thedenverpost--2020-07-09--Colorado governor stands firm against issuing statewide mask mandate

Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis declined Thursday to issue a statewide order mandating mask-wearing in public , despite increased calls for the state to intervene .
“ I don ’ t think there ’ s too many people sitting around saying , ‘ I ’ m not going to wear a mask until there ’ s some piece of paper , ” Polis said at a news conference .
But , he said he hasn ’ t ruled it out , either .
More than half of Colorado has face-covering ordinances , and officials estimate 70 % of Coloradans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough , the governor said .
Public health experts agree on the efficacy of masks in reducing transmission .
Polis said masks not only save lives but help the economy .
The state health department reported 409 new coronavirus infections on Thursday , bringing the total confirmed cases since March to 35,525 .
Most of the new cases were recorded in recent days .
An additional 37 people are confirmed to have died from COVID-19 , bringing the total deaths to 1,581 .
In all , 1,706 Coloradans have died with the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 also continues to increase , with the state ’ s hospitals treating 202 patients as of Thursday , according to the Colorado Hospital Association .
The jump in coronavirus infections is attributed to less social distancing as more parts of the state reopen .
In Colorado , a higher percentage of test results are coming back positive , meaning the jump in cases is not due to increased testing .
House Rep. Kyle Mullica , an emergency room nurse , would like to see a statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that masks save lives , that he strongly encourages ( wearing them ) , and if that ’ s the case , we should have a requirement in Colorado that we should wear masks out in public , ” Mullica , a Northglenn Democrat , said .
Last week , Polis ordered bars and nightclubs to close again , the first time the state has taken a step backward in the reopening process .
That ’ s why Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman now supports a regional mask mandate : “ Do we use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us or keep the economy from opening up and cause more suffering ?
” The Tri-County Health Department is drafting a mask mandate for Arapahoe , Douglas and Adams counties but has said individual communities can opt out .
Coffman said a patchwork of regulations won ’ t work .
He thinks the governor should issue a set of requirements for rural areas and others for urban and suburban areas .
Polis said part of the problem with a statewide mandate is the state ’ s inability to enforce regulations .
He cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders in March before changing his position .
Public health officials say cities and counties face the same problem .
They don ’ t have unlimited resources to enforce such regulations , either .
“ For most of us , really all of us , it ’ s going to be a 99.9 % educational effort , ” said John Douglas , Tri-County Health Department director .
Although Douglas understands the argument that conditions are different in different parts of the state , the hospital systems are connected .
When one reaches capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chana Goussetis , a Boulder County Public Health spokesperson , said the county is seeing an uptick in the number of people visiting its trails and open spaces , but many don ’ t bring masks , despite the county ’ s order .
“ A statewide mask order would make it a whole lot easier for the community , ” Goussetis said .
But Daniel Goldberg , a public health law and ethics professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , believes the downsides of a statewide mandate outweigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement difficulty but because of an erosion of trust .
He also sees the value in each county making its own decisions based on its residents and conditions .
“ I ’ m generally strongly in favor of localizing public health decision-making , especially in the face of a global health pandemic , ” he said .

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declined Thursday to issue a statewide order mandating mask-wearing in public, despite increased calls for the state to intervene.
“I don’t think there’s too many people sitting around saying, ‘I’m not going to wear a mask until there’s some piece of paper,” Polis said at a news conference.
But, he said he hasn’t ruled it out, either. More than half of Colorado has face-covering ordinances, and officials estimate 70% of Coloradans are wearing them. That’s not enough, the governor said.
Public health experts agree on the efficacy of masks in reducing transmission. Polis said masks not only save lives but help the economy.
“Wear a damn mask,” he said.
The state health department reported 409 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, bringing the total confirmed cases since March to 35,525. Most of the new cases were recorded in recent days. An additional 37 people are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, bringing the total deaths to 1,581. In all, 1,706 Coloradans have died with the disease in their system.
The number of people hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 also continues to increase, with the state’s hospitals treating 202 patients as of Thursday, according to the Colorado Hospital Association.
The jump in coronavirus infections is attributed to less social distancing as more parts of the state reopen. In Colorado, a higher percentage of test results are coming back positive, meaning the jump in cases is not due to increased testing.
House Rep. Kyle Mullica, an emergency room nurse, would like to see a statewide approach.
“The governor has said that masks save lives, that he strongly encourages (wearing them), and if that’s the case, we should have a requirement in Colorado that we should wear masks out in public,” Mullica, a Northglenn Democrat, said.
Last week, Polis ordered bars and nightclubs to close again, the first time the state has taken a step backward in the reopening process.
That’s why Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman now supports a regional mask mandate: “Do we use the least invasive tool in front of us or keep the economy from opening up and cause more suffering?”
The Tri-County Health Department is drafting a mask mandate for Arapahoe, Douglas and Adams counties but has said individual communities can opt out. Coffman said a patchwork of regulations won’t work. He thinks the governor should issue a set of requirements for rural areas and others for urban and suburban areas.
Polis said part of the problem with a statewide mandate is the state’s inability to enforce regulations. He cited the same issue in regard to lockdown orders in March before changing his position.
Public health officials say cities and counties face the same problem. They don’t have unlimited resources to enforce such regulations, either.
“For most of us, really all of us, it’s going to be a 99.9% educational effort,” said John Douglas, Tri-County Health Department director.
Although Douglas understands the argument that conditions are different in different parts of the state, the hospital systems are connected. When one reaches capacity, patients are transferred to other hospitals.
Chana Goussetis, a Boulder County Public Health spokesperson, said the county is seeing an uptick in the number of people visiting its trails and open spaces, but many don’t bring masks, despite the county’s order.
“A statewide mask order would make it a whole lot easier for the community,” Goussetis said.
But Daniel Goldberg, a public health law and ethics professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, believes the downsides of a statewide mandate outweigh the risks not only because of the enforcement difficulty but because of an erosion of trust. He also sees the value in each county making its own decisions based on its residents and conditions.
“I’m generally strongly in favor of localizing public health decision-making, especially in the face of a global health pandemic,” he said.
Reporter Jessica Seaman contributed to this story.


thedenverpost--2020-07-09--Two teens, 20-year-old woman shot to death in Denver in two separate incidents are identified

Two teenagers who were shot dead in the same Denver incident were identified Thursday , as was a woman who @ @ @ @ @ A surge of shootings and stabbings in early July puts Denver on track to have @ @ @ @ @ past decade .
Xzavier Collier , 14 , and Moses Chaney Harris , 15 , @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner .
Their bodies were discovered @ @ @ @ @ block of East Albrook Drive .
Their deaths are being investigated as homicides .
Also @ @ @ @ @ woman who was fatally shot in the 2500 block of West Eighth Avenue .
Kalani @ @ @ @ @ of multiple gunshot wounds , according to the coroner ’ s office .
Her death @ @ @ @ @ investigated as a homicide .
She died at the scene .
As of Thursday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ arrest in either case .

Two teenagers who were shot dead in the same Denver incident were identified Thursday, as was a woman who was fatally shot Tuesday.
A surge of shootings and stabbings in early July puts Denver on track to have its deadliest year in the past decade.
Xzavier Collier, 14, and Moses Chaney Harris, 15, both died of gunshots wounds, according to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner.
Their bodies were discovered Wednesday morning in the 12200 block of East Albrook Drive. Their deaths are being investigated as homicides.
Also identified on Thursday was a woman who was fatally shot in the 2500 block of West Eighth Avenue. Kalani Hayter, 20, died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the coroner’s office. Her death on Tuesday also is being investigated as a homicide. She died at the scene.
As of Thursday afternoon police had not made an arrest in either case.


thedenverpost--2020-07-09--Investigators once again search property of missing Chaffee County woman Suzanne Morphew

Authorities investigating the disappearance of a Chaffee County woman who went missing on Mother ’ s Day again searched her family ’ s property Thursday , looking for clues in the 2-month-old case .
Investigators — local , state and federal — involved in the search for 49-year-old Suzanne Morphew have followed-up on hundreds of tips and conducted multiple searches to locate her , according to a Thursday news release .
More than 600 tips have been called into a designated tip line .
“ This case remains very active , as more than a dozen investigators are aggressively working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze .
“ And until we determine what happened to Suzanne , we can ’ t discount any scenario or formally eliminate anyone from suspicion.
” A search and analysis of Morphew ’ s home and property west of Salida happened early in the investigation , around May 20 , and Spezze described the development as “ not unusual ” in a missing persons case .
Morphew was reported missing May 10 .
The sheriff ’ s office is being assisted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case .
No suspect has been arrested .
Anyone with information on Morphew ’ s disappearance is asked to call 719-312-7530 .

Authorities investigating the disappearance of a Chaffee County woman who went missing on Mother’s Day again searched her family’s property Thursday, looking for clues in the 2-month-old case.
Investigators — local, state and federal — involved in the search for 49-year-old Suzanne Morphew have followed-up on hundreds of tips and conducted multiple searches to locate her, according to a Thursday news release. More than 600 tips have been called into a designated tip line.
“This case remains very active, as more than a dozen investigators are aggressively working this case on a daily basis,” said Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze. “And until we determine what happened to Suzanne, we can’t discount any scenario or formally eliminate anyone from suspicion.”
A search and analysis of Morphew’s home and property west of Salida happened early in the investigation, around May 20, and Spezze described the development as “not unusual” in a missing persons case. Morphew was reported missing May 10.
The sheriff’s office is being assisted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the case. No suspect has been arrested.
Anyone with information on Morphew’s disappearance is asked to call 719-312-7530.


thedenverpost--2020-07-10--One injured in Longmont police shooting

One injured in Longmont police shooting

LONGMONT — One person was injured in a police shooting in Longmont around 1 a.m. Friday .
The Longmont Police @ @ @ @ @ information about what led up to the shooting , but said it occurred at an @ @ @ @ @ St. Read more from our partners at Denver7 .

Longmont police shot a man early Friday morning after he reportedly pulled a BB gun designed to look like a pistol on officers.
The man, who has only been identified as a 26-year-old Black man from Illinois, is in critical condition at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland after being airlifted from Longs Peak Hospital in Longmont.
According to a press release, police were called to an apartment complex at 600 Martin Street at 1:11 a.m. Friday for a man with a gun reportedly harassing a woman.
When police arrived, they saw the suspect and asked him to put his hands up and asked if he was armed. The man told police he was not armed and initially complied with orders.
But according to the release, as officers got closer the man pulled what appeared to be a pistol from his waistband and pointed it at officers.
Officers reportedly pulled their weapons and asked the man to put down his weapon, when one officer fired his handgun at the man.
Police said the man then ducked between two cars, and did not comply with more orders to put down the weapon. Another officer then fired a rifle at the man.
The release did not say whether one or both officers hit the man. No police were injured in the shooting.
The gun was later determined to be a pellet gun designed to look like a pistol, according to a release.
Both officers who fired have been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the Boulder County Critical Incident Team.
Longmont police are also investigating the alleged harassment incident that led to the initial call.


thedenverpost--2020-07-10--Denver weather: Hot through weekend

Denver weather: Hot through weekend

Summer weather is upon us and this weekend it will again be sunny and hot .
Friday ’ s high @ @ @ @ @ 100 degrees , according to the National Weather Service forecast .
Winds could gust up @ @ @ @ @ fire danger is a concern on Friday and it will continue through the weekend especially @ @ @ @ @ weather service said .
On Saturday Denver will have a slight cool down with a @ @ @ @ @ , the weather service said .
Skies will be sunny and the wind will gust @ @ @ @ @ Sunday in the city there ’ s a 20 % chance for afternoon showers and @ @ @ @ @ mostly sunny and the high temp should top out at 99 degrees .
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday thunderstorms mainly over the Eastern Plains .

Summer weather is upon us and this weekend it will again be sunny and hot.
Friday’s high temperature in Denver could hit 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service forecast. Winds could gust up to 18 mph.
Elevated fire danger is a concern on Friday and it will continue through the weekend especially over higher terrain, the weather service said.
On Saturday Denver will have a slight cool down with a high temperature of 94 degrees, the weather service said. Skies will be sunny and the wind will gust to about 20 mph.
Sunday in the city there’s a 20% chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. It will be mostly sunny and the high temp should top out at 99 degrees.
There’s a slight chance for Sunday thunderstorms mainly over the Eastern Plains.


thedenverpost--2020-07-10--Crowds grow at Denver International Airport: “Surprising how full the planes are”

Getting through security is a breeze .
The terminal and concourses are still eerily quiet for long stretches of the day .
And strange times have brought new amenities , including vending machines and kiosks that sell face masks .
But for all the signs of the coronavirus pandemic ’ s continuing disruption of air travel , crowds are quickly growing inside Denver International Airport — and aboard planes — as more people venture farther from home this summer .
“ It ’ s actually surprising how full the planes are , ” said Brieanna Martinez , as she waited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B this week for a connecting United flight back home to Washington state .
“ Because we ’ ve had so many flights that were canceled , you would think they wouldn ’ t be as full as they are .
Almost every seat was taken , ( including ) the majority of the middle ones.
” A tentative , partial air-travel rebound is well underway , even as daily COVID-19 case counts grow in several states , including Colorado .
Those trends introduce plenty of uncertainty — and just this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still-depressed business travel , announced tens of thousands of job cuts as it prepares for potential hiccups ahead .
While the United-dominated Concourse B was sparsely populated at DIA Tuesday afternoon amid a lull in flights , it was a different story over on Concourse C. Home to Southwest Airlines and smaller carriers , that concourse had a cluster of incoming and departing flights overlapping around 3 p.m. , resulting in foot traffic levels that would ’ ve seemed more typical before the pandemic .
The levels of vigilance displayed by passengers varied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverings , as now required by DIA for everyone inside its buildings and by airlines aboard planes .
But some removed them or lowered them while seated near gates , even if they were near other people .
Airlines have adjusted boarding policies to encourage 6-foot social distancing .
United is boarding rows in reverse order rather than by group ; Southwest is lining up 10 passengers at a time instead of calling up two groups of 30 concurrently .
DIA and airlines often provide disinfectant wipes to passengers as they enter planes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks , public health experts say .
Several passengers told The Denver Post they were mindful of them , especially as flying has become more cumbersome .
“ It ’ s definitely harder now because of the masks , and airports are still pretty congested , ” said Chuck Dahlman , 72 , who was returning home to Westminster after a trip to Las Vegas with his wife , Jan. “ Denver ’ s airport is pretty wide open .
Las Vegas , especially ( the Southwest terminal ) , it was pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she appreciated that Southwest , unlike some airlines , was still keeping middle seats unoccupied , except for families sitting together .
DIA is ahead of other big airports Air traffic through DIA is still anything but normal , with nearly 200,000 people passing through its security screening areas last week — down 65 % compared to the same week last year — to catch about half as many flights as usually scheduled .
But that was a significant improvement from early April , when the same checkpoint measures were down nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In fact , DIA , normally the nation ’ s fifth-busiest airport , is among those that have been recovering the fastest .
In June , its security-checkpoint counts , which largely reflect people starting their journeys here rather than connecting to another destination , were second only to those at Los Angeles International Airport , DIA says .
And it ranked third in the number of scheduled flights , behind Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta , as DIA ’ s extensive domestic connecting network has recovered more quickly than the international routes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expects more crowds this month , typically its busiest each year .
Leisure travel is surging as people take vacations and travel to visit family and friends .
Martinez , 37 , and her children traveled across the country last month to spend three weeks visiting her mother near Bangor , Maine .
Each direction required three flights , with unpredictable flight schedules resulting in changing plans , along with longer-than-usual layovers in Denver .
She was midway through an eight-hour wait between flights Tuesday afternoon , posted up at an empty unused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 , and Zoe , 6 , played on the carpet .
When they flew East in mid-June , their Denver stopover was 18 hours and required a hotel stay , she said .
“ We ’ ve been taking precautions and being very careful , ” Martinez said .
“ I told my mom , no touching — no hugs — until we get to the house and take showers , ” since they were coming from Washington , one of the early hot-spot states .
Wearing a mask for so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s hard to get her 3-year-old son to keep his on .
But she added : “ Everybody just has to understand , to travel you have to wear it.
” Maria Cantú and her family , headed home to Mexico City , wore masks but also took an extra step by donning ballcaps with drop-down plastic shields .
They ’ d been staying at their vacation home in Beaver Creek since early June .
The pandemic prompted them to head to Colorado earlier than usual for their typical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to head home as the Vail Valley was growing crowded , Cantú said .
Mexico also has begun relaxing its public health restrictions .
While wary of crowds , Cantú said fears were more about perception than reality .
She felt prepared .
“ Even if the plane is crowded , ” she said , “ I don ’ t think you feel unsafe.
” Post readers have frequently reported concerns about travelers and even airport employees not wearing masks .
DIA spokesperson Emily Williams said airport representatives nudge those without them and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they can ’ t monitor everyone in such a large space .
The airport has tried out different messaging on its video screens , taking a softer tack lately by calling mask-wearing “ the right thing to do.
” Another recent complaint centered on DIA ’ s disabling of water fountains , an inconvenience for thirsty travelers at night after most food stands have closed .
DIA ’ s aim is to reduce germ-spreading , and in that vein it also has turned off electric hand dryers in bathrooms .
The federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airplanes pose less of a health risk than they might appear .
But proximity is tight even in the best of circumstances , and the risks begin inside the airport — though DIA is trying to encourage social distancing at all steps and has installed 100 hand sanitizer dispensers .
“ Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals , which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces , ” the CDC says in its advisory on travel during the pandemic .
“ Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes .
However , social distancing is difficult on crowded flights , and you may have to sit near others ( within 6 feet ) , sometimes for hours .
“ This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
” The Dahlmans said they took the risks seriously but felt safe during their long weekend in Las Vegas .
It was a full-circle trip of sorts : They were staying at a casino there on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutdown of gambling , bars and restaurants .
This time , Sin City was different .
Casinos fearful of another state-ordered shutdown — Nevada ’ s case counts rose sharply in June — were strictly enforcing mask and social-distancing requirements , Jan Dahlman said , and hand sanitizer was widely available .
Chuck Dahlman said he wouldn ’ t hesitate to fly again , but Jan said they are taking extra precautions .
“ We will self-quarantine for probably 10 days from our grandchildren , ” she said .

Getting through security is a breeze. The terminal and concourses are still eerily quiet for long stretches of the day. And strange times have brought new amenities, including vending machines and kiosks that sell face masks.
But for all the signs of the coronavirus pandemic’s continuing disruption of air travel, crowds are quickly growing inside Denver International Airport — and aboard planes — as more people venture farther from home this summer.
“It’s actually surprising how full the planes are,” said Brieanna Martinez, as she waited with her two young children on Concourse B this week for a connecting United flight back home to Washington state. “Because we’ve had so many flights that were canceled, you would think they wouldn’t be as full as they are. Almost every seat was taken, (including) the majority of the middle ones.”
A tentative, partial air-travel rebound is well underway, even as daily COVID-19 case counts grow in several states, including Colorado. Those trends introduce plenty of uncertainty — and just this week, United Airlines, which relies heavily on still-depressed business travel, announced tens of thousands of job cuts as it prepares for potential hiccups ahead.
While the United-dominated Concourse B was sparsely populated at DIA Tuesday afternoon amid a lull in flights, it was a different story over on Concourse C.
Home to Southwest Airlines and smaller carriers, that concourse had a cluster of incoming and departing flights overlapping around 3 p.m., resulting in foot traffic levels that would’ve seemed more typical before the pandemic.
The levels of vigilance displayed by passengers varied. Well over 90% wore face coverings, as now required by DIA for everyone inside its buildings and by airlines aboard planes. But some removed them or lowered them while seated near gates, even if they were near other people.
Airlines have adjusted boarding policies to encourage 6-foot social distancing. United is boarding rows in reverse order rather than by group; Southwest is lining up 10 passengers at a time instead of calling up two groups of 30 concurrently. DIA and airlines often provide disinfectant wipes to passengers as they enter planes.
But those efforts leave plenty of risks, public health experts say. Several passengers told The Denver Post they were mindful of them, especially as flying has become more cumbersome.
“It’s definitely harder now because of the masks, and airports are still pretty congested,” said Chuck Dahlman, 72, who was returning home to Westminster after a trip to Las Vegas with his wife, Jan. “Denver’s airport is pretty wide open. Las Vegas, especially (the Southwest terminal), it was pretty congested.”
Jan Dahlman, 74, said she appreciated that Southwest, unlike some airlines, was still keeping middle seats unoccupied, except for families sitting together.
DIA is ahead of other big airports
Air traffic through DIA is still anything but normal, with nearly 200,000 people passing through its security screening areas last week — down 65% compared to the same week last year — to catch about half as many flights as usually scheduled.
But that was a significant improvement from early April, when the same checkpoint measures were down nearly 95%, according to the airport. In fact, DIA, normally the nation’s fifth-busiest airport, is among those that have been recovering the fastest.
In June, its security-checkpoint counts, which largely reflect people starting their journeys here rather than connecting to another destination, were second only to those at Los Angeles International Airport, DIA says. And it ranked third in the number of scheduled flights, behind Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta, as DIA’s extensive domestic connecting network has recovered more quickly than the international routes relied upon by coastal hubs.
DIA expects more crowds this month, typically its busiest each year. Leisure travel is surging as people take vacations and travel to visit family and friends.
Martinez, 37, and her children traveled across the country last month to spend three weeks visiting her mother near Bangor, Maine. Each direction required three flights, with unpredictable flight schedules resulting in changing plans, along with longer-than-usual layovers in Denver.
She was midway through an eight-hour wait between flights Tuesday afternoon, posted up at an empty unused gate area in B while Sebastian, 3, and Zoe, 6, played on the carpet. When they flew East in mid-June, their Denver stopover was 18 hours and required a hotel stay, she said.
“We’ve been taking precautions and being very careful,” Martinez said. “I told my mom, no touching — no hugs — until we get to the house and take showers,” since they were coming from Washington, one of the early hot-spot states.
Wearing a mask for so long while traveling is uncomfortable, she said, and it’s hard to get her 3-year-old son to keep his on. But she added: “Everybody just has to understand, to travel you have to wear it.”
Maria Cantú and her family, headed home to Mexico City, wore masks but also took an extra step by donning ballcaps with drop-down plastic shields.
They’d been staying at their vacation home in Beaver Creek since early June. The pandemic prompted them to head to Colorado earlier than usual for their typical summer mountain stay, but they decided to head home as the Vail Valley was growing crowded, Cantú said. Mexico also has begun relaxing its public health restrictions.
While wary of crowds, Cantú said fears were more about perception than reality. She felt prepared.
“Even if the plane is crowded,” she said, “I don’t think you feel unsafe.”
More inconveniences amid health risks
Post readers have frequently reported concerns about travelers and even airport employees not wearing masks. DIA spokesperson Emily Williams said airport representatives nudge those without them and ask employees to police each other, but they can’t monitor everyone in such a large space.
The airport has tried out different messaging on its video screens, taking a softer tack lately by calling mask-wearing “the right thing to do.”
Another recent complaint centered on DIA’s disabling of water fountains, an inconvenience for thirsty travelers at night after most food stands have closed. DIA’s aim is to reduce germ-spreading, and in that vein it also has turned off electric hand dryers in bathrooms.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says airplanes pose less of a health risk than they might appear. But proximity is tight even in the best of circumstances, and the risks begin inside the airport — though DIA is trying to encourage social distancing at all steps and has installed 100 hand sanitizer dispensers.
“Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces,” the CDC says in its advisory on travel during the pandemic. “Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and you may have to sit near others (within 6 feet), sometimes for hours.
“This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.”
The Dahlmans said they took the risks seriously but felt safe during their long weekend in Las Vegas. It was a full-circle trip of sorts: They were staying at a casino there on March 17 when the Nevada governor ordered the shutdown of gambling, bars and restaurants.
This time, Sin City was different. Casinos fearful of another state-ordered shutdown — Nevada’s case counts rose sharply in June — were strictly enforcing mask and social-distancing requirements, Jan Dahlman said, and hand sanitizer was widely available.
Chuck Dahlman said he wouldn’t hesitate to fly again, but Jan said they are taking extra precautions.
“We will self-quarantine for probably 10 days from our grandchildren,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-07-10--These past Rockies would have had huge 60-game seasons

The MLB ’ s shortened 2020 season is approaching and with it will come some crazy end-of-the-year stats .
Will we see the first batting champion to hit .400 since Ted Williams in 1941 ?
How about a pitcher who could approach Bob Gibson ’ s ridiculous 1.12 earned-run average in 1968 ?
Digging through the Rockies ’ statistics over the years in baseball-reference.com , we took a look at how some Colorado players would have had astronomical numbers if their season lasted just 60 games .
And , like Voltron , we combined them into one super Rockies team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Statistics go through the team ’ s first 60 games of the season , not the player ’ s .
This excludes middle-of-the-season runs , like Carlos Gonzalez ’ s in 2010 where his slash was .398/.437/.766 with 18 home runs from games 72-131 .
Players must reach the minimum requirements to qualify for the batting or ERA titles ( unless they ’ re a relief pitcher ) .
This means 3.1 plate appearances per game ( or 186 for the year ) and 60 innings pitched for the season .
This excludes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : .355/.426/.674 ) , Todd Hollandsworth in 2001 ( .368/.408/.667 ) and Marvin Freeman in 1994 ( 5-1 record , 3.09 ERA ) .
Here are the results : The Rockies have had so many platoon catchers over the years , it proved difficult to find many who reached the minimum plate appearances requirement .
Johnson did barely ( 176 ) and totaled the biggest number of homers Helton had monster years from 2000-02 , but this was by far his best .
The Toddfather flirted with batting .400 and had an astonishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this list .
Honorable Mention : Andres Galarraga ( 1997 ) — .338/.418/.626 with 16 homers and 66 RBIs .
His thrilling 1993 campaign had the numbers ( .409/.437/.649 ) but fell short of the plate appearance requirements by just three .
The speedy Young scored a run in just about every game and with good reason .
He .430 on-base percentage from the leadoff spot gave the Blake Street Bombers plenty to feast on further down the lineup .
Tulo only played 91 games in 2014 but thankfully for our list ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of them .
This edges out his 2013 season when he had a .349/.412/.651 slash with 15 homers .
Arenado ’ s best start came in his most recent season .
The Rockies ’ perennial all-star clobbered 16 dingers and totaled 54 RBIs .
It ’ s also worth noting that he committed just three errors by this point .
If 1997 was a video game , someone needed to turn up the difficulty level for Walker .
Just mind-boggling numbers across the board .
This was the future Hall of Famer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( .353/.452/.700 and 19 homers ) would ’ ve easily made this list , too .
In the hardest position to sort out , we start with CarGo ’ s best season start in his Rockies career .
Plus he earned a Gold Glove this year , so that helped seal the deal .
The final spot in the star-studded outfield cast goes to Burks , who just edges out 2017 Charlie Blackmon and 2007 Matt Holliday .
All three had similar numbers , but Burks had the edge in stolen bases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who recorded a no-hitter in Rockies history .
Jimenez was untouchable in his first 12 starts , notching an unfathomable 0.93 ERA and notching 11 wins .
Before he was considered the biggest free agency bust in Rockies history , Hampton jumped out to a strong start in Colorado , even earning a spot on the all-star team .
And who needs a designated hitter when your pitcher hits .278 with a .611 slugging percentage and four homers ?
The sinkerballer was one of the bright spots on a 2008 Rockies squad that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaching the World Series the year before .
The Greeley-raised right-hander earned an all-star spot for his first-half performance .
We finish with Chacin who had the best opposing split among the finalists .
His record may not have the best , but it ’ s hard to fault him him for his lack of a strong supporting cast .
Holland played out of his mind in his one and only season in Colorado — for the first half of the season , at least .
He went a perfect 21-for-21 in save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fill this role .
There are plenty of worthy options , but no one was quite as dominant as Ottavino was in 2018 .
He allowed a .092 batting average and had an astounding 14.29 strikeouts per nine innings .
Honorable mentions : Too many to name .
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The MLB’s shortened 2020 season is approaching and with it will come some crazy end-of-the-year stats. Will we see the first batting champion to hit .400 since Ted Williams in 1941? How about a pitcher who could approach Bob Gibson’s ridiculous 1.12 earned-run average in 1968?
Digging through the Rockies’ statistics over the years in baseball-reference.com, we took a look at how some Colorado players would have had astronomical numbers if their season lasted just 60 games. And, like Voltron, we combined them into one super Rockies team. But first, the rules:
Statistics go through the team’s first 60 games of the season, not the player’s.
This excludes middle-of-the-season runs, like Carlos Gonzalez’s in 2010 where his slash was .398/.437/.766 with 18 home runs from games 72-131.
Players must reach the minimum requirements to qualify for the batting or ERA titles (unless they’re a relief pitcher).
This means 3.1 plate appearances per game (or 186 for the year) and 60 innings pitched for the season. This excludes Jeffrey Hammonds in 2000 (slash line: .355/.426/.674),Todd Hollandsworth in 2001 (.368/.408/.667) and Marvin Freeman in 1994 (5-1 record, 3.09 ERA).
Here are the results:
Catcher: Charles Johnson (2004)
Stats: 48 games, .263 batting average, .360 on-base percentage, .545 slugging percentage, 13 doubles, 10 homers, 27 runs batted in.
The Rockies have had so many platoon catchers over the years, it proved difficult to find many who reached the minimum plate appearances requirement. Johnson did barely (176) and totaled the biggest number of homers
First Base: Todd Helton (2000)
Stats: 58 games, .392/.486/.741, 83 hits, 60 runs, 19 doubles, 17 homers, 57 RBIs.
Helton had monster years from 2000-02, but this was by far his best. The Toddfather flirted with batting .400 and had an astonishing .741 sluggling percentage, the second-highest on this list.
Honorable Mention: Andres Galarraga (1997) — .338/.418/.626 with 16 homers and 66 RBIs. His thrilling 1993 campaign had the numbers (.409/.437/.649) but fell short of the plate appearance requirements by just three.
Second Base: Eric Young Sr. (1996)
Stats: 43 games, .335/.430/.473, 56 hits, 41 runs, 12 doubles, 22 RBIs, 18 stolen bases.
The speedy Young scored a run in just about every game and with good reason. He .430 on-base percentage from the leadoff spot gave the Blake Street Bombers plenty to feast on further down the lineup.
Honorable mention: DJ LeMahieu (2015) — .349/.397/.448 with 74 hits and 29 RBIs.
Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (2014)
Stats: 57 games, .358/.453/.689, 69 hits, 14 doubles, 16 homers, 41 RBIs.
Tulo only played 91 games in 2014 but thankfully for our list’s purpose, he made the most out of them. This edges out his 2013 season when he had a .349/.412/.651 slash with 15 homers.
Honorable mention: Trevor Story (2019) — .293/.363/.552 with 15 homers and 43 RBIs.
Third base: Nolan Arenado (2019)
Stats: 59 games, .343/.392/.628, 82 hits, 48 runs, 16 doubles, 16 homers, 54 RBIs.
Arenado’s best start came in his most recent season. The Rockies’ perennial all-star clobbered 16 dingers and totaled 54 RBIs. It’s also worth noting that he committed just three errors by this point.
Honorable mention: Vinny Castilla (1998) — .291/.340/.603 with 22 homers and 58 RBIs.
Outfielder: Larry Walker (1997)
Stats: 58 games, .417/.514/.787, 90 hits, 61 runs, 20 doubles, 3 triples, 18 homers, 52 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.
If 1997 was a video game, someone needed to turn up the difficulty level for Walker. Just mind-boggling numbers across the board. This was the future Hall of Famer at his best. His 2001 numbers (.353/.452/.700 and 19 homers) would’ve easily made this list, too.
Outfielder: Carlos Gonzalez (2013)
Stats: 58 games, .313/.393/.625, 70 hits, 49 runs, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 17 homers, 42 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.
In the hardest position to sort out, we start with CarGo’s best season start in his Rockies career. Plus he earned a Gold Glove this year, so that helped seal the deal.
Dante Bichette
1996: 60 games, 270 PA, 242 AB, 81 hits, 50 runs, 15 2B, 2 3B, 9 HR, 55 RBI, .335 BA, .385 OBP, .525 SLG
Outfielder: Ellis Burks (1996)
Stats: 58 games, .341/.419/.594, 78 hits, 53 runs, 16 doubles, 3 triples, 12 homers, 46 RBIs and 11 stolen bases.
The final spot in the star-studded outfield cast goes to Burks, who just edges out 2017 Charlie Blackmon and 2007 Matt Holliday. All three had similar numbers, but Burks had the edge in stolen bases.
Honorable mentions: Dante Bichette (1996) — .335/.385/.525; Charlie Blackmon (2017) — .331/.370/.608; Michael Cuddyer (2013) — .343/.399/.609; Brad Hawpe (2009) — .332/.407/.598; Matt Hollida (2007) — .361/.395/.607; Preston Wilson (2003) — .303/.367/.583.
Starting pitcher: Ubaldo Jimenez (2010)
Stats: 11-1 record in 12 starts, 87.1 innings pitched, 52 hits, 9 earned runs, 29 walks, 78 strikeouts, 0.93 ERA, opposing split .176/.257/.254.
We start off with the only man who recorded a no-hitter in Rockies history. Jimenez was untouchable in his first 12 starts, notching an unfathomable 0.93 ERA and notching 11 wins.
Starting pitcher: Mike Hampton (2001)
Stats: 8-2 record in 12 starts, 85 IP, 83 hits, 27 ERs, 27 BBs, 50 K’s, 2.86 ERA, opposing split .262/.325/.391.
Before he was considered the biggest free agency bust in Rockies history, Hampton jumped out to a strong start in Colorado, even earning a spot on the all-star team. And who needs a designated hitter when your pitcher hits .278 with a .611 slugging percentage and four homers?
Starting pitcher: Aaron Cook (2008)
Stats: 8-3 record in 13 starts, 91 IP, 86 hits, 32 ERs, 24 BBs, 44 K’s, 3.16 ERA, opposing split .258/.310/.399.
The sinkerballer was one of the bright spots on a 2008 Rockies squad that failed to live up to expectations after reaching the World Series the year before.
Starting pitcher: Shawn Chacon (2003)
Stats: 8-2 record in 12 starts, 76.2 IP, 66 hits, 27 ERs, 27 BBs, 53 K’s, 3.17 ERA, opposing split .233/.311/.350.
The Greeley-raised right-hander earned an all-star spot for his first-half performance.
Starting pitcher: Jhoulys Chacin (2011)
Stats: 6-4 record in 12 starts, 79 IP, 60 hits, 28 ERs, 29 BBs, 65 K’s, 3.19 ERA, opposing split .207/.280/.355.
We finish with Chacin who had the best opposing split among the finalists. His record may not have the best, but it’s hard to fault him him for his lack of a strong supporting cast.
Honorable mentions: Pedro Astacio (1997) — 3.51 ERA; Roger Bailey (1997) — 3.31 ERA; Tyler Chatwood (2016) — 2.79 ERA; Jorge De La Rosa (2013) — 3.10 ERA; Jeff Francis (2006) — 3.86 ERA; Kyle Freeland (2017) — 3.53 ERA; Jordan Lyles (2014) — 3.52 ERA; Kevin Ritz (1995) — 3.58 ERA; Antonio Senzatela (2017) — 3.56 ERA.
Closer: Greg Holland (2017)
Stats: 21 saves in 23 games, 21.2 IP, 10 hits, 3 ERs, 7 BBs, 30 K’s, 1.25 ERA, opposing split .139/.215/.194.
Holland played out of his mind in his one and only season in Colorado — for the first half of the season, at least. He went a perfect 21-for-21 in save opportunities. No one better than than to fill this role.
Honorable mentions: Wade Davis (2018) — 19 saves, 3.33 ERA; Brian Fuentes (2006) — 12 saves, 1.52 ERA; Jose Jimenez (2002) — 16 saves, 2.10 ERA.
Reliever: Adam Ottavino (2018)
Stats: 27 games, 28.1 IP, 8 hits, 3 ERs, 10 BBs, 45 K’s, 0.95 ERA, opposing split .092/.202/.138.
There are plenty of worthy options, but no one was quite as dominant as Ottavino was in 2018. He allowed a .092 batting average and had an astounding 14.29 strikeouts per nine innings.
Honorable mentions: Too many to name.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
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thedenverpost--2020-07-10--Rockies Insider: Reminiscing about the playing careers of Colorado’s coaching staff

Bud Black ’ s exploits as a player are fairly well-known to Rockies fans , as the southpaw-turned-manager pitched in the majors from 1981 to 1995 and won the 1985 World Series with the Royals .
How does Black ’ s playing career stack up against the rest of the Rockies ’ staff ?
Here ’ s a look at the professional careers of all eight Colorado coaches .
While Black won 121 games and accumulated a 3.84 ERA over 15 seasons , he ’ s not the only the only one on the staff with a decade-plus service time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in the big leagues as a corner infielder for the Mets and six other teams .
He slashed .288/.390/.377 over his career with 42 homers .
And bench coach Mike Redmond was also a big-league veteran , playing 13 seasons , mostly between the Marlins and Twins .
He slashed .287/.342/.358 and averaged one homer per year , and was a backup to Ivan Rodriguez on Florida ’ s 2003 title team .
Pitching coach Steve Foster and assistant hitting coach Jeff Salazar didn ’ t have near the longevity of Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both made a splash in the big leagues .
Foster made his debut in August of 1991 for the Reds and pitched across three seasons for Cincinnati .
The right-handed reliever posted a 2.41 ERA in 59 games ( one start ) before his career was derailed by a shoulder injury .
Meanwhile , Salazar made his MLB debut for the Rockies in September 2006 and the outfielder played parts of seasons in Arizona ( 2007 and 2008 ) and Pittsburgh ( 2009 ) .
Bullpen coach Darryl Scott , first base coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cole all played professionally but didn ’ t have any lasting success at the big-league level , if they got there at all .
Scott , a right-hander , pitched one season for the California Angels in 1993 , posting a 5.85 ERA in 16 relief appearances .
The left-handed Gideon was a two-way player as a first baseman and reliever in the Phillies ’ and Mets ’ systems , but never cracked higher than Double-A .
As for Cole , the middle infielder played nine games for the Royals in 1991 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like what you ’ re reading ?
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Read more… Matt Kemp out to prove he ’ s still got it with the Rockies : “ I can play baseball at a high level.
” During an intrasquad scrimmage at Coors on Wednesday , Kemp ripped two hits off the right-center field wall against right-hander German Marquez , Colorado ’ s best pitcher .
Read more… If Sam Hilliard becomes Charlie Blackmon 2.0 , Rockies are in good shape Start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Add two inches of height and about 15 pounds of muscle .
Now , take away seven years of big-league experience , trim the mullet , shave off the gnarly beard and what have you got ?
Answer : Rockies rookie outfielder Sam Hilliard , a 26-year-old left-handed power hitter with good speed who enters the shortened 2020 season with lofty expectations .
Read more… + Nolan Arenado Q & A : Rockies star on love of game , coronavirus , feud with front office and expectations for 60-game season + Rockies podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s chances to contend in 60-game 2020 + Rockies Mailbag : Will Sam Hilliard or Brendan Rodgers make a big splash in 2020 ?
+ Rockies release 2021 schedule , will open season at Coors Field for first time in a decade + Door remains open for Rockies fans to attend games at Coors Field + Ubaldo Jimenez surprised Rockies cut him loose , does not plan to retire + Rockies : Teams that handle coronavirus best have best chance to win in 2020 + Rockies 2020 schedule opens on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Field If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at jbailey @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ beetbailey .

Bud Black’s exploits as a player are fairly well-known to Rockies fans, as the southpaw-turned-manager pitched in the majors from 1981 to 1995 and won the 1985 World Series with the Royals.
How does Black’s playing career stack up against the rest of the Rockies’ staff? Here’s a look at the professional careers of all eight Colorado coaches.
Longtime big-leaguers
While Black won 121 games and accumulated a 3.84 ERA over 15 seasons, he’s not the only the only one on the staff with a decade-plus service time. Hitting coach Dave Magadan spent 16 years in the big leagues as a corner infielder for the Mets and six other teams. He slashed .288/.390/.377 over his career with 42 homers. And bench coach Mike Redmond was also a big-league veteran, playing 13 seasons, mostly between the Marlins and Twins. He slashed .287/.342/.358 and averaged one homer per year, and was a backup to Ivan Rodriguez on Florida’s 2003 title team.
They made a splash
Pitching coach Steve Foster and assistant hitting coach Jeff Salazar didn’t have near the longevity of Black, Magadan or Redmond, but they both made a splash in the big leagues. Foster made his debut in August of 1991 for the Reds and pitched across three seasons for Cincinnati. The right-handed reliever posted a 2.41 ERA in 59 games (one start) before his career was derailed by a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Salazar made his MLB debut for the Rockies in September 2006 and the outfielder played parts of seasons in Arizona (2007 and 2008) and Pittsburgh (2009).
Blips on pro ball’s radar
Bullpen coach Darryl Scott, first base coach Ronnie Gideon and third base coach Stu Cole all played professionally but didn’t have any lasting success at the big-league level, if they got there at all. Scott, a right-hander, pitched one season for the California Angels in 1993, posting a 5.85 ERA in 16 relief appearances. The left-handed Gideon was a two-way player as a first baseman and reliever in the Phillies’ and Mets’ systems, but never cracked higher than Double-A. As for Cole, the middle infielder played nine games for the Royals in 1991, recording one hit and two walks.
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
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Must-Read
In these uncertain, often-disconcerting times to be a pro athlete, a die-hard sports fan or merely a human being trying to get through another tough day, this happy Gray Wolf is about the best thing I’ve seen in sports all year. Read more…
During an intrasquad scrimmage at Coors on Wednesday, Kemp ripped two hits off the right-center field wall against right-hander German Marquez, Colorado’s best pitcher. Read more…
Start with 6-foot-3, 221-pound Charlie Blackmon. Add two inches of height and about 15 pounds of muscle. Now, take away seven years of big-league experience, trim the mullet, shave off the gnarly beard and what have you got?
Answer: Rockies rookie outfielder Sam Hilliard, a 26-year-old left-handed power hitter with good speed who enters the shortened 2020 season with lofty expectations. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Nolan Arenado Q&A: Rockies star on love of game, coronavirus, feud with front office and expectations for 60-game season
+ Rockies podcast: Answering questions big and small about Colorado’s chances to contend in 60-game 2020
+ Rockies Mailbag: Will Sam Hilliard or Brendan Rodgers make a big splash in 2020?
+ Rockies release 2021 schedule, will open season at Coors Field for first time in a decade
+ Door remains open for Rockies fans to attend games at Coors Field
+ Ubaldo Jimenez surprised Rockies cut him loose, does not plan to retire
+ Rockies’ Carlos Estevez poised for big leap forward in 2020
+ Rockies: Teams that handle coronavirus best have best chance to win in 2020
+ Rockies 2020 schedule opens on July 24 against the Rangers at Globe Life Field
+ Newman: MLB’s COVID-19 testing stumbles to start summer camp a red flag for 2020 season
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.com or tweet me @beetbailey.


thedenverpost--2020-07-10--No more busy signal. Virtual agent to answer Colorado unemployment calls beginning next week

Starting Wednesday , a machine will be answering the Colorado unemployment office ’ s customer support line , and busy signals will be a thing of the past .
For those who want to speak with a person , patience still will be part of the equation .
The state will launch its new “ virtual agent ” system after the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment ’ s perpetually over-stressed call center closes Tuesday afternoon , Jeff Fitzgerald , the chief of the state unemployment program , said Thursday .
Created through a partnership with Google at a cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — accessible by calling the customer service line ( 303-318-9000 in metro Denver , 800-388-5515 outside of Denver ) or by visiting ColoradoUi.gov — will be available 24 hours a day .
It will be able to answer general questions on topics including work search requirements and reopening claims .
If the automated system can ’ t help a caller , it will allow them to schedule a callback from an unemployment office staffer as long as the caller can make themselves available during a two-hour window , Fitzgerald said .
The pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-employed people , gig economy workers and others , will not use the new technology .
“ It provides equity for folks getting in .
It also provides time certainty on getting their needs met , ” Fitzgerald said .
More than 617,000 Coloradans have filed unemployment claims since mid March amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Weekly claims numbers have begun to level off — 7,727 people filed for state benefits last week , the lowest total since March 14 — but the unprecedented spike in need has more than overwhelmed the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on average , 8,000 calls go unanswered each weekday .
State officials have emphasized the importance of technology — online how-to videos , an automated chatbot on the website — in meeting the demand .
The virtual agent system is employed in several other states , Fitzgerald said .
Once the technology is better integrated with the state ’ s system in mid-August , it will be able to provide callers with specific answers to some claims questions .
Fitzgerald expects the virtual agent will eventually be able to handle more than 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged it will take the new system time to catch up .
He expects that in the early going , callback schedules will fill up quickly , just as the schedule for in-person meetings in the labor department ’ s lobby have .
He hopes that frustration will be short-lived .
People relying on state benefits to survive during the pandemic have been sounding the alarm for months about how hard it is to reach someone at the unemployment call center .
A spokesman for Gov .
Jared Polis this week lauded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the face of skyrocketing needs .
“ The department has successfully paid unemployment benefits to more than 500,000 hardworking Coloradans and the staff is working around the clock to help people who have questions about their claims , ” spokesman Conor Cahill wrote in an email .
“ They have hired staff , automated processes and next week will implement a new solution that will help address the call center volume even further.
” State Sen. Chris Hansen , D-Denver , worked with the labor department on a bill passed in the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of aspects of the unemployment insurance program including greatly increasing the amount employers pay into the unemployment trust fund in the future .
Hansen said he has helped hundreds of constituents who have reached out for help with their claims and is aware of how hard it has been for many to reach someone at the call center this spring and summer .
“ I would say by any reasonable measure its behind , ” Hansen said .
“ We should not have those long of wait times , and the department knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant new resources to bear .
”

Starting Wednesday, a machine will be answering the Colorado unemployment office’s customer support line, and busy signals will be a thing of the past. For those who want to speak with a person, patience still will be part of the equation.
The state will launch its new “virtual agent” system after the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s perpetually over-stressed call center closes Tuesday afternoon, Jeff Fitzgerald, the chief of the state unemployment program, said Thursday.
Created through a partnership with Google at a cost of $680,000, the virtual agent — accessible by calling the customer service line (303-318-9000 in metro Denver, 800-388-5515 outside of Denver) or by visiting ColoradoUi.gov — will be available 24 hours a day.
It will be able to answer general questions on topics including work search requirements and reopening claims. If the automated system can’t help a caller, it will allow them to schedule a callback from an unemployment office staffer as long as the caller can make themselves available during a two-hour window, Fitzgerald said. The pandemic unemployment assistance call center, which serves self-employed people, gig economy workers and others, will not use the new technology.
“It provides equity for folks getting in. It also provides time certainty on getting their needs met,” Fitzgerald said.
More than 617,000 Coloradans have filed unemployment claims since mid March amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Weekly claims numbers have begun to level off — 7,727 people filed for state benefits last week, the lowest total since March 14 — but the unprecedented spike in need has more than overwhelmed the state’s call center, where, on average, 8,000 calls go unanswered each weekday.
State officials have emphasized the importance of technology — online how-to videos, an automated chatbot on the website — in meeting the demand. The virtual agent system is employed in several other states, Fitzgerald said. Once the technology is better integrated with the state’s system in mid-August, it will be able to provide callers with specific answers to some claims questions. Fitzgerald expects the virtual agent will eventually be able to handle more than 50% of call center demand.
Fitzgerald acknowledged it will take the new system time to catch up. He expects that in the early going, callback schedules will fill up quickly, just as the schedule for in-person meetings in the labor department’s lobby have. He hopes that frustration will be short-lived.
People relying on state benefits to survive during the pandemic have been sounding the alarm for months about how hard it is to reach someone at the unemployment call center. A spokesman for Gov. Jared Polis this week lauded the work labor department officials have done in the face of skyrocketing needs.
“The department has successfully paid unemployment benefits to more than 500,000 hardworking Coloradans and the staff is working around the clock to help people who have questions about their claims,” spokesman Conor Cahill wrote in an email. “They have hired staff, automated processes and next week will implement a new solution that will help address the call center volume even further.”
State Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, worked with the labor department on a bill passed in the 2020 legislative session the will reform a number of aspects of the unemployment insurance program including greatly increasing the amount employers pay into the unemployment trust fund in the future.
Hansen said he has helped hundreds of constituents who have reached out for help with their claims and is aware of how hard it has been for many to reach someone at the call center this spring and summer.
“I would say by any reasonable measure its behind,” Hansen said. “We should not have those long of wait times, and the department knows that. And the department has brought significant new resources to bear.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-10--Why is it so hot on the Front Range this week?

Even for mid-summer standards , it ’ s been an exceptionally hot start to July across Colorado and the Front Range .
Including Thursday , Denver hit 90 degrees or above in eight of July ’ s first nine days , and was running more than four degrees above average so far this month .
Statewide , temperatures were generally running a few degrees above average , especially across eastern and southern parts of Colorado .
And this is likely just the start of a prolonged , long-lived period of searing heat for both Colorado and along the Front Range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 90s and 100s across Colorado ’ s lower elevations through the weekend and into early next week , potentially threatening daily records , even during what ’ s typically the hottest time of the year .
But what stands out about this heat isn ’ t necessarily the individual daily temperatures themselves .
Rather , it ’ s the longevity of the heat wave that makes this a more unusual event .
Denver ’ s longest 90-degree streak on record is a 24-day streak back in 2012 , according to data from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There have only been 10 different 90-plus streaks of two weeks or longer in Denver ’ s recorded history , and this current heat wave could well snap that stretch .
For context , Denver ’ s average high for this time of the year is 89 degrees .
And a similar story is in place across much of the rest of the state as well , though temperatures have been slightly cooler as compared to normal in the mountains .
The Climate Prediction Center ( CPC ) 6-10 and 8-14 day outlooks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ( though with a hotter lean to the southern and eastern portions of the state ) into the middle to even end part of the month .
The primary driver behind this long-lived heat wave is a persistent weather pattern .
A deep ridge of high pressure remains anchored over the southwestern U.S. , driving in sinking air that warms and dries as it falls .
Over a prolonged time period , that same ridge leads to more hot and dry air , while simultaneously blocking any chances of meaningful precipitation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s north , meaning there aren ’ t any significant steering currents that could really alter the current pattern .
In other words , there ’ s nothing really that can push along the current stagnant pattern , leaving it in place over the long term .
That ridge of high pressure is driving an exceptionally dry air layer from the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere and down towards the surface .
That was recorded in Wednesday morning ’ s sampling of the atmosphere from a weather balloon launched by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record dry air mass sitting over the Front Range .
That could all have temperatures running well above average through the end of the month .
Buckle up : the current heat wave isn ’ t going anywhere anytime soon .

Even for mid-summer standards, it’s been an exceptionally hot start to July across Colorado and the Front Range.
Including Thursday, Denver hit 90 degrees or above in eight of July’s first nine days, and was running more than four degrees above average so far this month. Statewide, temperatures were generally running a few degrees above average, especially across eastern and southern parts of Colorado.
And this is likely just the start of a prolonged, long-lived period of searing heat for both Colorado and along the Front Range.
Temperatures are expected to stay in the 90s and 100s across Colorado’s lower elevations through the weekend and into early next week, potentially threatening daily records, even during what’s typically the hottest time of the year. But what stands out about this heat isn’t necessarily the individual daily temperatures themselves. Rather, it’s the longevity of the heat wave that makes this a more unusual event.
Denver’s longest 90-degree streak on record is a 24-day streak back in 2012, according to data from the National Weather Service in Boulder. There have only been 10 different 90-plus streaks of two weeks or longer in Denver’s recorded history, and this current heat wave could well snap that stretch.
For context, Denver’s average high for this time of the year is 89 degrees. And a similar story is in place across much of the rest of the state as well, though temperatures have been slightly cooler as compared to normal in the mountains.
Most Colorado plains locations running 3-4° above average so far this month. Denver 4.2° above average, through yesterday. Cool nights (including this morning) helping keep mountain readings more in check.#COwx pic.twitter.com/uhe6l3yBZD — Chris Bianchi (@BianchiWeather) July 8, 2020
The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) 6-10 and 8-14 day outlooks show temperatures staying well above average throughout Colorado (though with a hotter lean to the southern and eastern portions of the state) into the middle to even end part of the month.
The primary driver behind this long-lived heat wave is a persistent weather pattern. A deep ridge of high pressure remains anchored over the southwestern U.S., driving in sinking air that warms and dries as it falls. Over a prolonged time period, that same ridge leads to more hot and dry air, while simultaneously blocking any chances of meaningful precipitation.
The jet stream is far to Colorado’s north, meaning there aren’t any significant steering currents that could really alter the current pattern. In other words, there’s nothing really that can push along the current stagnant pattern, leaving it in place over the long term.
That ridge of high pressure is driving an exceptionally dry air layer from the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere and down towards the surface. That was recorded in Wednesday morning’s sampling of the atmosphere from a weather balloon launched by the National Weather Service, which recorded a record dry air mass sitting over the Front Range.
That could all have temperatures running well above average through the end of the month. Buckle up: the current heat wave isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.


thedenverpost--2020-07-10--Accountability key for CU Buffs as they deal with COVID-19: “Everybody on this team wants to play”

Dimitri Stanley doesn ’ t have much say in whether or not the CU Buffs football team gets to play this fall .
Still , the sophomore wide receiver is doing everything in his power to make it happen .
“ We ’ re keeping ourselves accountable , ” the Cherry Creek grad said .
“ I ’ m even telling players , ‘ If you ’ ve gone out of state man , stay away from me.
’ ” In a video news conference Thursday , Stanley said players have been taking advantage of voluntary workouts , using masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all in an attempt to do their part to ensure a football season this year .
“ We ’ ve been harping on kind of keeping to yourself a little more , ” he said .
“ And not putting yourself in those situations , just staying away from big crowds , not having random strangers coming over to your house and all that .
The team has been doing a really good job holding those players accountable.
” In addition to the team ’ s internal crackdown on post-practice interactions , Stanley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good job following quarantine rules as well .
It hasn ’ t been hard to convince teammates social distancing is necessary for the season , he said .
And junior defensive end Terrance Lang agreed , saying everyone on the CU roster understands what it ’ s going to take to get back on the field .
“ If we go out , we could ruin the chance of us playing the season or anything like that , ” Lang said .
“ Everybody on this team wants to play and wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a lot to prove , so we ’ re doing our best.
” Stanley credited the system put in place by CU to keep players safe .
Even though he sees teammates daily , the guidelines seem to have worked so far .
If anything , Stanley thinks it ’ s been easier to isolate at school than it was at home , since now he can at least interact with people .
“ We ’ re doing everything we need to to make sure we stay and keep every player healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Coaching Change amid COVID .
Karl Dorrell has been the head coach of Colorado for 137 days .
Stanley and Lang still haven ’ t seen him in action on the field yet .
“ Coach Dorrell is kind of a more calm , laid back kind of person , he seems kind of quiet , ” Stanley said .
“ Coach ( Mel ) Tucker was more loud — not in a bad way — but he was definitely more loud and rowdy.
” Transitioning between head coaches is always difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago when Tucker was hired to replace Mike MacIntyre .
And while this change has been even more complicated due to COVID , Lang believes that the lessons he learned then still apply .
“ This one ’ s a lot different with COVID , ” he said .
“ But I mean it ’ s basically the same thing at the end of the day we ’ ve got to keep working and be prepared .
Whether there is a season or not , we ’ ll be ready.
” For Stanley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well for him .
Dorrell has spent the past four years coaching wide receivers in the NFL — 2015-18 with the New York Jets , and 2019 in Miami — and Stanley is keen to take advantage of some of the knowledge Dorrell will bring to Boulder .
“ I ’ m ready to learn , I ’ m a sponge at this point , ” he said .
“ I ’ m just ready to soak up all the knowledge he has to give to push my game to that next level @ @

Dimitri Stanley doesn’t have much say in whether or not the CU Buffs football team gets to play this fall.
Still, the sophomore wide receiver is doing everything in his power to make it happen.
“We’re keeping ourselves accountable,” the Cherry Creek grad said. “I’m even telling players, ‘If you’ve gone out of state man, stay away from me.’”
In a video news conference Thursday, Stanley said players have been taking advantage of voluntary workouts, using masks, and diligently following safety guidelines — all in an attempt to do their part to ensure a football season this year.
“We’ve been harping on kind of keeping to yourself a little more,” he said. “And not putting yourself in those situations, just staying away from big crowds, not having random strangers coming over to your house and all that. The team has been doing a really good job holding those players accountable.”
In addition to the team’s internal crackdown on post-practice interactions, Stanley also said they’ve done a good job following quarantine rules as well.
It hasn’t been hard to convince teammates social distancing is necessary for the season, he said. And junior defensive end Terrance Lang agreed, saying everyone on the CU roster understands what it’s going to take to get back on the field.
“If we go out, we could ruin the chance of us playing the season or anything like that,” Lang said. “Everybody on this team wants to play and wants to see what we can do because we have a lot to prove, so we’re doing our best.”
Stanley credited the system put in place by CU to keep players safe. Even though he sees teammates daily, the guidelines seem to have worked so far. If anything, Stanley thinks it’s been easier to isolate at school than it was at home, since now he can at least interact with people.
“We’re doing everything we need to to make sure we stay and keep every player healthy on the team,” he said.
Coaching Change amid COVID. Karl Dorrell has been the head coach of Colorado for 137 days. Stanley and Lang still haven’t seen him in action on the field yet.
“Coach Dorrell is kind of a more calm, laid back kind of person, he seems kind of quiet,” Stanley said. “Coach (Mel) Tucker was more loud — not in a bad way — but he was definitely more loud and rowdy.”
Transitioning between head coaches is always difficult, something Lang experienced just a year ago when Tucker was hired to replace Mike MacIntyre. And while this change has been even more complicated due to COVID, Lang believes that the lessons he learned then still apply.
“This one’s a lot different with COVID,” he said. “But I mean it’s basically the same thing at the end of the day we’ve got to keep working and be prepared. Whether there is a season or not, we’ll be ready.”
For Stanley, the coaching change has set up well for him. Dorrell has spent the past four years coaching wide receivers in the NFL — 2015-18 with the New York Jets, and 2019 in Miami — and Stanley is keen to take advantage of some of the knowledge Dorrell will bring to Boulder.
“I’m ready to learn, I’m a sponge at this point,” he said. “I’m just ready to soak up all the knowledge he has to give to push my game to that next level.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-10--Ask Amy: She wants marriage; he wants a clean shave

Dear Amy : I have been in a relationship with a man for 10 years .
He is 71 and lives in another state ( 50 miles away ) , and I am 70 .
I am divorced and he has never been married .
We both own our homes .
When I had a job in another state , I would come home on weekends , and he would come to my house on Friday and leave on Sunday .
We spent most weekends and holidays together and went on vacations ( all at my expense because he lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I make much more money than he does ) .
Since I retired in October , he is perfectly content to keep our previous arrangement intact .
He does not stay any longer than Sunday unless we have special plans for Sunday night , or go on vacation together .
I want to spend more time with him , but on Sundays he seems anxious to return to his hometown .
He is retired , and when he gets home , he spends his time hanging out at barbershops with his friends .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ most Fridays .
When we are together , he seems content with our relationship , and we talk on the phone often .
I recently learned from a confidential reliable source that he was asked when he and I are going to marry .
He replied , “ Never .
I have loved only one woman in my life , and if I didn ’ t marry her , I will never marry.
” I was devastated to hear this because he knows I want to marry him .
Should I confront him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep quiet as if I don ’ t know what he has said ?
Dear Anonymous : Let ’ s recap : You have been in this relationship for 10 years .
Ten .
Years .
A decade .
INSERT EXAMPLE HERE .
You sound like a successful , smart , independent woman .
Logic would tell you that a never-married man who reaches the age of 70 without marrying ( and spending 10 years with you without marrying ) would remain unmarried .
And that a man who loves his own home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to join him , or would continue to enjoy this arrangement alone , because it works for him .
You have now heard that your guy has loved only one woman in his life – and presumably that woman is not you .
You seem to have surrendered your own rights in this relationship .
I ’ m talking about the right to use your voice , the right to ask questions , the right to state – out loud – what you want , and the right to leave a relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs .
Dear Amy : We adore our two college-age nieces and have always supported them as equally as possible .
However , their needs are now very different , as the older one is starting med school .
With exorbitant tuition and housing costs , she will need family support for at least four more years to help keep her debt down .
Her sister will soon complete her undergrad degree and does not plan to continue her education at this time .
It has been our intent to help both girls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but this will create a vastly different amount of money needed by each .
Another relative plans to give them an equal dollar amount in order to remain fair to both .
Are both of our views equally valid , or is it unfair for us to give one girl so much more ?
Dear Doting : In my opinion , both of your positions are valid – because you are all adults , it is your money , and you have the right to spend it as you wish .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their higher education .
Both women know this and presumably if your younger niece chooses to go to grad school at some point in the future , you would consider granting her some financial support at that time .
Dear Amy : Like “ Pandemic Pandemonium , ” I am struggling with a spouse whose hygiene and habits have changed a lot over the last few months .
In my case , it is my husband .
Honestly , if it weren ’ t for occasional Zoom meetings , I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear Holding : I hope you can talk to him about this .
Letting things slide is ( I believe ) a normal and human response to isolation , but your husband is not the only person in the household .
As with “ Pandemic ’ s ” wife , my concern would also be about his mental health .

Dear Amy: I have been in a relationship with a man for 10 years.
He is 71 and lives in another state (50 miles away), and I am 70. I am divorced and he has never been married.
We both own our homes.
When I had a job in another state, I would come home on weekends, and he would come to my house on Friday and leave on Sunday.
We spent most weekends and holidays together and went on vacations (all at my expense because he lives on a low fixed income, and I make much more money than he does).
Since I retired in October, he is perfectly content to keep our previous arrangement intact.
He does not stay any longer than Sunday unless we have special plans for Sunday night, or go on vacation together.
I want to spend more time with him, but on Sundays he seems anxious to return to his hometown.
He is retired, and when he gets home, he spends his time hanging out at barbershops with his friends. Then he comes back to my house most Fridays.
When we are together, he seems content with our relationship, and we talk on the phone often.
I recently learned from a confidential reliable source that he was asked when he and I are going to marry. He replied, “Never. I have loved only one woman in my life, and if I didn’t marry her, I will never marry.”
I was devastated to hear this because he knows I want to marry him.
Should I confront him with what I have learned, or keep quiet as if I don’t know what he has said?
— Anonymous Woman
Dear Anonymous: Let’s recap: You have been in this relationship for 10 years. Ten. Years. A decade.
You sound like a successful, smart, independent woman. Logic would tell you that a never-married man who reaches the age of 70 without marrying (and spending 10 years with you without marrying) would remain unmarried. And that a man who loves his own home and Monday-Friday barbershop hang-time would either invite you to join him, or would continue to enjoy this arrangement alone, because it works for him.
You have now heard that your guy has loved only one woman in his life – and presumably that woman is not you.
You seem to have surrendered your own rights in this relationship. I’m talking about the right to use your voice, the right to ask questions, the right to state – out loud – what you want, and the right to leave a relationship if it doesn’t serve your needs.
Dear Amy: We adore our two college-age nieces and have always supported them as equally as possible.
However, their needs are now very different, as the older one is starting med school.
With exorbitant tuition and housing costs, she will need family support for at least four more years to help keep her debt down.
Her sister will soon complete her undergrad degree and does not plan to continue her education at this time.
It has been our intent to help both girls as long as they are in school, but this will create a vastly different amount of money needed by each. Another relative plans to give them an equal dollar amount in order to remain fair to both.
Are both of our views equally valid, or is it unfair for us to give one girl so much more?
— Doting Aunt and Uncle
Dear Doting: In my opinion, both of your positions are valid – because you are all adults, it is your money, and you have the right to spend it as you wish.
You have decided to support your nieces throughout their higher education. Both women know this and presumably if your younger niece chooses to go to grad school at some point in the future, you would consider granting her some financial support at that time.
Dear Amy: Like “Pandemic Pandemonium,” I am struggling with a spouse whose hygiene and habits have changed a lot over the last few months. In my case, it is my husband. Honestly, if it weren’t for occasional Zoom meetings, I don’t think he would bathe. Ever.
— Holding My Nose
Dear Holding: I hope you can talk to him about this. Letting things slide is (I believe) a normal and human response to isolation, but your husband is not the only person in the household. As with “Pandemic’s” wife, my concern would also be about his mental health.
(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--2020-07-10--Shooting at McDonald’s in Thornton leaves one hospitalized

A man was shot in a McDonald ’ s parking lot in Thornton on Thursday night , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ W. 84th Ave. , police said .
The victim was taken to a local hospital @ @ @ @ @ did not release any suspect information on Thursday night .
An investigation is ongoing .

A man was shot in a McDonald’s parking lot in Thornton on Thursday night, police said.
Police investigating shooting incident @ McDonalds, 770 W. 84th Ave. 1 victim transported to local hospital, unknown condition, no suspect information available at this time. Preliminary investigation underway. Updates, as they become available. pic.twitter.com/ijMyTKbmpx — Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) July 10, 2020
The shooting happened at 770 W. 84th Ave., police said. The victim was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
Police did not release any suspect information on Thursday night. An investigation is ongoing.


thedenverpost--2020-07-11--Employees stage work interruption Friday at JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley

A coordinated work interruption by employees at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley on Friday led the company to confiscate hundreds of workers ’ badges and send employees , even nonparticipants , home , according to a union statement .
The work interruption was over wages , and the union representing workers , United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 , was not involved in the stoppage , according to a news release .
“ As JBS confirmed , there was a brief work interruption at the Greeley plant .
Local 7 was not involved and continues to gather the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Kim Cordova , president of the local chapter , in a news release .
“ This action appears to be an attempt by JBS to strong-arm its employees into accepting a less competitive wage increase that would lock them into a five-year agreement , with little to no chance for any further wage increases , ” the union release said .
Local 7 , in a written statement , said JBS needs to remain vigilant about protecting workers ’ health during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ More workers have died at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant in the U.S. , ” the release said .
“ And , just this week , it was reported a new outbreak occurred among five JBS interns at the same plant.
” As of mid-May , eight JBS Greeley workers had died amid a coronavirus outbreak at the facility .
This week five interns at the plant came down with COVID-19 .
The union on Friday said JBS “ refuses to discuss necessary safety improvements nor engage in any discussions concerning rising health care costs in these negotiations.
” Local 7 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to the bargaining table .
The company could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon .

A coordinated work interruption by employees at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley on Friday led the company to confiscate hundreds of workers’ badges and send employees, even nonparticipants, home, according to a union statement.
The work interruption was over wages, and the union representing workers, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, was not involved in the stoppage, according to a news release.
“As JBS confirmed, there was a brief work interruption at the Greeley plant. Local 7 was not involved and continues to gather the facts as to what occurred,” said Kim Cordova, president of the local chapter, in a news release.
“This action appears to be an attempt by JBS to strong-arm its employees into accepting a less competitive wage increase that would lock them into a five-year agreement, with little to no chance for any further wage increases,” the union release said.
Local 7, in a written statement, said JBS needs to remain vigilant about protecting workers’ health during the coronavirus pandemic.
“More workers have died at the JBS Greeley plant than any other meatpacking plant in the U.S.,” the release said. “And, just this week, it was reported a new outbreak occurred among five JBS interns at the same plant.”
As of mid-May, eight JBS Greeley workers had died amid a coronavirus outbreak at the facility. This week five interns at the plant came down with COVID-19.
The union on Friday said JBS “refuses to discuss necessary safety improvements nor engage in any discussions concerning rising health care costs in these negotiations.”
Local 7, in the release, calls on JBS to go to the bargaining table. The company could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.


thedenverpost--2020-07-11--Rapids have “everyone available” as first game of MLS tournament approaches

Kellyn Acosta conceded the bubble has its difficulties , but he feels as though his team is starting to settle in .
A big help for Acosta ?
It ’ s a Colorado Rapids game week for the first time in four months .
Colorado will debut in the MLS is Back Tournament on Sunday night against Real Salt Lake inside the league ’ s bubble at Walt Disney World in Orlando .
And after dealing with coronavirus concerns of their own — two players tested positive for the virus but were asymptomatic , and two others had presumptive positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s all systems go for the Rapids .
“ We will have everyone available to us and certainly we feel like , at full strength that ’ s a great advantage for us , ” said head coach Robin Fraser , whose team saw its travel to Orlando initially delayed 24 hours due to those two presumptive positive tests .
“ This is a great thing given some of what we ’ ve had to go through.
” Indeed , COVID-19 has already forced Nashville FC and FC Dallas to withdraw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ group , Minnesota United had to cancel a pre-tournament friendly due to positive tests , while Sporting Kansas City announced a positive test of its own Friday .
Games in the group stage will also count in the regular season standings , though the Rapids ’ matchup with rival Real Salt Lake will not factor into the Rocky Mountain Cup .
The trophy is awarded by a bi-partisan group of 10 composed of each team ’ s supporters group .
With no fans there , the group felt that the match should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our group is not gon na be an easy one , ” Acosta said .
“ We stayed ready so we didn ’ t have to get ready .
I think the game is all about details .
We ’ ve been focusing on the details and we ’ re just trying to fine-tune things at this point.
” Watching the first few games of the tournament , as well as international play , Fraser said he ’ s seen teams who have had both sharp and sloppy moments .
Ultimately what games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determination , he said .
“ What we do know about Real Salt Lake is that they have a number of very , very good attacking players , ” Fraser said .
“ The question will be for all of us is how we put this all together and really be able to attack with coordination and precision .
Because at the end of the day , the teams that can do that can score consistently.
” The Rapids have been a dark horse pick for many to go deep into the tournament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following weeks , the games have already had a lasting moment .
Before kickoff of the tournament ’ s first game between Miami and Orlando , members of Black Players for Change raised right gloved fists for eight minutes and 46 seconds .
The length of the silence was a tribute to George Floyd , who died while in Minneapolis police custody on May 25 .
More than 100 people took part in the pregame protest , including several Rapids .
“ It was the most powerful moment I ’ ve ever been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was definitely huge and for us as players to use our platform in a peaceful display was awesome .
”

Kellyn Acosta conceded the bubble has its difficulties, but he feels as though his team is starting to settle in. A big help for Acosta? It’s a Colorado Rapids game week for the first time in four months.
Colorado will debut in the MLS is Back Tournament on Sunday night against Real Salt Lake inside the league’s bubble at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
And after dealing with coronavirus concerns of their own — two players tested positive for the virus but were asymptomatic, and two others had presumptive positive tests that later came back negative — it’s all systems go for the Rapids.
“We will have everyone available to us and certainly we feel like, at full strength that’s a great advantage for us,” said head coach Robin Fraser, whose team saw its travel to Orlando initially delayed 24 hours due to those two presumptive positive tests.
“This is a great thing given some of what we’ve had to go through.”
Indeed, COVID-19 has already forced Nashville FC and FC Dallas to withdraw from the tournament.
Inside the Rapids’ group, Minnesota United had to cancel a pre-tournament friendly due to positive tests, while Sporting Kansas City announced a positive test of its own Friday.
Games in the group stage will also count in the regular season standings, though the Rapids’ matchup with rival Real Salt Lake will not factor into the Rocky Mountain Cup. The trophy is awarded by a bi-partisan group of 10 composed of each team’s supporters group. With no fans there, the group felt that the match should not count towards the cup.
“Our group is not gonna be an easy one,” Acosta said. “We stayed ready so we didn’t have to get ready. I think the game is all about details. We’ve been focusing on the details and we’re just trying to fine-tune things at this point.”
Watching the first few games of the tournament, as well as international play, Fraser said he’s seen teams who have had both sharp and sloppy moments. Ultimately what games will come down to is toughness and determination, he said.
“What we do know about Real Salt Lake is that they have a number of very, very good attacking players,” Fraser said. “The question will be for all of us is how we put this all together and really be able to attack with coordination and precision. Because at the end of the day, the teams that can do that can score consistently.”
The Rapids have been a dark horse pick for many to go deep into the tournament. No matter what happens in the following weeks, the games have already had a lasting moment.
Before kickoff of the tournament’s first game between Miami and Orlando, members of Black Players for Change raised right gloved fists for eight minutes and 46 seconds. The length of the silence was a tribute to George Floyd, who died while in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. More than 100 people took part in the pregame protest, including several Rapids.
“It was the most powerful moment I’ve ever been a part of,” Acosta said. “It was definitely huge and for us as players to use our platform in a peaceful display was awesome.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-11--Adams County man pleads guilty in federal court to conspiracy drug charges

An Adams County man pleaded guilty Thursday in Federal Court to conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine and heroin .
Arturo David Aguilera-Viveros , 36 , also pleaded guilty to illegal reentry into the U.S. after deportation , according to a U.S. Attorney ’ s Office , District of Colorado news release .
The conspiracy drug charges were for intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 100 grams or more of heroin , the release said .
Aguilera-Viveros , and others , sent large amounts of the illegal drugs from Colorado to Wyoming , including about 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was arrested on April 4 , 2019 , at his Aurora residence .
On Feb. 20 , 2014 , Aguilera-Viveros , a citizen of Mexico , was convicted in Arapahoe County on drug charges and sentenced to six years in prison .
Upon his release , on Sept. 7 , 2017 , he was deported to Mexico .
“ The defendant did not apply for admission or otherwise seek approval to reenter the United States , ” the release said .
The Douglas County Sheriff ’ s Office , multiple federal agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case .
Aguilera-Viveros is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24 .

An Adams County man pleaded guilty Thursday in Federal Court to conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
Arturo David Aguilera-Viveros, 36, also pleaded guilty to illegal reentry into the U.S. after deportation, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Colorado news release.
The conspiracy drug charges were for intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 100 grams or more of heroin, the release said.
Aguilera-Viveros, and others, sent large amounts of the illegal drugs from Colorado to Wyoming, including about 20 pounds of methamphetamine, prosecutors said.
He was arrested on April 4, 2019, at his Aurora residence.
On Feb. 20, 2014, Aguilera-Viveros, a citizen of Mexico, was convicted in Arapahoe County on drug charges and sentenced to six years in prison. Upon his release, on Sept. 7, 2017, he was deported to Mexico. “The defendant did not apply for admission or otherwise seek approval to reenter the United States,” the release said.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, multiple federal agencies and the Wyoming U.S. Attorney assisted in the case. Aguilera-Viveros is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24.


thedenverpost--2020-07-11--Colorado corrections employee arrested in child sex case

A Colorado Department of Corrections employee has been arrested in El Paso County as a suspect in a child sex @ @ @ @ @ Apurillo Centina , 34 , was arrested Friday for investigation of sexual exploitation of a @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s office .
After receiving information from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task @ @ @ @ @ Apurillo Centina began on May 20 , according to a news release .
“ After @ @ @ @ @ interviews , probable cause was established for a suspect ’ s arrest , ” the @ @ @ @ @ was booked into the El Paso County Jail .
The department of corrections has place @ @ @ @ @ The Inspector General ’ s Office of the CDOC assisted in the investigation .

A Colorado Department of Corrections employee has been arrested in El Paso County as a suspect in a child sex case.
Felix Pink Floyd Apurillo Centina, 34, was arrested Friday for investigation of sexual exploitation of a child, according to the sheriff’s office.
After receiving information from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force a local investigation on Apurillo Centina began on May 20, according to a news release.
“After serving search warrants and conducting interviews, probable cause was established for a suspect’s arrest,” the release said.
Apurillo Centina was booked into the El Paso County Jail. The department of corrections has place him on administrative leave. The Inspector General’s Office of the CDOC assisted in the investigation.