thedenverpost--2020-10-03--Amazon’s latest drone films inside your home. What could go wrong?

When Amazon ’ s chief executive , Jeff Bezos , promised in 2013 that drones would soon be flying everywhere delivering packages , a miniature camera whirring through homes and recording video was probably not what people envisioned .
But on Sept. 25 , Amazon ’ s Ring division unveiled the $ 249 Ring Always Home Cam , a small drone that hums as it flies around houses filming everything , ostensibly for security purposes .
Amazon also introduced new Echo devices , a cloud gaming service called Luna and other products .
But the home security drone stood out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighting the camera showed a burglar breaking into a home and getting spooked as the drone flew straight at him — “ Oh , no !
” he exclaimed — while the homeowner watched the encounter on his phone .
Reaction to the surveillance drone was spirited — but not in the way Amazon might have hoped .
“ In a country with no laws regulating digital privacy , anyone who buys this from a company with a history of privacy problems is insane , ” tweeted Walt Mossberg , a longtime tech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonprofit News Literacy Project ’ s board .
Ring said the drone could be used to check whether a homeowner had left the stove on or a window open , and promised that it would record only while flying .
It would also make a humming sound so it would be clear when it was filming .
But privacy was still the primary concern for most flabbergasted Twitter users .
“ An internet connected drone camera for your home , owned by Amazon .
this definitely won ’ t be a privacy nightmare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A scary step in the future of tech ?
” posted another Twitter user , Khoa Phan .
“ Like it ’ s cool but always eerie at the same time .
Obviously there ’ s some concerns about privacy with Amazon .
But what ’ s the next step after this if this is just the beginning !
?
” Dave Limp , the executive responsible for Amazon ’ s devices , said it had made major investments in camera security , such as two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Walt doesn ’ t want to buy this drone , then fine , ” he said .
The product came to be because of technological advances and consumer interest in indoor security cameras , Limp said .
He said sensors had become good enough and cheap enough for an indoor drone to operate safely .
Amazon also found that people did not put a camera in every room for reasons like not having outlets in the right place , so the drone could fill the gap , he said .
A disclaimer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blog post announcing the drone said the device had not been authorized by the Federal Communications Commission — and might not ever be authorized .
Ring said the drone would become available next year , but not “ until authorization is obtained.
” Limp said he expected Amazon could get approval and start shipping to some people by the end of the year .
As for Bezos ’ plan to have drones delivering packages ?
Back in 2013 , he said it might happen within around five years .
To date , it @ @ @

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

By Kellen Browning
When Amazon’s chief executive, Jeff Bezos, promised in 2013 that drones would soon be flying everywhere delivering packages, a miniature camera whirring through homes and recording video was probably not what people envisioned.
But on Sept. 25, Amazon’s Ring division unveiled the $249 Ring Always Home Cam, a small drone that hums as it flies around houses filming everything, ostensibly for security purposes.
Amazon also introduced new Echo devices, a cloud gaming service called Luna and other products. But the home security drone stood out. The company’s promotional video highlighting the camera showed a burglar breaking into a home and getting spooked as the drone flew straight at him — “Oh, no!” he exclaimed — while the homeowner watched the encounter on his phone.
“Oh, yes,” the ad proclaimed.
Reaction to the surveillance drone was spirited — but not in the way Amazon might have hoped.
“In a country with no laws regulating digital privacy, anyone who buys this from a company with a history of privacy problems is insane,” tweeted Walt Mossberg, a longtime tech product reviewer who is a member of nonprofit News Literacy Project’s board.
Ring said the drone could be used to check whether a homeowner had left the stove on or a window open, and promised that it would record only while flying. It would also make a humming sound so it would be clear when it was filming. But privacy was still the primary concern for most flabbergasted Twitter users.
“An internet connected drone camera for your home, owned by Amazon. this definitely won’t be a privacy nightmare *at all*” one person tweeted.
“A scary step in the future of tech?” posted another Twitter user, Khoa Phan. “Like it’s cool but always eerie at the same time. Obviously there’s some concerns about privacy with Amazon. But what’s the next step after this if this is just the beginning!?”
Dave Limp, the executive responsible for Amazon’s devices, said it had made major investments in camera security, such as two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption, that will roll out this year. “If Walt doesn’t want to buy this drone, then fine,” he said.
The product came to be because of technological advances and consumer interest in indoor security cameras, Limp said. He said sensors had become good enough and cheap enough for an indoor drone to operate safely. Amazon also found that people did not put a camera in every room for reasons like not having outlets in the right place, so the drone could fill the gap, he said.
A disclaimer at the bottom of Ring’s blog post announcing the drone said the device had not been authorized by the Federal Communications Commission — and might not ever be authorized. Ring said the drone would become available next year, but not “until authorization is obtained.” Limp said he expected Amazon could get approval and start shipping to some people by the end of the year.
As for Bezos’ plan to have drones delivering packages? Back in 2013, he said it might happen within around five years. To date, it has not.


thedenverpost--2020-10-03--A hopeful forecast: More accurate long-term weather predictions

What if you could get an accurate weather report as much as three weeks in advance ?
In some parts of the world , that could soon be possible .
Right now , forecasters can reliably predict the weather in most parts of the United States up to eight days in advance , according to the American Meteorological Society .
In recent years , research has shown that improving technology could make weather forecasts accurate 15 days ahead of time .
And recent research published by Falko Judt , an atmospheric scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s even more unlocked potential in the tropics .
Judt ran a series of simulations using a global weather model .
As expected , the model ’ s ability to make accurate weather predictions dissipated after about two weeks for the polar and middle-latitude regions , which encompass most of the U.S .
But for the tropics , the model showed almost no dissipation , even after 20 days .
This suggests that forecasters will one day be able to accurately predict tropical weather as much as three weeks ahead of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In general , tropical weather phenomena are subtler and less variable , so they “ have intrinsically longer predictability , ” Judt said .
For example , New York might have warm weather the day before a blizzard , but the Amazon rainforest is never quite so capricious .
In the Amazon , “ you could have a day that rains a lot and then two weeks later a dry spell of 10 days , but the temperature variation will just be a couple of degrees.
” But even if there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that is not the same as predictability .
“ A stopped clock is very predictable , ” said Kerry Emanuel , an atmospheric scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology .
“ If a clock stops at five minutes past noon , you can say it ’ s going to be at five minutes past noon forever , and you ’ d be right .
But we wouldn ’ t call that a very skillful prediction.
” Weather prediction is challenging in the tropics in part because existing forecasting models aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phenomena .
“ In the tropics , most of the weather is in the form of showers and thunderstorms , which are much smaller than a typical weather system in the middle latitudes , ” Judt said .
“ These smaller showers and thunderstorms are more difficult to simulate with our current weather prediction models.
” By the same token , there ’ s less readily available data to put into these models .
The U.S. and other countries in the middle latitudes have hundreds of weather stations .
But there are far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of that territory is covered by oceans .
Also , many tropical countries lack the necessary funding to collect data via weather balloons , planes , drones and other costly devices .
Not being able to accurately predict the weather in the tropics , especially rain , has an outsized impact on the people who live there .
Many make their living from farming , Judt said , and “ it ’ s very difficult to plant crops and harvest when you don ’ t know when it will rain , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will rain for.
” The tropics are also prone to extreme storms where “ it just pours for hours and hours , ” Judt said .
Accurate weather predictions made further in advance would better prepare communities and help prevent property damage , injuries and deaths resulting from flooding .
Still , things have improved over the past few decades , narrowing the gap between the aspirational and actual predictability of weather .
Eugenia Kalnay , an atmospheric scientist at the University of Maryland in College Park who studies the predictability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satellites has revolutionized forecasting in the tropics .
“ In the ’ 90s , we had almost no satellite observations in the southern hemisphere , ” she said .
“ Since then , the number and quality of satellite observations has increased substantially , ” so our ability to make accurate forecasts in the Southern Hemisphere is almost as good as in the Northern Hemisphere .
Additionally , the global weather models that are now in development can simulate showers and thunderstorms , Judt said , whereas existing models can not .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satellites set to launch over the next few years , should translate to longer lead times for tropical forecasts .
“ We should see an improvement in tropical weather prediction in the next 10 years , ” he said .

By Sarah Witman
What if you could get an accurate weather report as much as three weeks in advance? In some parts of the world, that could soon be possible.
Right now, forecasters can reliably predict the weather in most parts of the United States up to eight days in advance, according to the American Meteorological Society. In recent years, research has shown that improving technology could make weather forecasts accurate 15 days ahead of time. And recent research published by Falko Judt, an atmospheric scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, found that there’s even more unlocked potential in the tropics.
Judt ran a series of simulations using a global weather model. As expected, the model’s ability to make accurate weather predictions dissipated after about two weeks for the polar and middle-latitude regions, which encompass most of the U.S. But for the tropics, the model showed almost no dissipation, even after 20 days. This suggests that forecasters will one day be able to accurately predict tropical weather as much as three weeks ahead of time — and potentially even further in advance.
In general, tropical weather phenomena are subtler and less variable, so they “have intrinsically longer predictability,” Judt said. For example, New York might have warm weather the day before a blizzard, but the Amazon rainforest is never quite so capricious.
In the Amazon, “you could have a day that rains a lot and then two weeks later a dry spell of 10 days, but the temperature variation will just be a couple of degrees.”
But even if there is a lot of uniformity in tropical weather, that is not the same as predictability.
“A stopped clock is very predictable,” said Kerry Emanuel, an atmospheric scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “If a clock stops at five minutes past noon, you can say it’s going to be at five minutes past noon forever, and you’d be right. But we wouldn’t call that a very skillful prediction.”
Weather prediction is challenging in the tropics in part because existing forecasting models aren’t well-suited to their most common weather phenomena.
“In the tropics, most of the weather is in the form of showers and thunderstorms, which are much smaller than a typical weather system in the middle latitudes,” Judt said. “These smaller showers and thunderstorms are more difficult to simulate with our current weather prediction models.”
By the same token, there’s less readily available data to put into these models. The U.S. and other countries in the middle latitudes have hundreds of weather stations. But there are far fewer stations in the tropics because so much of that territory is covered by oceans. Also, many tropical countries lack the necessary funding to collect data via weather balloons, planes, drones and other costly devices.
Not being able to accurately predict the weather in the tropics, especially rain, has an outsized impact on the people who live there. Many make their living from farming, Judt said, and “it’s very difficult to plant crops and harvest when you don’t know when it will rain, how much it will rain and how long it will rain for.”
The tropics are also prone to extreme storms where “it just pours for hours and hours,” Judt said. Accurate weather predictions made further in advance would better prepare communities and help prevent property damage, injuries and deaths resulting from flooding.
Still, things have improved over the past few decades, narrowing the gap between the aspirational and actual predictability of weather. Eugenia Kalnay, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Maryland in College Park who studies the predictability of weather, says the advent of weather satellites has revolutionized forecasting in the tropics.
“In the ’90s, we had almost no satellite observations in the southern hemisphere,” she said. “Since then, the number and quality of satellite observations has increased substantially,” so our ability to make accurate forecasts in the Southern Hemisphere is almost as good as in the Northern Hemisphere.
Additionally, the global weather models that are now in development can simulate showers and thunderstorms, Judt said, whereas existing models cannot. This, coupled with a series of weather satellites set to launch over the next few years, should translate to longer lead times for tropical forecasts.
“We should see an improvement in tropical weather prediction in the next 10 years,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-10-03--NBA brings flash to esports, but can it hold on to its viewers?

Since its introduction two years ago , the National Basketball Association ’ s esports arm has struggled to draw viewers .
Then , with Americans forced to shelter in place in early March , the NBA had a captive audience .
Within days , players for the NBA affiliate , known as the NBA 2K League , were livestreaming games .
The league leaned on its counterparts on the courts , setting up online tournaments with WNBA players .
NBA stars even staged their own tournament , which was broadcast on ESPN and drew as many as 387,000 viewers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even before the pandemic , the NBA showed a penchant for exuberance , announcing team rosters for the esports league in a flashy ceremony in New York in February that mimicked the draft for professional sports .
The strategy appears to have helped increase the audience for the NBA ’ s esports venture , in which video game players compete in professional matchups .
The NBA 2K League still has only a fraction of the viewers that some other leagues draw , but as it wraps up its third season , which concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs of growth .
This season , the audience for games on the Amazon-owned Twitch service increased 76 % over the year before , to an average of 416,865 unique viewers per game , a spokeswoman for the league said .
“ The NBA through 2K has been able to have content flowing through the entirety of coronavirus , ” said Rod Breslau , an esports consultant known as Slasher .
Created by Take-Two Interactive , the NBA 2K video game series has sold about 94 million copies worldwide .
Hoping to capitalize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NBA started a partnership with Take-Two in 2017 to form the 2K League .
The NBA kept building its esports program , saying it generates sponsorship revenue and provides valuable data on viewing habits of cord-cutters .
Now , 22 NBA franchises own an esports team , with an additional team in Shanghai .
“ I think basically it ’ s a way to try and reach Gen Z consumers , ” Jason Chung , executive director of esports at the University of New Haven , said of the NBA ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s an avenue they don ’ t want to miss out on.
” But some cast doubt on the viability of the league when stacked up against more established competitors .
Sports video games generally have a harder time captivating audiences than fantasy games , Breslau said , adding that the biggest criticism throughout the NBA 2K League ’ s existence is “ No one ’ s watching.
” The NBA 2K video game series has a big following on YouTube and Twitch , where amateurs stream videos of themselves playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA 2K 20 , the game around which the league revolves , were 10.1 million in July , according to data from Newzoo , a gaming analytics company .
But streaming hours for professional competition amounted to less than 1 million in the same month .
By comparison , League of Legends , a battle arena game that has been around since 2009 , garnered 135.2 million overall streaming hours and 30.2 million esports hours in the same month , Newzoo reported .
“ The larger 2K community is not totally interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that other esports leagues like the Overwatch League , based around a futuristic shooter game , have similar issues .
The game will always have a lot of players , he said , but converting them into esports fans is an uphill battle .
Esports viewership metrics are notoriously fickle , as they lack an industry standard method like Nielsen ratings .
That “ leaves a lot of wiggle room for reporting figures , especially since these figures are largely proprietary , ” said Ryan Rogers , academic coordinator of esports programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many viewers are watching the NBA 2K League , the NBA is notoriously devoted to its business ventures .
It waited many years for its developmental league , the G League , and the WNBA to reach mainstream appeal .
And esports remains a potentially lucrative bet .
The industry is expected to generate more than $ 1 billion next year in sponsorships , media rights and merchandise sales , according to Newzoo .
Several NBA owners and players invested in other esports franchises before and after the introduction of the NBA 2K @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re in it for the long haul , ” Chung said .
“ I think it ’ s a very smart play.
” Brendan Donohue , the NBA 2K League ’ s managing director , said he viewed his league as a way to create NBA content .
“ On the business side , you ’ re able to leverage digital content or sponsorship departments to help drive the league , ” he said .
“ It ’ s speaking to an audience that is becoming harder and harder to reach.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits , too .
The NBA players ’ 2K tournament in April most likely “ opened the eyes ” of ESPN executives , Donohue said .
In May , without a lot of other sports to offer , ESPN2 began regularly broadcasting NBA 2K League matches .
The NBA cachet also reels in companies looking to advertise in esports .
This season , the NBA 2K League added five new partners to its stable of 20 , including DoorDash , SAP and Tissot .
“ When those brands are trying to figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
’ the good thing with us is we ’ re a trusted brand , and we can hold their hand and help them navigate esports , ” Donohue said .

By Seth Berkman
Since its introduction two years ago, the National Basketball Association’s esports arm has struggled to draw viewers. Then, with Americans forced to shelter in place in early March, the NBA had a captive audience.
Within days, players for the NBA affiliate, known as the NBA 2K League, were livestreaming games. The league leaned on its counterparts on the courts, setting up online tournaments with WNBA players. NBA stars even staged their own tournament, which was broadcast on ESPN and drew as many as 387,000 viewers. Sportsbooks took bets on the action.
Even before the pandemic, the NBA showed a penchant for exuberance, announcing team rosters for the esports league in a flashy ceremony in New York in February that mimicked the draft for professional sports.
The strategy appears to have helped increase the audience for the NBA’s esports venture, in which video game players compete in professional matchups. The NBA 2K League still has only a fraction of the viewers that some other leagues draw, but as it wraps up its third season, which concluded with a championship game, there are signs of growth.
This season, the audience for games on the Amazon-owned Twitch service increased 76% over the year before, to an average of 416,865 unique viewers per game, a spokeswoman for the league said.
“The NBA through 2K has been able to have content flowing through the entirety of coronavirus,” said Rod Breslau, an esports consultant known as Slasher.
Created by Take-Two Interactive, the NBA 2K video game series has sold about 94 million copies worldwide. Hoping to capitalize on the success of the series, the NBA started a partnership with Take-Two in 2017 to form the 2K League.
The NBA kept building its esports program, saying it generates sponsorship revenue and provides valuable data on viewing habits of cord-cutters. Now, 22 NBA franchises own an esports team, with an additional team in Shanghai.
“I think basically it’s a way to try and reach Gen Z consumers,” Jason Chung, executive director of esports at the University of New Haven, said of the NBA’s ties to the 2K League. “It’s an avenue they don’t want to miss out on.”
But some cast doubt on the viability of the league when stacked up against more established competitors.
Sports video games generally have a harder time captivating audiences than fantasy games, Breslau said, adding that the biggest criticism throughout the NBA 2K League’s existence is “No one’s watching.”
The NBA 2K video game series has a big following on YouTube and Twitch, where amateurs stream videos of themselves playing the games. Overall streaming hours for NBA 2K 20, the game around which the league revolves, were 10.1 million in July, according to data from Newzoo, a gaming analytics company.
But streaming hours for professional competition amounted to less than 1 million in the same month. By comparison, League of Legends, a battle arena game that has been around since 2009, garnered 135.2 million overall streaming hours and 30.2 million esports hours in the same month, Newzoo reported.
“The larger 2K community is not totally interested in 2K League,” Breslau said, noting that other esports leagues like the Overwatch League, based around a futuristic shooter game, have similar issues. The game will always have a lot of players, he said, but converting them into esports fans is an uphill battle.
Esports viewership metrics are notoriously fickle, as they lack an industry standard method like Nielsen ratings. That “leaves a lot of wiggle room for reporting figures, especially since these figures are largely proprietary,” said Ryan Rogers, academic coordinator of esports programs at Butler University.
Regardless of how many viewers are watching the NBA 2K League, the NBA is notoriously devoted to its business ventures. It waited many years for its developmental league, the G League, and the WNBA to reach mainstream appeal.
And esports remains a potentially lucrative bet. The industry is expected to generate more than $1 billion next year in sponsorships, media rights and merchandise sales, according to Newzoo. Several NBA owners and players invested in other esports franchises before and after the introduction of the NBA 2K League.
“I do believe they’re in it for the long haul,” Chung said. “I think it’s a very smart play.”
Brendan Donohue, the NBA 2K League’s managing director, said he viewed his league as a way to create NBA content.
“On the business side, you’re able to leverage digital content or sponsorship departments to help drive the league,” he said. “It’s speaking to an audience that is becoming harder and harder to reach.”
Attachment to the NBA name has its benefits, too. The NBA players’ 2K tournament in April most likely “opened the eyes” of ESPN executives, Donohue said. In May, without a lot of other sports to offer, ESPN2 began regularly broadcasting NBA 2K League matches.
The NBA cachet also reels in companies looking to advertise in esports. This season, the NBA 2K League added five new partners to its stable of 20, including DoorDash, SAP and Tissot.
“When those brands are trying to figure out ‘How do I invest in esports?’ the good thing with us is we’re a trusted brand, and we can hold their hand and help them navigate esports,” Donohue said.


thedenverpost--2020-10-03--College town or ghost town? Drastic measures to curb COVID-19 cast pall over CU Boulder, University

College town or ghost town? Drastic measures to curb COVID-19 cast pall over CU Boulder, University Hill

An eerie , remarkable scene unfolded across the University of Colorado Boulder ’ s grassy Norlin Quad on Wednesday : It was a beautiful autumn afternoon with nobody around to enjoy it .
Boulder ’ s student-dominated spaces looked like a museum to the city ’ s pre-pandemic self — empty academic buildings and deserted University Hill sidewalks relics to a time when COVID-19 had not altered life in this quintessential college town in nearly every conceivable way .
A gorgeous day on the campus of yore would have yielded slacklines taut with the weight of intrepid youth , flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trees , and friends meeting to plan the weekend ’ s escapades .
On Wednesday , there was nary a human in sight aside from a rare masked student and occasional patrols by university and local police .
“ Walking around , it ’ s like a ghost town , ” freshman Ethan Fantl said .
Following a surge in coronavirus infections tied to the university community , the Boulder campus shifted classes online for a minimum of two weeks , beginning Sept. 23 .
The next day , Boulder County Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18-to-22-year-olds in Boulder , and put more than three dozen properties — largely Greek houses — under a stay-at-home order .
On a visit to Boulder one week into these measures , the CU community remained the largest COVID-19 outbreak in the state with more than 1,500 confirmed cases , though new infections among those in their late teens and early 20s are now trending downward , according to state and local public health data .
CU leaders have attributed that progress to an earlier intervention : the recommendation that all students living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among all other age groups continued to rise this week , with local health authorities sounding the alarm that Boulder County was in the state ’ s “ red zone ” for new cases — something that could trigger more aggressive restrictions to stop the virus ’ spread .
Fantl , 19 , was heartened by the dropping numbers among CU students , but said he thinks the university will have a tougher time healing its reputation in light of the past few turbulent months .
“ For a lot of students , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there ’ s not a whole lot of knowledge about what it will do to someone who is young .
Some people think it ’ s just like a cold , ” Fantl said .
“ But in terms of the punitive measures students could face for breaking public health rules , everyone is really terrified of that , even more so than getting sick .
We ’ re living in a culture of fear.
” Violating the county ’ s public health order is a misdemeanor subject to criminal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aulabaugh , spokeswoman for the city of Boulder .
A violator would receive a summons to appear in Boulder Municipal Court with penalties including up to 90 days in jail and a $ 1,000 fine .
Students also could be reported to CU for violating the student code of conduct , which could result in exclusion from campus , suspension of expulsion .
Rumors swirled around campus about friends of friends getting fined thousands of dollars for going outside or being hounded by local police .
In reality , the city has issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect , Aulabaugh said .
CU Boulder has investigated almost 500 instances of students violating public health orders on and off campus since classes began at the end of August , resulting in three students being suspended through the end of the fall semester and 27 more who are suspended at least through the final adjudication of their conduct hearings .
Fantl hightailed it out of Boulder to his family ’ s home in Parker once the stricter measures were enforced because he said there was little else young adults could do other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Life in the dorms is pretty dismal right now , ” Fantl said .
“ There ’ s not a lot of support .
It ’ s pretty depressing.
” The university is offering a bevy of virtual events and 24/7 mental health support through Counseling and Psychiatric Services .
“ While our campus supports the county ’ s public health order , we are also concerned about the impacts it will have on our students , ” Chancellor Phil DiStefano wrote in a letter to students and employees .
“ To support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will be providing additional care , flexibility and resources for your emotional , physical and academic needs.
” Still , local gyms weren ’ t allowing entry to 18-to-22-year-olds .
Restaurants asked callers inquiring about reservations whether they were a part of the banished age group before scheduling .
A sign stuck outside the Sundown Saloon , a Pearl Street dive bar beloved by the college crowd , read “ unfortunately and until further notice per Boulder County : No entry under 23.
” Mark Heinritz , co-owner of The Sink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even those outside the targeted age group — are avoiding the student-centric University Hill neighborhood , where the beloved restaurant and a slew of other local businesses reside because they ’ re afraid of contracting the virus .
Additionally , big-business drivers like alumni events and football games are all paused because of the pandemic .
“ It ’ s incredibly odd to have it be so empty , ” Heinritz said .
“ Christmas Day , campus probably looks a lot like it does right now , but that ’ s one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a sustained period of time .
Everything is shocking and unnerving and unsettling and uncertain and that hasn ’ t stopped .
Conditions have not improved .
It ’ s not over .
We could have another year of this left , so how do we get through another year ?
” Heinritz said his restaurant has a large outdoor seating area and has been following all public health rules and best practices , including encouraging to-go orders .
But , even so , they ’ re running on 40 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have .
“ That doesn ’ t pay the bills , ” he said .
A walk around the Hill , a neighborhood flush with cohabitating college students and Greek houses , was quiet Wednesday aside from occasional music drifting out of open windows , and hushed chatter and suspicious glances from pairs of students seeking fresh air on their porches .
Several houses featured self-ascribed names etched on their brick exteriors — some lighthearted , while others like “ The Hospital ” and “ ICU ” reflected the surreal reality many were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student Caroline Butcher , 30 , said she felt like she was in a warped version of “ Harry Potter ” as she gingerly flipped through an enormous tome encased in a protective red box while sitting on the deserted quad .
She ’ d requested the book from Norlin Library for her research on racism in the dance industry and , due to contactless delivery in light of COVID-19 , did not realize its girth until arrival .
The book , a volume of theater magazines , was published in 1918 — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was closed for an extended period of time , in response to the 1918 flu pandemic .
Back then , Boulder ordered a city-wide quarantine , according to an article in the university ’ s Arts and Sciences magazine .
The university shut down .
Nearly 650 Boulder residents were sickened and 119 died , the article said .
Infected students were quarantined in fraternity houses turned into makeshift hospitals .
A masked Butcher studied next to masked peer Anna Pillot , 33 , airing her irritation with having her visions of graduate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back for an MFA after working professionally for years and to have everything threatened by fraternities and sororities — it ’ s frustrating , ” Butcher said .
Pillot , who had just exited quarantine after testing negative twice after exposure to someone with the virus , said the weirdness of living in a college town during COVID wasn ’ t even her most pressing worry .
“ I still feel an anxiety hangover from the presidential debate last night , ” Pillot said .
“ I ’ m stressed about the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed about everything .
What a time.
” Making the most of the fall weather , Katie Morton sat outside her Baker Hall dorm among skittering autumn leaves , watching the end of her freshman philosophy class on her laptop .
The 19-year-old Wisconsinite said she tries to avoid her dim dorm room as much as possible , choosing to spend her days alone outside in the sunshine .
She gets anxious when she sees police stationed around campus or roaming her dorm hallways even though she ’ s doing her best to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s definitely a little strange that they ’ re everywhere you turn , ” Morton said of the police , who have increased patrols of student-populated areas to enforce public health rules .
“ It feels like they ’ re just looking to bust you.
” Even as a fellow student Morton had been around significantly sat in COVID isolation Wednesday , Morton said she still hoped to stick out the semester and stay as long as possible .
“ It ’ s a little nerve-wracking to think : Will we be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morton said .
“ How long will it last ?
A lot of norms have changed .
You hear about plagues happening a long time ago and think , ‘ Oh , that could never happen to us.
’ Now , we ’ re all living through history .
”

An eerie, remarkable scene unfolded across the University of Colorado Boulder’s grassy Norlin Quad on Wednesday: It was a beautiful autumn afternoon with nobody around to enjoy it.
Boulder’s student-dominated spaces looked like a museum to the city’s pre-pandemic self — empty academic buildings and deserted University Hill sidewalks relics to a time when COVID-19 had not altered life in this quintessential college town in nearly every conceivable way.
A gorgeous day on the campus of yore would have yielded slacklines taut with the weight of intrepid youth, flying Frisbees, scholars cracking textbooks beneath shade trees, and friends meeting to plan the weekend’s escapades. On Wednesday, there was nary a human in sight aside from a rare masked student and occasional patrols by university and local police.
“Walking around, it’s like a ghost town,” freshman Ethan Fantl said.
Following a surge in coronavirus infections tied to the university community, the Boulder campus shifted classes online for a minimum of two weeks, beginning Sept. 23. The next day, Boulder County Public Health ordered a two-week ban on gatherings of 18-to-22-year-olds in Boulder, and put more than three dozen properties — largely Greek houses — under a stay-at-home order.
On a visit to Boulder one week into these measures, the CU community remained the largest COVID-19 outbreak in the state with more than 1,500 confirmed cases, though new infections among those in their late teens and early 20s are now trending downward, according to state and local public health data. CU leaders have attributed that progress to an earlier intervention: the recommendation that all students living in Boulder self-quarantine.
Nevertheless, infections among all other age groups continued to rise this week, with local health authorities sounding the alarm that Boulder County was in the state’s “red zone” for new cases — something that could trigger more aggressive restrictions to stop the virus’ spread.
“A culture of fear”
Fantl, 19, was heartened by the dropping numbers among CU students, but said he thinks the university will have a tougher time healing its reputation in light of the past few turbulent months.
“For a lot of students, the fear of getting sick is there, but there’s not a whole lot of knowledge about what it will do to someone who is young. Some people think it’s just like a cold,” Fantl said. “But in terms of the punitive measures students could face for breaking public health rules, everyone is really terrified of that, even more so than getting sick. We’re living in a culture of fear.”
Violating the county’s public health order is a misdemeanor subject to criminal and civil penalties and fines, said Shannon Aulabaugh, spokeswoman for the city of Boulder. A violator would receive a summons to appear in Boulder Municipal Court with penalties including up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Students also could be reported to CU for violating the student code of conduct, which could result in exclusion from campus, suspension or expulsion.
Rumors swirled around campus about friends of friends getting fined thousands of dollars for going outside or being hounded by local police. In reality, the city has issued five citations since the order went into affect, Aulabaugh said.
CU Boulder has investigated almost 500 instances of students violating public health orders on and off campus since classes began at the end of August, resulting in three students being suspended through the end of the fall semester and 27 more who are suspended at least through the final adjudication of their conduct hearings.
Fantl hightailed it out of Boulder to his family’s home in Parker once the stricter measures were enforced because he said there was little else young adults could do other than sit in their rooms.
“Life in the dorms is pretty dismal right now,” Fantl said. “There’s not a lot of support. It’s pretty depressing.”
The university is offering a bevy of virtual events and 24/7 mental health support through Counseling and Psychiatric Services.
“While our campus supports the county’s public health order, we are also concerned about the impacts it will have on our students,” Chancellor Phil DiStefano wrote in a letter to students and employees. “To support all of our students during this time, we will be providing additional care, flexibility and resources for your emotional, physical and academic needs.”
“Shocking and unnerving and unsettling”
Still, local gyms weren’t allowing entry to 18-to-22-year-olds. Restaurants asked callers inquiring about reservations whether they were a part of the banished age group before scheduling. A sign stuck outside the Sundown Saloon, a Pearl Street dive bar beloved by the college crowd, read “unfortunately and until further notice per Boulder County: No entry under 23.”
Mark Heinritz, co-owner of The Sink, said he believes Boulder residents — even those outside the targeted age group — are avoiding the student-centric University Hill neighborhood, where the beloved restaurant and a slew of other local businesses reside because they’re afraid of contracting the virus.
Additionally, big-business drivers like alumni events and football games are all paused because of the pandemic.
“It’s incredibly odd to have it be so empty,” Heinritz said. “Christmas Day, campus probably looks a lot like it does right now, but that’s one day a year, not every day for a sustained period of time. Everything is shocking and unnerving and unsettling and uncertain and that hasn’t stopped. Conditions have not improved. It’s not over. We could have another year of this left, so how do we get through another year?”
Heinritz said his restaurant has a large outdoor seating area and has been following all public health rules and best practices, including encouraging to-go orders. But, even so, they’re running on 40% to 50% of the sales they normally have. “That doesn’t pay the bills,” he said.
A walk around the Hill, a neighborhood flush with cohabitating college students and Greek houses, was quiet Wednesday aside from occasional music drifting out of open windows, and hushed chatter and suspicious glances from pairs of students seeking fresh air on their porches. Several houses featured self-ascribed names etched on their brick exteriors — some lighthearted, while others like “The Hospital” and “ICU” reflected the surreal reality many were experiencing.
Back on campus, graduate student Caroline Butcher, 30, said she felt like she was in a warped version of “Harry Potter” as she gingerly flipped through an enormous tome encased in a protective red box while sitting on the deserted quad. She’d requested the book from Norlin Library for her research on racism in the dance industry and, due to contactless delivery in light of COVID-19, did not realize its girth until arrival.
The book, a volume of theater magazines, was published in 1918 — one of the last times the campus was closed for an extended period of time, in response to the 1918 flu pandemic.
Back then, Boulder ordered a city-wide quarantine, according to an article in the university’s Arts and Sciences magazine. The university shut down. Nearly 650 Boulder residents were sickened and 119 died, the article said. Infected students were quarantined in fraternity houses turned into makeshift hospitals.
A masked Butcher studied next to masked peer Anna Pillot, 33, airing her irritation with having her visions of graduate school quashed.
“Choosing to come back for an MFA after working professionally for years and to have everything threatened by fraternities and sororities — it’s frustrating,” Butcher said.
(In an op-ed published Thursday in the Daily Camera, Chi Psi Boulder fraternity president Conor Bates-Janigo slammed the “neglect and complete lack of protocol and guidance” from university and public health leaders, saying he’d been left “moonlighting as a quasi-public health official/enforcer for over a month” with little direction. Bates-Janigo’s fraternity is one of 38 properties under a stay-at-home mandate for repeatedly violating public health orders or having a significant number of cases.)
Pillot, who had just exited quarantine after testing negative twice after exposure to someone with the virus, said the weirdness of living in a college town during COVID wasn’t even her most pressing worry.
“I still feel an anxiety hangover from the presidential debate last night,” Pillot said. “I’m stressed about the future of this country. I’m stressed about everything. What a time.”
“Back to normal next year?”
Making the most of the fall weather, Katie Morton sat outside her Baker Hall dorm among skittering autumn leaves, watching the end of her freshman philosophy class on her laptop.
The 19-year-old Wisconsinite said she tries to avoid her dim dorm room as much as possible, choosing to spend her days alone outside in the sunshine.
She gets anxious when she sees police stationed around campus or roaming her dorm hallways even though she’s doing her best to follow all the rules.
“It’s definitely a little strange that they’re everywhere you turn,” Morton said of the police, who have increased patrols of student-populated areas to enforce public health rules. “It feels like they’re just looking to bust you.”
Even as a fellow student Morton had been around significantly sat in COVID isolation Wednesday, Morton said she still hoped to stick out the semester and stay as long as possible.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking to think: Will we be back to normal next year?” Morton said. “How long will it last? A lot of norms have changed. You hear about plagues happening a long time ago and think, ‘Oh, that could never happen to us.’ Now, we’re all living through history.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-03--Colorado AG says he will prosecute voter intimidation during November election

If political activists gather at any of Colorado ’ s polling locations or ballot drop boxes and intimidate voters during the upcoming election , Attorney General Phil Weiser said , his office will prosecute .
Colorado ’ s mail-in voting system sharply reduces the chances of mass voter intimidation schemes , Weiser said .
And so far , there haven ’ t been any rumblings about organized efforts to do so .
But Weiser said he ’ ll be watching .
“ It is a crime .
It ’ s a crime to take seriously , ” Weiser told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since President Donald Trump and others have called the legitimacy of the country ’ s election system into question and encouraged poll-watching .
“ I am urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully , ” Trump said recently .
Already Republicans are recruiting tens of thousands of volunteers to act as “ poll watchers ” in November .
While there are legal ways to act as a poll watcher , attorney generals across the country have also taken notice and warned that if the practice morphs into voter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am discouraged and dismayed that ( Trump ) has made statements that seek to undermine the faith and confidence in our elections , ” Weiser said .
His statements “ can be interpreted as encouraging individuals to show up and give people a hard time .
That ’ s not the way we do things here in Colorado .
There ’ s no role for citizens to show up at poll sites and making it harder to vote .
Indeed , doing so could be a crime.
” Voter intimidation is a misdemeanor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a year in jail and a $ 1,000 fine .
The nature of Colorado ’ s election system reduces the risk of widespread voter intimidation because the vast majority of voters return their ballots at 24-hour drop boxes or through the mail over the course of weeks , rather than voting on a single day .
But Colorado ’ s election takes place over weeks , not a single day , and the vast majority of voters return their ballots by mail or by 24-hour drop boxes which would reduce — if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intimidated .
Still , up to 7 % of voters in the state — tens of thousands of people — do vote in person , Secretary of State Jena Griswold said .
Griswold encouraged voters of all political stripes , including Trump ’ s supporters , to work as election judges and poll watchers as permitted by law .

If political activists gather at any of Colorado’s polling locations or ballot drop boxes and intimidate voters during the upcoming election, Attorney General Phil Weiser said, his office will prosecute.
Colorado’s mail-in voting system sharply reduces the chances of mass voter intimidation schemes, Weiser said. And so far, there haven’t been any rumblings about organized efforts to do so.
But Weiser said he’ll be watching.
“It is a crime. It’s a crime to take seriously,” Weiser told The Denver Post.
White supremacy is a threat to the soul of America. We must work together to address the rising tide of hate. When hate turns to voter intimidation, it becomes a crime. For that matter, any voter intimidation is a crime and will be prosecuted. #democracy pic.twitter.com/wwQmEa2Puz — Phil Weiser (@pweiser) September 30, 2020
Concerns have been mounting since President Donald Trump and others have called the legitimacy of the country’s election system into question and encouraged poll-watching.
“I am urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully,” Trump said recently.
Already Republicans are recruiting tens of thousands of volunteers to act as “poll watchers” in November.
While there are legal ways to act as a poll watcher, attorney generals across the country have also taken notice and warned that if the practice morphs into voter intimidation they will prosecute.
“I am discouraged and dismayed that (Trump) has made statements that seek to undermine the faith and confidence in our elections,” Weiser said. His statements “can be interpreted as encouraging individuals to show up and give people a hard time. That’s not the way we do things here in Colorado. There’s no role for citizens to show up at poll sites and making it harder to vote. Indeed, doing so could be a crime.”
Voter intimidation is a misdemeanor, he said, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The nature of Colorado’s election system reduces the risk of widespread voter intimidation because the vast majority of voters return their ballots at 24-hour drop boxes or through the mail over the course of weeks, rather than voting on a single day.
But Colorado’s election takes place over weeks, not a single day, and the vast majority of voters return their ballots by mail or by 24-hour drop boxes which would reduce — if not eliminate — their potential to be intimidated.
Still, up to 7% of voters in the state — tens of thousands of people — do vote in person, Secretary of State Jena Griswold said.
Griswold encouraged voters of all political stripes, including Trump’s supporters, to work as election judges and poll watchers as permitted by law.


thedenverpost--2020-10-03--As ex-judge faces possible prison time, those who appeared in his Greeley courtroom wonder why his j

As ex-judge faces possible prison time, those who appeared in his Greeley courtroom wonder why his judgements stand

For most of her life , Amanda Harmon believed the courts were fair and just .
Save for a few traffic-related instances , Harmon had rarely dealt with legal issues .
A courtroom didn ’ t give her anxiety .
It didn ’ t give her fear .
But her whole perception of justice changed after her time in Judge Ryan Kamada ’ s Greeley courtroom .
“ I knew right away he was crooked , ” Harmon said .
“ There was something corrupt and vile about him.
” Her suspicions were confirmed , she said , when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty last year to obstructing a federal investigation into a large-scale cocaine trafficking organization .
A disciplinary investigation showed Kamada had also maintained long-running text chains with his friends , during which he disparaged those appearing in his court , mocked attorneys and joked about the safety of children as he decided on custody arrangements .
Kamada resigned from the bench last year , was disbarred this summer and soon could face prison time .
But while Kamada is no longer a judge , his rulings continue to be felt by Harmon and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now expressing dismay , alleging their cases were tainted by the disgraced judge as they wonder how they can make their voices heard .
“ All of these decisions are fruit of a poisoned tree , ” Harmon said .
Kamada ’ s downfall began in October 2018 , when a federal task force began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of cocaine throughout northern Colorado , according to the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in Colorado .
Investigators realized that Kamada had known one of the drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month earlier , former Gov .
John Hickenlooper had appointed Kamada to replace Elizabeth Strobel as a district court judge in Weld County .
In April 2019 , Kamada received a call from a task force officer seeking a search warrant as part of an investigation into a suspected drug trafficker named Alberta Loya , according to the former judge ’ s admission of misconduct during his review before the Colorado Supreme Court .
The officer noted that Kamada was friends with Loya on Facebook , prompting the judge to recuse himself from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kamada called his best friend , an assistant middle school principal named Geoffrey Chacon , who also grew up with Loya , investigators said .
Kamada warned Chacon that authorities were following Loya and that his friend should stay away from him .
Chacon then notified Loya about the warrant , and changed his own behavior “ in order to avoid law enforcement attention , ” federal prosecutors said .
In August 2019 , Kamada resigned from the bench .
Two months later , Chacon pleaded guilty in federal court to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intent to obstruct a federal investigation .
Loya was indicted on 21 counts related to drug trafficking activity , and pleaded guilty to felony counts of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to launder money .
He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in June .
Also in June , Kamada pleaded guilty to obstructing the federal investigation , and in August he was disbarred for violating eight different rules of professional and judicial conduct .
He ’ s scheduled to be sentenced in federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face between 12 and 41 months in prison , according to his plea agreement .
John Gleason , who represented Kamada during his disciplinary review process , told The Denver Post that “ everything I ’ ve heard about him is that he was a great lawyer and great judge who simply made a mistake , and he ’ s paid dearly for it.
” Kamada , through his criminal defense attorney , declined to comment .
But during the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel ’ s investigation into his misconduct , new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his time on the bench .
As a magistrate judge , Kamada would routinely text his friends information about people and cases in his courtroom , according to the stipulation filed with the Colorado Supreme Court , which deals with attorney discipline .
In one September 2016 exchange , a friend asked the judge to look up information on an individual .
That person , Kamada said , “ wasn ’ t convicted of the sex assault but he was on other charges and ended up in ( expletive ) prison man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expletive ) a 14-year-old and giving her cocaine .
Don ’ t say anything man , ” according transcripts of the text in the stipulation .
In a December 2016 group text , Kamada talked about a former client , saying , “ I did her custody ( expletive ) and she is one strange cat .
If that kid lives I ’ ll be shocked.
” Soon after beginning his role as a district court judge in January 2019 , Kamada was presiding over a divorce proceeding , which included an allocation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo of the divorce papers , telling his friends that he was “ going to grant this today so she is free game tomorrow night.
” When Amy Barton heard these allegations , it confirmed her gut feeling that something just wasn ’ t right in Kamada ’ s courtroom .
She and her ex-husband appeared before Kamada four years ago for a child custody case and “ the whole time in court , ( Kamada ) was picking his fingernails and you could tell he wasn ’ t paying attention , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checked out.
” For Barton and others who appeared before the judge , word of his indictment and disbarment served as a modicum of good news — “ karma finally bit him in the ( expletive ) , ” she said .
But when several people appealed to get Kamada ’ s judgements vacated or their cases reheard , they were denied .
“ It seems like the courts are trying to sweep it under the rug , ” Harmon said .
While Kamada ’ s actions may be well-deserving of removal from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not mean that everything he touched gets to be relitigated , said Eli Wald , a professor and legal ethics scholar at the University of Denver ’ Sturm College of Law .
“ The thing we worry about most is the integrity of the proceedings and compliance with the law and perception of law and justice , ” Wald said .
“ Unless there ’ s anything in the removal proceedings that causes us to doubt the integrity of the proceedings , the mere removal ( of a judge ) should not cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” This feels like a miscarriage of justice , Barton and Harmon said .
And it has both of them , along with others who dealt with Kamada , questioning their belief in the entire judicial system .
“ It ’ s disheartening knowing this man was appointed to a position that is supposed to uphold ethics and be honorable , and he ’ s doing such skeezy stuff , ” Barton said .
That hasn ’ t stopped a group from organizing to raise awareness .
A group of about 15 parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started a Facebook group , with people talking about a filing a lawsuit or protesting in front of the courthouse .
The court may not rehear their cases .
But that doesn ’ t mean they ’ re going to be silent .
“ It ’ s always strength in numbers , ” Barton said .
“ If five of us say we want change , they can ignore us .
But if we get hundreds , then they have to listen .
”

For most of her life, Amanda Harmon believed the courts were fair and just.
Save for a few traffic-related instances, Harmon had rarely dealt with legal issues. A courtroom didn’t give her anxiety. It didn’t give her fear.
But her whole perception of justice changed after her time in Judge Ryan Kamada’s Greeley courtroom.
“I knew right away he was crooked,” Harmon said. “There was something corrupt and vile about him.”
Her suspicions were confirmed, she said, when the former Weld County District Court judge pleaded guilty last year to obstructing a federal investigation into a large-scale cocaine trafficking organization.
A disciplinary investigation showed Kamada had also maintained long-running text chains with his friends, during which he disparaged those appearing in his court, mocked attorneys and joked about the safety of children as he decided on custody arrangements.
Kamada resigned from the bench last year, was disbarred this summer and soon could face prison time.
But while Kamada is no longer a judge, his rulings continue to be felt by Harmon and a host of other families, who are now expressing dismay, alleging their cases were tainted by the disgraced judge as they wonder how they can make their voices heard.
“All of these decisions are fruit of a poisoned tree,” Harmon said.
Investigation into Kamada
Kamada’s downfall began in October 2018, when a federal task force began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of cocaine throughout northern Colorado, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Colorado. Investigators realized that Kamada had known one of the drug traffickers since high school.
Just one month earlier, former Gov. John Hickenlooper had appointed Kamada to replace Elizabeth Strobel as a district court judge in Weld County.
In April 2019, Kamada received a call from a task force officer seeking a search warrant as part of an investigation into a suspected drug trafficker named Alberta Loya, according to the former judge’s admission of misconduct during his review before the Colorado Supreme Court. The officer noted that Kamada was friends with Loya on Facebook, prompting the judge to recuse himself from the case.
But the next morning, Kamada called his best friend, an assistant middle school principal named Geoffrey Chacon, who also grew up with Loya, investigators said. Kamada warned Chacon that authorities were following Loya and that his friend should stay away from him.
Chacon then notified Loya about the warrant, and changed his own behavior “in order to avoid law enforcement attention,” federal prosecutors said.
In August 2019, Kamada resigned from the bench. Two months later, Chacon pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of destruction of records with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation.
Loya was indicted on 21 counts related to drug trafficking activity, and pleaded guilty to felony counts of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to launder money. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in June.
Also in June, Kamada pleaded guilty to obstructing the federal investigation, and in August he was disbarred for violating eight different rules of professional and judicial conduct. He’s scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Dec. 4, and could face between 12 and 41 months in prison, according to his plea agreement.
John Gleason, who represented Kamada during his disciplinary review process, told The Denver Post that “everything I’ve heard about him is that he was a great lawyer and great judge who simply made a mistake, and he’s paid dearly for it.”
Kamada, through his criminal defense attorney, declined to comment.
But during the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel’s investigation into his misconduct, new details emerged about Kamada’s behavior during his time on the bench.
As a magistrate judge, Kamada would routinely text his friends information about people and cases in his courtroom, according to the stipulation filed with the Colorado Supreme Court, which deals with attorney discipline.
In one September 2016 exchange, a friend asked the judge to look up information on an individual.
That person, Kamada said, “wasn’t convicted of the sex assault but he was on other charges and ended up in (expletive) prison man … Oh yeah. He was (expletive) a 14-year-old and giving her cocaine. Don’t say anything man,” according transcripts of the text in the stipulation.
In a December 2016 group text, Kamada talked about a former client, saying, “I did her custody (expletive) and she is one strange cat. If that kid lives I’ll be shocked.”
Soon after beginning his role as a district court judge in January 2019, Kamada was presiding over a divorce proceeding, which included an allocation of parental rights.
Kamada texted a photo of the divorce papers, telling his friends that he was “going to grant this today so she is free game tomorrow night.”
Fighting for new judgements
When Amy Barton heard these allegations, it confirmed her gut feeling that something just wasn’t right in Kamada’s courtroom.
She and her ex-husband appeared before Kamada four years ago for a child custody case and “the whole time in court, (Kamada) was picking his fingernails and you could tell he wasn’t paying attention,” Barton said. “He was completely checked out.”
For Barton and others who appeared before the judge, word of his indictment and disbarment served as a modicum of good news — “karma finally bit him in the (expletive),” she said.
But when several people appealed to get Kamada’s judgements vacated or their cases reheard, they were denied.
“It seems like the courts are trying to sweep it under the rug,” Harmon said.
While Kamada’s actions may be well-deserving of removal from the bench or disbarment, that does not mean that everything he touched gets to be relitigated, said Eli Wald, a professor and legal ethics scholar at the University of Denver’ Sturm College of Law.
“The thing we worry about most is the integrity of the proceedings and compliance with the law and perception of law and justice,” Wald said. “Unless there’s anything in the removal proceedings that causes us to doubt the integrity of the proceedings, the mere removal (of a judge) should not cause us to worry about revisiting every case.”
This feels like a miscarriage of justice, Barton and Harmon said. And it has both of them, along with others who dealt with Kamada, questioning their belief in the entire judicial system.
“It’s disheartening knowing this man was appointed to a position that is supposed to uphold ethics and be honorable, and he’s doing such skeezy stuff,” Barton said.
That hasn’t stopped a group from organizing to raise awareness. A group of about 15 parents who had Kamada preside over their cases started a Facebook group, with people talking about a filing a lawsuit or protesting in front of the courthouse. The court may not rehear their cases. But that doesn’t mean they’re going to be silent.
“It’s always strength in numbers,” Barton said. “If five of us say we want change, they can ignore us. But if we get hundreds, then they have to listen.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-03--Madrid: Youth suicide is a community issue. Step up to help a kid in need.

Suicidal ideation can be a lonely torment for individuals .
But suicide is a public health issue that afflicts us as a community , especially when it comes to young people .
Suicide rates in Colorado for children and youth have stayed elevated .
It ’ s still one of the leading causes of death between the ages 10 and 24 .
State experts foreshadow a rise in mental health needs for youth .
We tackle public health issues through individual , familial , school , community , and societal interventions .
Youth suicide prevention involves us all .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mental health attitudes within ourselves .
Pulse , a Colorado Health Foundation poll , reports that more than half of 2,275 Colorado adults have experienced an increased mental health strain as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
This includes added anxiety , loneliness and stress .
It is no surprise that children and teens are also feeling the stress .
They are also growing up in a political climate that ’ s hostile .
Coming of age in a volatile American psyche doesn ’ t help .
But suicide is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single cause .
Young people today face an uncertain future , laced with blatant racial injustice and an economic downturn .
A social media bombardment of negative messages and violent images .
They live in an America where President Donald Trump told the Proud Boys , a right-wing extremist group , to “ stand back and stand by.
” Add other risk factors like mental illness , substance abuse and adverse childhood experiences .
Combined , these can leave youth feeling unsafe , overburdened , misunderstood and alone .
Suicidal children and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out for help .
They need spaces where they can build their resilience and understand their purpose .
They need positive messages at home , in schools and communities .
Educators , parents and guardians can help normalize mental health support .
Adults can change negative social norms and address stigma .
We can also check hateful behavior and attitudes both in-person and online .
Lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender youth are particularly vulnerable .
LGBTQ children and teens don ’ t suffer from being themselves .
They suffer from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and adults .
Boys and young men are one of the most frequently harmed groups .
As expected , they too suffer from sexist and patriarchal ideologies in our society .
Toxic masculinity proliferates emotional suppression in boys , and that denial can become a dangerous barrier for boys and men to seek life-saving help .
But young people are resilient .
And many of them are experts in survival .
They have stories of hope , healing and recovery .
I know because I was one of them .
Trusted adults and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help others .
At 13 my suicidal ideation began .
A combination of childhood trauma , racism and homophobia wrecked my mental health .
Cutting was my preferred harm-reduction method .
By the time I entered high school , I attempted suicide twice .
With proper help and family support , I began to heal .
Three years later a friend confessed she was having suicidal thoughts .
As a sixteen-year-old , I had to override social norms and attitudes that told me , “ Don ’ t be a snitch ; don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t your problems.
” But I knew the hopelessness she felt too well .
I spoke up and school staff intervened .
Betrayed , she never spoke to me until recently , when she messaged me on social media .
She was grateful I told someone all those years ago .
And so was I .
This is proof that there is hope .
That survivors help others live .
Some romanticize and glorify their own childhood and believe that younger generations are coddled , fragile or overly catered to .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must make it clear that speaking about mental health is not a weakness .
A young person who reaches out for help despite social stigma is brave .
The true weakness is our inability as a society to support them in their time of need .
The reality is that young people need only one trusted adult — a counselor , older sibling , parent , grandparent , educator or coach .
Someone who will listen .
Young people need to hear reinforcement that their issues are real , that they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that they deserve to live .
Stand forward for our youth and act now .
Be that trusted adult .
Be the confidant a young person needs today .
Mimi Madrid is a Denver-raised writer who works as a communications content writer at a non-profit providing nursing care for new mothers and has worked in non-profits serving youth , LGBTQ survivors of violence and Latinx communities .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email @ @ @

Suicidal ideation can be a lonely torment for individuals. But suicide is a public health issue that afflicts us as a community, especially when it comes to young people.
Suicide rates in Colorado for children and youth have stayed elevated. It’s still one of the leading causes of death between the ages 10 and 24.
State experts foreshadow a rise in mental health needs for youth. We tackle public health issues through individual, familial, school, community, and societal interventions. Youth suicide prevention involves us all.
To help youth, we must first change the mental health attitudes within ourselves. Pulse, a Colorado Health Foundation poll, reports that more than half of 2,275 Colorado adults have experienced an increased mental health strain as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This includes added anxiety, loneliness and stress.
It is no surprise that children and teens are also feeling the stress. They are also growing up in a political climate that’s hostile. Coming of age in a volatile American psyche doesn’t help.
But suicide is a complex issue. There isn’t a single cause.
Young people today face an uncertain future, laced with blatant racial injustice and an economic downturn. A social media bombardment of negative messages and violent images. They live in an America where President Donald Trump told the Proud Boys, a right-wing extremist group, to “stand back and stand by.”
Add other risk factors like mental illness, substance abuse and adverse childhood experiences. Combined, these can leave youth feeling unsafe, overburdened, misunderstood and alone.
Suicidal children and youth need environments where they can reach out for help. They need spaces where they can build their resilience and understand their purpose. They need positive messages at home, in schools and communities.
Educators, parents and guardians can help normalize mental health support. Adults can change negative social norms and address stigma. We can also check hateful behavior and attitudes both in-person and online.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth are particularly vulnerable. LGBTQ children and teens don’t suffer from being themselves. They suffer from the discrimination inflicted on them by other children and adults.
Boys and young men are one of the most frequently harmed groups. As expected, they too suffer from sexist and patriarchal ideologies in our society. Toxic masculinity proliferates emotional suppression in boys, and that denial can become a dangerous barrier for boys and men to seek life-saving help.
But young people are resilient. And many of them are experts in survival. They have stories of hope, healing and recovery. I know because I was one of them. Trusted adults and attitude changes helped me survive and later help others.
At 13 my suicidal ideation began. A combination of childhood trauma, racism and homophobia wrecked my mental health. Cutting was my preferred harm-reduction method. By the time I entered high school, I attempted suicide twice.
With proper help and family support, I began to heal. Three years later a friend confessed she was having suicidal thoughts. As a sixteen-year-old, I had to override social norms and attitudes that told me, “Don’t be a snitch; don’t be nosy. These aren’t your problems.”
But I knew the hopelessness she felt too well. I spoke up and school staff intervened. Betrayed, she never spoke to me until recently, when she messaged me on social media. She was grateful I told someone all those years ago. And so was I. This is proof that there is hope. That survivors help others live.
Some romanticize and glorify their own childhood and believe that younger generations are coddled, fragile or overly catered to. They tag younger generations as snowflakes. We must make it clear that speaking about mental health is not a weakness. A young person who reaches out for help despite social stigma is brave. The true weakness is our inability as a society to support them in their time of need.
The reality is that young people need only one trusted adult — a counselor, older sibling, parent, grandparent, educator or coach. Someone who will listen.
Young people need to hear reinforcement that their issues are real, that they’re important, that they’re loved, and that they deserve to live.
Stand forward for our youth and act now. Be that trusted adult. Be the confidant a young person needs today.
Mimi Madrid is a Denver-raised writer who works as a communications content writer at a non-profit providing nursing care for new mothers and has worked in non-profits serving youth, LGBTQ survivors of violence and Latinx communities.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-10-03--Guest commentary: Denver voters should say ‘no’ to Initiatives 2B and 2A

Denver Voters have been very generous .
In 2018 , we voted to tax ourselves an additional $ 115 million plus–annually .
Denver now wants another $ 80 million annually —this time to fund programs to end homelessness and to deal with climate change—raising our sales tax , again , to pay for it .
However , 2020 is not 2018 .
This proud progressive is voting no on both .
This a bad time to increase taxes , especially for programs that have no goals and no metrics–just permanent tax increases .
Homeless Initiative 2B .
The sight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in tents in the 100 degree heat was heartbreaking .
While there might be a few grifters in the group , most of the folks have lost jobs , have mental health issues and or substance abuse problems .
Denver has tried to solve the homeless problem for years with little success .
What is missing is a strategic plan to address the underlying issues that lead to people living on the street .
Throwing more money at the problems without a plan will not solve the problem .
The Denver Auditor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two scathing audits of the homeless programs in Denver , one in 2015 and most recently in 2019 .
His conclusions–numerous bureaucracies with overlap , 43 committees and work groups , no clear authority , no accountability , no consistent data collection , no metrics to measure success or failure .
According to the 2019 audit , Denver budgeted $ 37 million for homeless services in 2018 and more than $ 51 million in 2019 .
There might be more money being spent , because it is not clear if the federal grants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs are and have been a failure .
We can all see the results .
The problem is getting worse .
Denver voters passed Initiative 301 in 2018 , a sales tax increase that raises $ 45 million a year to deal with mental health issues here in Denver , including substance abuse and is supposed to provide services and housing for those who have mental health and or addictive problems .
How is this money being spent ?
We are great at forming commissions and committees with fancy names but have fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is an accounting of how this money is being spent and a real regional path forward , Denver voters should hold off on any more funding .
Climate Initiative 2A is to provide funds for climate action–steep reductions in fossil fuel consumption and renewable energy with half of the money going to underserved communities , including job training .
An admirable endeavor yet , like the homeless sales tax , light on details of exactly how these funds will be spent and who will benefit and how it fits with current programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already paying for programs to reduce consumption .
In the electric and gas utility world , that is called “ Demand Side Management.
” Last year the Public Utilities Commission ( I was a member of the Commission at the time ) approved Xcel Energy ’ s Demand Side Budget of $ 89 million a year for the electric utility and another $ 11 million a year for the gas utility to create and pay for programs to reduce consumption .
Denver residents pay for a large chunk of these programs in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal of 2A is for Denver to build its own renewable electric generation , that should be debated and voted on–not funded by this tax .
If the goal is to shut down the gas utilities and to force all of us to heat and cook with electricity , or to outlaw the internal combustion vehicles , those issues should be debated and voted on .
And if these are the goals of Denver residents , $ 40 million a year is just a drop in the bucket which means the money will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no metrics and no accountability .
Importantly , neither of these tax increases have a sunset clause , meaning they continue into perpetuity whether or not they are effective .
So , vote no until there is accountability for the monies already being spent and a real plan to show that Denver is doing something different to solve the problems of homelessness and climate change .
Frances Koncilja is a former president of the Colorado Bar Association and Denver lawyer , who recently finished a term on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Koncilja Public Utilities Law and Policy .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Denver Voters have been very generous. In 2018, we voted to tax ourselves an additional $115 million plus–annually. Denver now wants another $80 million annually —this time to fund programs to end homelessness and to deal with climate change—raising our sales tax, again, to pay for it.
However, 2020 is not 2018. This proud progressive is voting no on both. This a bad time to increase taxes, especially for programs that have no goals and no metrics–just permanent tax increases.
Homeless Initiative 2B. The sight of the homeless camps during COVID with people living in tents in the 100 degree heat was heartbreaking. While there might be a few grifters in the group, most of the folks have lost jobs, have mental health issues and or substance abuse problems. Denver has tried to solve the homeless problem for years with little success. What is missing is a strategic plan to address the underlying issues that lead to people living on the street. Throwing more money at the problems without a plan will not solve the problem.
The Denver Auditor, Tim O’Brien has conducted two scathing audits of the homeless programs in Denver, one in 2015 and most recently in 2019. His conclusions–numerous bureaucracies with overlap, 43 committees and work groups, no clear authority, no accountability, no consistent data collection, no metrics to measure success or failure.
According to the 2019 audit, Denver budgeted $37 million for homeless services in 2018 and more than $51 million in 2019. There might be more money being spent, because it is not clear if the federal grants are included in these budgets. These programs are and have been a failure. We can all see the results. The problem is getting worse.
Denver voters passed Initiative 301 in 2018, a sales tax increase that raises $45 million a year to deal with mental health issues here in Denver, including substance abuse and is supposed to provide services and housing for those who have mental health and or addictive problems. How is this money being spent?
We are great at forming commissions and committees with fancy names but have fallen short on finding real solutions. Until there is an accounting of how this money is being spent and a real regional path forward, Denver voters should hold off on any more funding.
Climate Initiative 2A is to provide funds for climate action–steep reductions in fossil fuel consumption and renewable energy with half of the money going to underserved communities, including job training. An admirable endeavor yet, like the homeless sales tax, light on details of exactly how these funds will be spent and who will benefit and how it fits with current programs.
Denver electric and gas ratepayers are already paying for programs to reduce consumption. In the electric and gas utility world, that is called “Demand Side Management.” Last year the Public Utilities Commission (I was a member of the Commission at the time) approved Xcel Energy’s Demand Side Budget of $89 million a year for the electric utility and another $11 million a year for the gas utility to create and pay for programs to reduce consumption. Denver residents pay for a large chunk of these programs in your electric and gas bills.
If the goal of 2A is for Denver to build its own renewable electric generation, that should be debated and voted on–not funded by this tax. If the goal is to shut down the gas utilities and to force all of us to heat and cook with electricity, or to outlaw the internal combustion vehicles, those issues should be debated and voted on. And if these are the goals of Denver residents, $40 million a year is just a drop in the bucket which means the money will likely be spent on another bureaucracy with no metrics and no accountability.
Importantly, neither of these tax increases have a sunset clause, meaning they continue into perpetuity whether or not they are effective.
So, vote no until there is accountability for the monies already being spent and a real plan to show that Denver is doing something different to solve the problems of homelessness and climate change.
Frances Koncilja is a former president of the Colorado Bar Association and Denver lawyer, who recently finished a term on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission,. She is again practicing law at Koncilja Public Utilities Law and Policy.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-10-03--Kickin’ It with Kiz: Why it makes no sense for Broncos to rush Drew Lock back from injury

Is it bad to say I have John Elway and Vic Fangio fatigue ?
The stars have aligned to get the Broncos a generational talent like Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence .
The football gods have hit this team with injuries you can ’ t make up .
What ’ s the difference between five wins and two wins for the Broncos ?
— Bo , Westminster Kiz : Some kind-hearted Broncomaniacs want to give Uncle Vic a mulligan for 2020 , because his team is so beat up by injury .
I can appreciate their compassion , but here ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : If the Broncos are already playing for next year , what sense would it make to rush Drew Lock back from a shoulder injury to play at New England ?
Is Elway worried about losing his job if the team finishes 3-13 ?
If Denver truly believes Lock is its QB for the next 10 years , where ’ s the logic behind chasing one more victory when the team is going nowhere ?
Let Lock heal while Brett Rypien makes another start .
A far better target for our collective wrath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another season in the ditch .
They ’ re on the verge of losing a Hall of Fame third baseman for nothing , as general manager Jeff Bridich has no leverage to make a good trade for Nolan Arenado , and all of Major League Baseball knows it .
— P.W.
, globetrotter Kiz : Who are the Rockies of which you speak ?
Never heard of ’ em .
Hey Kiz , would you forward the email address for the Reno Circus to Bridich and Elway ?
They are taking employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that neither Bridich nor Elway will get hired , because they are over-qualified .
But , hey , it ’ s worth a shot .
— Renken , Longmont Kiz : Hey , I do the Dad jokes around here .
For example : When shopping for bad relief pitching or a slightly used quarterback , shouldn ’ t Bridich and Elway get a discount , since both men buy in bulk ?
No fans in the stands , but I could not hear the TV announcers over the fake crowd noise during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Can ’ t the sound engineers provide a mix that ’ s somewhat realistic without being so obnoxious ?
— Steve , repping the 720 Kiz : Excuse me , while this old man yells at a cloud .
Fake crowd noise at any sporting event is the equivalent of a laugh track for a bad sitcom .
Canned chuckles shouted : “ 2 Broke Girls ” is not funny !
By the same token , canned crowd noise did not make two bad teams any better at football when the Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally loving baseball .
It is the best game of all .
But today ’ s major league game bores me completely .
— Greg , snoozing on sofa Kiz : Far too often , during any given at-bat , there are only two realistic outcomes .
Strikeout .
Or home run .
Anything else seems to be an accident .
Sorry , but that ’ s only good stuff if you need an excuse for a nap on the couch .
And today ’ s parting shot is conclusive proof all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sane man ’ s perspective upside-down and inside-out .
Kiz , I ’ m a little scared .
I ’ m starting to agree with you more than I disagree .
— Eddie , flying out of DFW

Is it bad to say I have John Elway and Vic Fangio fatigue? The stars have aligned to get the Broncos a generational talent like Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The football gods have hit this team with injuries you can’t make up. What’s the difference between five wins and two wins for the Broncos?
— Bo, Westminster
Kiz: Some kind-hearted Broncomaniacs want to give Uncle Vic a mulligan for 2020, because his team is so beat up by injury. I can appreciate their compassion, but here’s what doesn’t make sense: If the Broncos are already playing for next year, what sense would it make to rush Drew Lock back from a shoulder injury to play at New England? Is Elway worried about losing his job if the team finishes 3-13? If Denver truly believes Lock is its QB for the next 10 years, where’s the logic behind chasing one more victory when the team is going nowhere? Let Lock heal while Brett Rypien makes another start.
A far better target for our collective wrath than the Broncos would be the Rockies. Another season in the ditch. They’re on the verge of losing a Hall of Fame third baseman for nothing, as general manager Jeff Bridich has no leverage to make a good trade for Nolan Arenado, and all of Major League Baseball knows it.
— P.W., globetrotter
Kiz: Who are the Rockies of which you speak? Never heard of ’em.
Hey Kiz, would you forward the email address for the Reno Circus to Bridich and Elway? They are taking employment applications for clowns. My fear is that neither Bridich nor Elway will get hired, because they are over-qualified. But, hey, it’s worth a shot.
— Renken, Longmont
Kiz: Hey, I do the Dad jokes around here. For example: When shopping for bad relief pitching or a slightly used quarterback, shouldn’t Bridich and Elway get a discount, since both men buy in bulk?
No fans in the stands, but I could not hear the TV announcers over the fake crowd noise during the Broncos’ game in New Jersey. Can’t the sound engineers provide a mix that’s somewhat realistic without being so obnoxious?
— Steve, repping the 720
Kiz: Excuse me, while this old man yells at a cloud. Fake crowd noise at any sporting event is the equivalent of a laugh track for a bad sitcom. Canned chuckles shouted: “2 Broke Girls” is not funny! By the same token, canned crowd noise did not make two bad teams any better at football when the Broncos visited the Jets.
I grew up totally loving baseball. It is the best game of all. But today’s major league game bores me completely.
— Greg, snoozing on sofa
Kiz: Far too often, during any given at-bat, there are only two realistic outcomes. Strikeout. Or home run. Anything else seems to be an accident. Sorry, but that’s only good stuff if you need an excuse for a nap on the couch.
And today’s parting shot is conclusive proof all the craziness of 2020 can turn even a sane man’s perspective upside-down and inside-out.
Kiz, I’m a little scared. I’m starting to agree with you more than I disagree.
— Eddie, flying out of DFW


thedenverpost--2020-10-03--Grading the Week: How weird are things at Colorado State? The football program is interviewing itsel

Grading the Week: How weird are things at Colorado State? The football program is interviewing itself

We ’ re three days into October , and the Broncos already have more wins ( 1 ) than they did in all of September .
Keep it up , Vic Fangio , and we just might be able to avoid yet another top draft pick .
Who needs Trevor Lawrence when you can have Blake Bortles ?
How weird are things up in FoCo ?
Well , the Colorado State football team is back at practice — and interviewing itself .
Yes , the program that recently had a coronavirus outbreak and is now the subject an independent investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two — alleged improprieties ( COVID-19 protocols and abusive behavior ) is now holding press conferences … without any members of the press .
After receiving transcripts of one of these “ interviews , ” The Denver Post contacted the university to see if we might be able to ask a few questions of new head coach Steve Addazio and his players .
Nope , just the Daz and his Dudes , we were told , until the investigation is complete .
Let ’ s hope that happens before the team ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Otherwise that ’ s going to make for one odd postgame presser .
If we ’ re being honest , the first touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy probably should ’ ve been picked off .
And the three interceptions the second-year Broncos quarterback actually did throw ( one a pick-six ) in Thursday night ’ s 37-28 win over the hapless New York Jets were Bad ( yes , with a capital “ B ” ) .
But the positives that Rypien showed in his first NFL start — the decisiveness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass to Tim Patrick in the red zone — were enough to convince the Grading the Week staff he could be a serviceable Broncos backup for a long time to come .
If that is what Rypien looked like in practice , it ’ s a wonder he was behind Jeff Driskel on the depth chart .
All that being said , wouldn ’ t it be more fun if it was Blake Bortles delivering all those highs and lows ?
Remember when DJ was a Coors Field creation ?
Oh , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rockies infielder has done just fine in his two seasons away from the thin air of Colorado , transforming into a superstar with the New York Yankees in the Bronx .
• CSU Rams 2020 football schedule out , new coach Steve Addazio starts Oct. 24 vs. New Mexico • After Broncos let him walk in free agency , Tampa Bay ’ s Shaquil Barrett returns to Denver as one of NFL ’ s best pass-rushers In fact , LeMahieu made history this week when he claimed the AL batting title with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in baseball ’ s modern history to claim batting crowns in both the American and National leagues .
( For those who forgot , LeMahieu was the NL batting champion in 2016 with a .348 average . )
Now , he and the Bronx Bombers are headed to the ALDS , thanks in no small part to LeMahieu ’ s game-winning hit in Game 2 of their wild card series against Cleveland .
To think , the Rockies might have been able to keep him in LoDo if they just matched the two-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Yankees .
Instead , that money went to Daniel Murphy .

We’re three days into October, and the Broncos already have more wins (1) than they did in all of September.
Keep it up, Vic Fangio, and we just might be able to avoid yet another top draft pick. Who needs Trevor Lawrence when you can have Blake Bortles?
CSU football — Inc.
How weird are things up in FoCo?
Well, the Colorado State football team is back at practice — and interviewing itself.
Yes, the program that recently had a coronavirus outbreak and is now the subject an independent investigation for two — count ’em, two — alleged improprieties (COVID-19 protocols and abusive behavior) is now holding press conferences … without any members of the press.
After receiving transcripts of one of these “interviews,” The Denver Post contacted the university to see if we might be able to ask a few questions of new head coach Steve Addazio and his players.
Nope, just the Daz and his Dudes, we were told, until the investigation is complete.
Let’s hope that happens before the team’s Oct. 24 season opener against New Mexico.
Otherwise that’s going to make for one odd postgame presser.
Brett Rypien — C
If we’re being honest, the first touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy probably should’ve been picked off.
And the three interceptions the second-year Broncos quarterback actually did throw (one a pick-six) in Thursday night’s 37-28 win over the hapless New York Jets were Bad (yes, with a capital “B”).
But the positives that Rypien showed in his first NFL start — the decisiveness, the third-down production, that threading-the-needle TD pass to Tim Patrick in the red zone — were enough to convince the Grading the Week staff he could be a serviceable Broncos backup for a long time to come.
If that is what Rypien looked like in practice, it’s a wonder he was behind Jeff Driskel on the depth chart.
All that being said, wouldn’t it be more fun if it was Blake Bortles delivering all those highs and lows?
The answer is “yes.”
DJ LeMahieu — A+
Remember when DJ was a Coors Field creation? Oh, how long ago that seems.
The former Rockies infielder has done just fine in his two seasons away from the thin air of Colorado, transforming into a superstar with the New York Yankees in the Bronx.
In fact, LeMahieu made history this week when he claimed the AL batting title with a .364 average, becoming the first player in baseball’s modern history to claim batting crowns in both the American and National leagues. (For those who forgot, LeMahieu was the NL batting champion in 2016 with a .348 average.)
Now, he and the Bronx Bombers are headed to the ALDS, thanks in no small part to LeMahieu’s game-winning hit in Game 2 of their wild card series against Cleveland.
To think, the Rockies might have been able to keep him in LoDo if they just matched the two-year, $16 million deal LeMahieu received from the Yankees. Instead, that money went to Daniel Murphy.
Which reminds us: Jeff Bridich, F.