contingent on the trajectory of COVID-19 cases, it plans to implement a hybrid learning model beginning Sept. 21, with the student body alternating in-person classes two days per week and working remotely two days per week. Oct. 12 is the soonest the district would consider opening for full-time in-person instruction. Get the latest updates here.
St. Vrain Valley School District expects all students to begin the year remotely and take virtual classes through at least the last week of September. Classes start Aug. 18 for all grades except kindergarten, which will start Aug. 20. Get the latest updates here.
Thompson School District has adopted remote learning for the first quarter of the fall semester through Oct. 16. School starts Aug. 31 for kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades students, and Sept. 1 for all others. Get the latest updates here.
Westminster Public Schools approved a plan to host in-person classes five days a week for all grade levels. Classes start Aug. 20. Get the latest updates here.
Widefield School District 3 has delayed the start of the school year to Aug. 24. That’s when students in preschool through fifth grade will return to in-person learning and students in sixth through 12th grade will begin remote education. Remote learning for middle and high school students is expected to last at least through Sept. 8. Get the latest updates here.


thedenverpost--2020-07-01--Colorado Supreme Court rules against Polis on signatures for ballot measures

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Wednesday against the governor and his executive order to make it easier to get citizen @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
In a decision released Wednesday , the court reversed a district court @ @ @ @ @ ballot measures have to be signed in person .
The governor ’ s executive order @ @ @ @ @ ballot petitions during the pandemic , allowing campaigns to collect signatures by mail or email @ @ @ @ @ sued the state over the change .
The Colorado Constitution requires any signatures to be @ @ @ @ @ of the petition circulator , the Supreme Court said , and the governor can ’ @ @ @ @ @ executive order .
This is a developing story and will be updated .

The Colorado Supreme Court has unanimously rejected the governor’s executive order that sought to make it less difficult to get citizen initiatives on the ballot during the coronavirus pandemic.
The court reversed a district court ruling in favor of the governor, ruling Wednesday that petitions for ballot measures have to be signed in person. That will make it harder for issue campaigns to collect 124,632 valid signatures in person by Aug. 3 during a time of social distancing.
Initiatives with more financial backing and broader coalition support, such as a measure to fund a paid medical and family leave program, still expect to qualify for the November ballot. However, others — including one seeking to extend oil and gas setbacks — anticipate a struggle to get on the ballot.
Four citizen-measures have already made it onto the ballot, with another expected to be referred by the legislature once Gov. Jared Polis signs on the bill.
The governor issued his order May 16, tasking the Secretary of State’s Office with creating new temporary rules for ballot initiatives, including suspending the requirement that campaigns had to collect signatures in person to get on the ballot. Although voters still had to physically sign petitions to get a measure on the ballot, the petitions could be submitted by mail or email. Dan Ritchie and Colorado Concern, a coalition of business leaders, sued the governor and secretary of state over the change.
The Colorado Constitution requires signatures to be made in person in front of the petition circulator, the state’s highest court ruled.
“One hundred ten years of settled practice support this conclusion. We have long recognized that ‘circulators of petitions assume personal responsibility to prevent irregularities in the initiative process,'” the ruling stated.
The governor can’t suspend that requirement by executive order — even in an emergency, the justices said. He can suspend some rules in a declared disaster but not constitutional provisions.
Variations on the issue are playing out nationally, with legal battles across the country over whether courts should suspend rules during a global health pandemic.
Polis denounced the Colorado court’s ruling in a strongly worded statement Wednesday.
“While today’s decision is a blow to the power of the people of our state to petition, it is certainly convenient for certain groups or elected leaders that they have to deal with fewer ballot initiatives,” he said. “It makes my life easier as Governor that there will be fewer curveballs coming our way, but sadly it’s at the cost of making it much harder and even dangerous from a public health perspective for activists on all sides to get their issues on the ballot for voters to decide.”
Mike Kopp of Colorado Concern, however, welcomed the decision as protecting the integrity of the ballot process.
“Launching this litigation was a difficult choice, because there are so many important issues we are working closely with the Governor on, literally in real time,” Kopp, president and CEO of the group, said in a statement. “But the underlying principle was too important – protecting the integrity of the initiative process is just as important in a pandemic as it is during a time of calm.”
Signatures collected by mail or email will now be considered void.
But groups such as Colorado Families First, the coalition for paid medical and family leave, still believe they can make the ballot. Some campaigns have been providing disposable pens, gloves and hand sanitizer for in-person collection efforts.
“Right now we’re well on our way to collecting the necessary number of signatures before the Aug. 3 deadline,” said Olga Robak, a spokesperson for the group. “It is unfortunate that the people who already signed the single-line petition won’t have their voice heard when it comes to putting this on the ballot, but their voices will be heard in November when we pass a comprehensive paid family and medical leave plan.”
Similarly, Colorado Rising State Action isn’t worried the Supreme Court’s decision will hamper its efforts to get Initiative 295, which would require voter approval for new state programs, on the ballot.
Neither is Protect Colorado, which is supporting initiatives to prohibit restrictions on natural gas use and to require fiscal impact statements to appear on ballots with each measure. The group has collected more than 100,000 signatures but didn’t collect any by mail or email, knowing the validity was being challenged, said spokesperson Laurie Cipriano.
“You don’t have to change the system and violate the Constitution when you have good issues that the public supports,” she wrote.
Not every group expects to fare as well, and some stopped their efforts awhile ago.
Safe & Healthy Colorado launched a campaign last week for an initiative to require 2,500-foot setbacks for fracking, saying the governor’s order gave organizers hope of getting on the ballot. They now face a task they’d previously described as “daunting.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-01--Red Rocks Amphitheater starts its 2020 season with fitness events, but concerts are still a no-go

Nothing says summer in Colorado like attending an event at Red Rocks Amphitheater .
But in the midst of a global pandemic , fans have had to let dreams of summer on the Rocks go .
On Tuesday , Red Rocks kindled some hope , though , announcing that it would bring back fitness events in July .
Spokesman Brian Kitts said while there are no plans yet for the return of full concerts , his team hopes to expand ways people can experience Red Rocks , from fitness activities and sunset hikes to the possibility of smaller concerts later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched a new website and app with free , original videos , hoping to create new ways to connect with the beloved park during coronavirus restrictions .
RELATED : Red Rocks by the numbers for workout fanatics “ Like everybody else in the entertainment business , we ’ re doing everything we can to provide access , ” Kitts told The Denver Post on Tuesday .
“ Shutting down an entire summer would break all of our hearts .
For fans who want to experience just a little bit of Red Rocks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let that happen.
” The venue has hosted Yoga on the Rocks for a decade , and will increase the number of fitness events for the 2020 season .
Starting on July 10 , yoga classes will be offered on Fridays , Saturdays and Sundays , with multiple sessions per day .
A new event , the Quarantine 15 Fitness Challenge , will be held every Saturday at 10 a.m. Plus , the SnowShape Winter Fitness Series will return in September ahead of the 2020-2021 ski season .
Red Rocks will offer more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aiming to provide opportunities for as many people as possible .
Usually , the venue holds 2,000 , but with coronavirus restrictions , it will only be able to accommodate 175 people at a time , Kitts said , and he anticipates that events will sell out .
To adhere to social distancing , participants will set up in alternating rows at place-markers .
People must wear masks to enter the stadium but can remove them once they get settled at a spot .
Digitally , Red Rocks has launched a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press release .
Kitts said the team had been looking to do online content even before the coronavirus , and now fans can experience a different side of Red Rocks concerts , from performances to interviews with bands .
The venue will produce a new series called “ Trail Mix , ” featuring acoustic performances filmed on the park ’ s trails , from artists including AJR , Big Wild and Caroline Rose , according to a press release .
“ Inspired by NPR ’ s Tiny Desk Concerts and other session @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional Red Rocks original content is a love letter to our fans and the venue , ” Josh Lenz , marketing and communications manager , said in the press release .
“ And while we might be on a bit of a hiatus this year recording new sessions , we promise there will be plenty more to come in 2021.
” Kitts emphasized this is the first step for the 2020 season , and as the situation evolves , he hopes to welcome people back for other small events and concerts .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a really unique way to experience Red Rocks first thing in the morning , ” Kitts said .
“ It ’ s as beautiful as it gets.
” Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

Nothing says summer in Colorado like attending an event at Red Rocks Amphitheater. But in the midst of a global pandemic, fans have had to let dreams of summer on the Rocks go.
On Tuesday, Red Rocks kindled some hope, though, announcing that it would bring back fitness events in July. Spokesman Brian Kitts said while there are no plans yet for the return of full concerts, his team hopes to expand ways people can experience Red Rocks, from fitness activities and sunset hikes to the possibility of smaller concerts later in the summer.
If you go Tickets for Yoga on the Rocks, Quarantine 15 and SnowShape will be available starting July 1 at 10 a.m. at redrocksonline.com. A ticket for each class is $21, including fees. Space is limited for all events.
The venue also launched a new website and app with free, original videos, hoping to create new ways to connect with the beloved park during coronavirus restrictions.
RELATED: Red Rocks by the numbers for workout fanatics
“Like everybody else in the entertainment business, we’re doing everything we can to provide access,” Kitts told The Denver Post on Tuesday. “Shutting down an entire summer would break all of our hearts. For fans who want to experience just a little bit of Red Rocks, we’re trying really hard to let that happen.”
The venue has hosted Yoga on the Rocks for a decade, and will increase the number of fitness events for the 2020 season. Starting on July 10, yoga classes will be offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with multiple sessions per day. A new event, the Quarantine 15 Fitness Challenge, will be held every Saturday at 10 a.m. Plus, the SnowShape Winter Fitness Series will return in September ahead of the 2020-2021 ski season.
Red Rocks will offer more classes than it has in past seasons, aiming to provide opportunities for as many people as possible. Usually, the venue holds 2,000, but with coronavirus restrictions, it will only be able to accommodate 175 people at a time, Kitts said, and he anticipates that events will sell out.
To adhere to social distancing, participants will set up in alternating rows at place-markers. People must wear masks to enter the stadium but can remove them once they get settled at a spot.
Digitally, Red Rocks has launched a new website and mobile app, according to a press release. Kitts said the team had been looking to do online content even before the coronavirus, and now fans can experience a different side of Red Rocks concerts, from performances to interviews with bands.
The venue will produce a new series called “Trail Mix,” featuring acoustic performances filmed on the park’s trails, from artists including AJR, Big Wild and Caroline Rose, according to a press release.
“Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and other session content creators, Trail Mix and our additional Red Rocks original content is a love letter to our fans and the venue,” Josh Lenz, marketing and communications manager, said in the press release. “And while we might be on a bit of a hiatus this year recording new sessions, we promise there will be plenty more to come in 2021.”
Kitts emphasized this is the first step for the 2020 season, and as the situation evolves, he hopes to welcome people back for other small events and concerts.
But for now, fitness events are “a really unique way to experience Red Rocks first thing in the morning,” Kitts said. “It’s as beautiful as it gets.”
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.