thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Broncos Mailbag: Is there a disconnect between Drew Lock, Pat Shurmur?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season .
Submit questions to Ryan here .
It appears Drew Lock is not taking to the coaching from Pat Shurmur/Mike Shula .
When his first read isn ’ t open , he always ( not sometimes , always ) scrambles/bails to the right .
Then his footwork fails him and he throws off his back foot .
He is only successful the last two fourth quarters because defenses have slowed their rush and played softer coverage with a large lead .
He shines when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is exactly who he was at Missouri .
Any pressure from the defense flushed him right and killed his footwork .
I guess I am frustrated because of the constant drafting of players that Elway seems to think can be fixed .
Your thoughts ?
— Brennan , Jenks , Okla. Who knows what is going on behind the scenes and the chemistry between quarterback ( Lock ) , play-caller ( Shurmur ) and position coach ( Shula ) .
But the conversations better be honest and constructive this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in trouble this year , the product of a young player trying his best to make a play .
I agree with your point on Lock taking advantage of soft coverages , particularly against Atlanta .
Why not have Mike Shula call plays for the rest of this crazy year ?
It ’ s obvious Pat Shurmur is not on the same page as Drew Lock .
— Tom Mueller , Broomfield Another comment about the lack of connectivity between Shurmur and Lock .
It would be great if Shurmur would open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in so I can pass along thoughts about how he and Lock are clicking .
Shula has extensive play-calling experience from his time as Carolina ’ s offensive coordinator .
Great job on reporting on the Broncos .
I was wondering about the play-calling and the mentality of Drew Lock .
It seems that Lock wants to be a gun-slinger similar to Brett Favre .
However , Shurmur wants to run the ball early to get the passing game going .
I am wondering if Lock gets disappointed in not being able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn affects his play .
When he has to sling it , like the fourth quarter in the last two games , he was great .
So do you think Shurmur needs to let him sling it a little more in the early going ?
Or since Shurmur is the coach , Lock needs to not let the emotions get the best of him and just do his part ?
— Del , Lamar In Sunday ’ s first quarter , the Broncos had eight rushes and 11 passes , plenty of chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shurmur called a pass on the first snap .
Ideally , the Broncos can have decent balance of run and pass — the run helping set up the play-action passes downfield and the pass helping lighten up the line of scrimmage to create running room .
But in the last three games , the Broncos have been in chase-the-game mode , which forced the offense to be one dimensional ( more passing than rushing ) .
Can we address the Raiders ’ fourth-and-1 in the second quarter ?
Live speed , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short and the defense celebrated and Denver looked to have the ball at their own 30 .
Las Vegas got called for holding on the play , which Vic Fangio immediately accepted , and instead of a turnover on downs , Las Vegas pinned Denver at the 2 on the ensuing punt .
What happened here ?
Had the refs given Oakland a first down ?
And if so , couldn ’ t Fangio at least have asked for a measurement ?
Was this just a horrible coaching blunder , again ?
— @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victor , Alameda , Calif. Steve and Victor asked about the same sequence and Fangio addressed it on Monday .
The Raiders were given the first down via Josh Jacobs ’ one-yard carry .
Fangio said he thought about challenging the spot , but his eyes in the sky advised him there was too much “ gray ” area for a reversal so he accepted the 10-yard penalty and forced the Raiders to punt .
How do you feel about my 2021 offseason plan for the Broncos : Fire the whole coaching staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to be defensive coordinator .
Hire Eric Bieniemy .
Try everything to sign Dak Prescott or try to trade for Deshaun Watson .
— Uday Chaudhary , Cypress , Texas Uday is done with this Broncos ’ season and is already looking toward 2021 .
Bieniemy , the former Colorado running back/assistant coach , will again be on the radar of teams needing a head coach .
But if I ’ m Bieniemy , how attractive would the Broncos ’ job be ?
As for Prescott and Watson , stranger things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart minus Prescott , further increasing his value to Dallas .
And the Texans are going to have Watson as the centerpiece of their rebuild , perhaps teamed with Bieniemy .
Why is the offense so bad and why keep playing the same quarterback when he makes the same mistakes week in , week out ?
In the long run this does not help him or the team .
— Keith , Hemel Hempstead , England I wonder if Keith would have been at Tottenham Stadium for this year ’ s Broncos-Falcons game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
Lock remains the Broncos ’ best available quarterback .
Remember , Brett Rypien ’ s first and only start , against the Jets in Week 4 , featured more interceptions ( three ) than touchdowns ( one ) .
Where I disagree : Lock needs to keep playing if healthy .
The Broncos need to use the final seven games as an experiment to see if he can be their guy moving forward .
Why is our team looking like they are not prepared every week like we don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Denver A sweeping statement wrapped in a question .
I ’ ll swing it in the direction of detail attention .
Ten and 12 men on the field defensively .
A false start to begin an offensive drive .
Multiple special teams issues .
The Broncos spent hours meeting and preparing for the Las Vegas game , but something was lost in the translation and the product put forth was an eyesore .
To John Elway : I ’ m so frustrated in the offensive production , which all starts with coaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many coaches and quarterbacks since the glory days .
Getting Peyton Manning was a very nice move .
Honestly , when Peyton was in the quarterbacks ’ room , did anyone take notes ?
How can you go from setting an NFL record in points scored in a season to what we are seeing now ?
I ’ m so disappointed in what I ’ m seeing .
No discipline .
Poor coaching .
Horrible quarterback play , which is where it all starts .
John , you must be saying , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel for you , buddy .
You have always been my hero and thanks for the memories .
— Gary Poland , Reno , Nev. Peyton Manning covered up all kinds of warts for the Broncos during his tenure .
As for taking notes , none of the folks around Manning during those years are currently in a coaching or playing capacity with the team .
No discipline ?
That was receiver Tim Patrick getting ejected for throwing punches on Sunday .
Poor coaching ?
We ’ ve addressed that .
Horrible quarterback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season. Submit questions to Ryan here.
It appears Drew Lock is not taking to the coaching from Pat Shurmur/Mike Shula. When his first read isn’t open, he always (not sometimes, always) scrambles/bails to the right. Then his footwork fails him and he throws off his back foot. He is only successful the last two fourth quarters because defenses have slowed their rush and played softer coverage with a large lead. He shines when there is no pressure from the pocket. This is exactly who he was at Missouri. Any pressure from the defense flushed him right and killed his footwork. I guess I am frustrated because of the constant drafting of players that Elway seems to think can be fixed. Your thoughts?
— Brennan, Jenks, Okla.
Who knows what is going on behind the scenes and the chemistry between quarterback (Lock), play-caller (Shurmur) and position coach (Shula). But the conversations better be honest and constructive this week.
Lock’s back-foot throws have got him in trouble this year, the product of a young player trying his best to make a play.
I agree with your point on Lock taking advantage of soft coverages, particularly against Atlanta.
Why not have Mike Shula call plays for the rest of this crazy year? It’s obvious Pat Shurmur is not on the same page as Drew Lock.
— Tom Mueller, Broomfield
Another comment about the lack of connectivity between Shurmur and Lock.
It would be great if Shurmur would open his office door to have me listen in so I can pass along thoughts about how he and Lock are clicking.
Shula has extensive play-calling experience from his time as Carolina’s offensive coordinator.
Great job on reporting on the Broncos. I was wondering about the play-calling and the mentality of Drew Lock. It seems that Lock wants to be a gun-slinger similar to Brett Favre. However, Shurmur wants to run the ball early to get the passing game going. I am wondering if Lock gets disappointed in not being able to sling the ball early and it in turn affects his play. When he has to sling it, like the fourth quarter in the last two games, he was great. So do you think Shurmur needs to let him sling it a little more in the early going? Or since Shurmur is the coach, Lock needs to not let the emotions get the best of him and just do his part?
— Del, Lamar
In Sunday’s first quarter, the Broncos had eight rushes and 11 passes, plenty of chances for Lock to get into a rhythm. Shurmur called a pass on the first snap.
Ideally, the Broncos can have decent balance of run and pass — the run helping set up the play-action passes downfield and the pass helping lighten up the line of scrimmage to create running room. But in the last three games, the Broncos have been in chase-the-game mode, which forced the offense to be one dimensional (more passing than rushing).
Can we address the Raiders’ fourth-and-1 in the second quarter? Live speed, it looked as though Las Vegas was stopped short and the defense celebrated and Denver looked to have the ball at their own 30. Las Vegas got called for holding on the play, which Vic Fangio immediately accepted, and instead of a turnover on downs, Las Vegas pinned Denver at the 2 on the ensuing punt. What happened here? Had the refs given Oakland a first down? And if so, couldn’t Fangio at least have asked for a measurement? Was this just a horrible coaching blunder, again?
— Steve Shultz, Forks, Wash.
— Victor, Alameda, Calif.
Steve and Victor asked about the same sequence and Fangio addressed it on Monday.
The Raiders were given the first down via Josh Jacobs’ one-yard carry. Fangio said he thought about challenging the spot, but his eyes in the sky advised him there was too much “gray” area for a reversal so he accepted the 10-yard penalty and forced the Raiders to punt.
How do you feel about my 2021 offseason plan for the Broncos: Fire the whole coaching staff except Ed Donatell if Fangio doesn’t want to be defensive coordinator. Hire Eric Bieniemy. Try everything to sign Dak Prescott or try to trade for Deshaun Watson.
— Uday Chaudhary, Cypress, Texas
Uday is done with this Broncos’ season and is already looking toward 2021. Bieniemy, the former Colorado running back/assistant coach, will again be on the radar of teams needing a head coach. But if I’m Bieniemy, how attractive would the Broncos’ job be?
As for Prescott and Watson, stranger things have happened. The Cowboys have fallen apart minus Prescott, further increasing his value to Dallas. And the Texans are going to have Watson as the centerpiece of their rebuild, perhaps teamed with Bieniemy.
Why is the offense so bad and why keep playing the same quarterback when he makes the same mistakes week in, week out? In the long run this does not help him or the team.
— Keith, Hemel Hempstead, England
I wonder if Keith would have been at Tottenham Stadium for this year’s Broncos-Falcons game in London that was scrapped because of the coronavirus. Lock remains the Broncos’ best available quarterback. Remember, Brett Rypien’s first and only start, against the Jets in Week 4, featured more interceptions (three) than touchdowns (one).
Where I disagree: Lock needs to keep playing if healthy. The Broncos need to use the final seven games as an experiment to see if he can be their guy moving forward.
Why is our team looking like they are not prepared every week like we don’t watch film?
— Cornell Brown, Denver
A sweeping statement wrapped in a question. I’ll swing it in the direction of detail attention. Ten and 12 men on the field defensively. A false start to begin an offensive drive. Multiple special teams issues.
The Broncos spent hours meeting and preparing for the Las Vegas game, but something was lost in the translation and the product put forth was an eyesore.
To John Elway: I’m so frustrated in the offensive production, which all starts with coaching. I realize we have went through many coaches and quarterbacks since the glory days. Getting Peyton Manning was a very nice move. Honestly, when Peyton was in the quarterbacks’ room, did anyone take notes? How can you go from setting an NFL record in points scored in a season to what we are seeing now? I’m so disappointed in what I’m seeing. No discipline. Poor coaching. Horrible quarterback play, which is where it all starts. John, you must be saying, “C’mon man!” I feel for you, buddy. You have always been my hero and thanks for the memories.
— Gary Poland, Reno, Nev.
Peyton Manning covered up all kinds of warts for the Broncos during his tenure. As for taking notes, none of the folks around Manning during those years are currently in a coaching or playing capacity with the team.
No discipline? That was receiver Tim Patrick getting ejected for throwing punches on Sunday. Poor coaching? We’ve addressed that. Horrible quarterback play? Lock needs to be better.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--Keeler: CU Buffs need to declare USC, not Utah, their Pac-12 rival

The great rivalries , to paraphrase noted historian Eric “ Otter ” Stratton , require a really futile-and-stupid gesture be done on somebody ’ s part .
And the Buffs are just the guys to do it .
Make off with his saddle .
Tell the Men of Troy , “ You want it back ?
You ’ re going to have to beat us , ya bums.
” When it ’ s USC Week , ban — OK , strongly discourage — the wearing of cardinal around Boulder from Sunday through Saturday .
Easy peasy .
Buffs faithful pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Twitter war with Will Ferrell .
Give Matt Leinart the mother of all wedgies .
Re-acquaint yourself with USC athletic director Mike Bohn , the former CU AD .
Something .
Anything .
If you can ’ t come up with a reason to hate on Heritage Hall , give University Park a reason to hate on you .
Light a match , cover your ears , and let the fireworks fly .
“ I think they should point to USC and say , ‘ You are our rival , ’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joel Klatt suggested .
“ Like CU did at a certain point with Bill McCartney and Nebraska .
I think that becomes important.
” Can we be real CU fans ?
A decade into this Pac-12 arrangement , this we-hate-Utah-because-Larry-Scott-told-us-to vibe ain ’ t sticking .
The Buffs-Utes “ rivalry ” feels like an arranged marriage of geography and political convenience , the new guys being told to go play in the corner and leave the rest of the cool kids alone .
It ’ s time to cowboy up against the coolest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sounds crazy .
But they said McCartney was nuts , too , four decades ago , when he threw a metaphorical spitball at the Nebraska Cornhuskers — at a time when the Big Red was Alabama North and not Purdue West — and drew a line just east of Alvin , daring Nebraska coach Tom Osborne to cross it .
From 1962-81 , a generation , Nebraska won or shared 11 Big Eight titles .
The Buffs split one , in 1976 , over that same span .
In the summer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CU 14 consecutive times and 19 out of 20 .
In four scraps from 1978-81 , Nebraska had thumped CU by an average score of 49-8 .
While Osborne seemed mildly bemused by the whole thing , the way a big brother is whenever baby brother declares war , McCartney was deadly serious .
Even if his own staff thought it was a little loopy , even if the hate was completely one-sided initially , it got to the point where Buffs players believed it .
Not only believed it , but passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a cherished heirloom .
“ It was a daily mission , ” former CU All-American wideout Michael Westbrook told me .
“ When we were in the weight room or in recruiting meetings , it was , ‘ How are we going to beat Nebraska ? '
” It took five seasons , and a lot of baking that hate into a program ’ s DNA , but the worm eventually started to turn .
In October 1986 , CU beat Nebraska for the first time since 1967 .
The teams would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Buffs winning back-to-back meetings in 1989 and 1990 — the program ’ s first consecutive victories over the Big Red since 1960 and 1961 .
The trouble with chucking a recyclable at Oregon , which swings the Pac-12 ’ s biggest stick , is that the Buffs don ’ t play the Ducks every autumn .
And while Utah might share our border to the west , hard-core Utes prefer to save their best bile for BYU and the Holy War .
In terms of profile , USC is an ideal target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got an iconic brand , regional cache , storied traditions , national championships , Heisman winners , pathos , and , like Nebraska , a fan base that ’ s lugging around all kinds of hubris .
And like the Huskers of old , they ’ ve also had the Buffs in a rear-naked choke , despite Clay Helton ’ s best efforts to loosen that grip .
The Men of Troy are 14-0 all-time against CU , 9-0 since the Buffs became Pac-12 brethren .
Although three of the last five showdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less , including that gut-punch of a come-from-behind 35-31 Trojans victory at Folsom late last October .
“ If I was Colorado , that ’ s the way I would do it , ” Klatt said .
“ I would point to USC and say , ‘ We ’ re going to compete with you on the recruiting trail , we ’ re going to compete with you on the field .
You ’ re the benchmark of the Pac-12 , and we ’ re coming after you.
’ ” Sometimes , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win a dang fight unless you pick it .
When Mac called out the Big Red , pundits harrumphed .
Husker fans laughed .
Many of them still do .
Until you point to the scoreboard .

The great rivalries, to paraphrase noted historian Eric “Otter” Stratton, require a really futile-and-stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part. And the Buffs are just the guys to do it.
Can’t steal Traveler? Fine.
Make off with his saddle.
Write a ransom note.
Tell the Men of Troy, “You want it back? You’re going to have to beat us, ya bums.”
When it’s USC Week, ban — OK, strongly discourage — the wearing of cardinal around Boulder from Sunday through Saturday. Easy peasy. Buffs faithful pretty much know that drill already.
Start a Twitter war with Will Ferrell. Give Matt Leinart the mother of all wedgies. Re-acquaint yourself with USC athletic director Mike Bohn, the former CU AD. Something. Anything. If you can’t come up with a reason to hate on Heritage Hall, give University Park a reason to hate on you. Light a match, cover your ears, and let the fireworks fly.
“I think they should point to USC and say, ‘You are our rival,’” former CU quarterback and Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt suggested. “Like CU did at a certain point with Bill McCartney and Nebraska. I think that becomes important.”
Can we be real CU fans? A decade into this Pac-12 arrangement, this we-hate-Utah-because-Larry-Scott-told-us-to vibe ain’t sticking. The Buffs-Utes “rivalry” feels like an arranged marriage of geography and political convenience, the new guys being told to go play in the corner and leave the rest of the cool kids alone.
It’s time to cowboy up against the coolest kid on the block.
Yeah, it sounds crazy. But they said McCartney was nuts, too, four decades ago, when he threw a metaphorical spitball at the Nebraska Cornhuskers — at a time when the Big Red was Alabama North and not Purdue West — and drew a line just east of Alvin, daring Nebraska coach Tom Osborne to cross it.
From 1962-81, a generation, Nebraska won or shared 11 Big Eight titles. The Buffs split one, in 1976, over that same span. In the summer of 1982, the Big Red had beaten CU 14 consecutive times and 19 out of 20. In four scraps from 1978-81, Nebraska had thumped CU by an average score of 49-8.
While Osborne seemed mildly bemused by the whole thing, the way a big brother is whenever baby brother declares war, McCartney was deadly serious.
Even if his own staff thought it was a little loopy, even if the hate was completely one-sided initially, it got to the point where Buffs players believed it. Not only believed it, but passed that hate down from class to class like a cherished heirloom.
“It was a daily mission,” former CU All-American wideout Michael Westbrook told me. “When we were in the weight room or in recruiting meetings, it was, ‘How are we going to beat Nebraska?'”
It took five seasons, and a lot of baking that hate into a program’s DNA, but the worm eventually started to turn. In October 1986, CU beat Nebraska for the first time since 1967. The teams would split the next four matchups, with the Buffs winning back-to-back meetings in 1989 and 1990 — the program’s first consecutive victories over the Big Red since 1960 and 1961.
The trouble with chucking a recyclable at Oregon, which swings the Pac-12’s biggest stick, is that the Buffs don’t play the Ducks every autumn. And while Utah might share our border to the west, hard-core Utes prefer to save their best bile for BYU and the Holy War.
In terms of profile, USC is an ideal target for punching up: It’s got an iconic brand, regional cache, storied traditions, national championships, Heisman winners, pathos, and, like Nebraska, a fan base that’s lugging around all kinds of hubris.
And like the Huskers of old, they’ve also had the Buffs in a rear-naked choke, despite Clay Helton’s best efforts to loosen that grip. The Men of Troy are 14-0 all-time against CU, 9-0 since the Buffs became Pac-12 brethren. Although three of the last five showdowns have been decided by four points or less, including that gut-punch of a come-from-behind 35-31 Trojans victory at Folsom late last October.
“If I was Colorado, that’s the way I would do it,” Klatt said. “I would point to USC and say, ‘We’re going to compete with you on the recruiting trail, we’re going to compete with you on the field. You’re the benchmark of the Pac-12, and we’re coming after you.’”
Sometimes, you don’t know if you can win a dang fight unless you pick it. When Mac called out the Big Red, pundits harrumphed. Husker fans laughed.
Many of them still do. Until you point to the scoreboard.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--Play-in tourney on, Olympics likely out for NBA in 2020-21

NEW YORK — The 2020-21 NBA schedule will feature a play-in tournament and an NBA Finals that could run all the way until July 22 — keeping some players from competing in the Olympics .
The league ’ s 75th season , delayed and shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic , will begin Dec. 22 and look like none other .
The NBA announced Tuesday how it will make up the 72-game schedule , which won ’ t be entirely known until well after it ’ s started .
Teams will play 42 intraconference games , with each club facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
Teams will play the remaining 30 games against the opposite conference — one at home and one on the road .
When that ’ s finished , the play-in tournament , approved Tuesday by the board of governors on a one-year basis , follows involving the teams with the seventh through 10th-best records in each conference .
They will play for the final two playoff spots in the East and the West .
The league debuted the play-in tournament this year at Walt Disney World , though it only featured the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conference .
Portland knocked out Memphis to earn the final seed in the playoffs .
The league plans to announce the first half of the schedule around the start of training camp in early December .
The second half will be unveiled during the latter part of the first half , featuring the remaining games along with any that needed to be postponed because of the virus .
If all goes according to plan , preseason games will be held Dec. 11-19 .
The first half of the season then runs Dec. 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-Star break March 5-10 — though the All-Star Game in Indianapolis was scrapped .
The second half is March 11 to May 16 , with the play-in tournament May 18-21 .
The postseason could then last for two months from May 22 to July 22 .
That almost certainly eliminates a number of players from considering going to Tokyo for the postponed 2020 Olympics .
The Summer Games are set to begin July 23 , with the qualifying tournaments for the remaining four spots in the men ’ s field scheduled to run @ @ @ @ @ @ @

NEW YORK — The 2020-21 NBA schedule will feature a play-in tournament and an NBA Finals that could run all the way until July 22 — keeping some players from competing in the Olympics.
The league’s 75th season, delayed and shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic, will begin Dec. 22 and look like none other. The NBA announced Tuesday how it will make up the 72-game schedule, which won’t be entirely known until well after it’s started.
Teams will play 42 intraconference games, with each club facing the other teams within its conference three times. Teams will play the remaining 30 games against the opposite conference — one at home and one on the road.
When that’s finished, the play-in tournament, approved Tuesday by the board of governors on a one-year basis, follows involving the teams with the seventh through 10th-best records in each conference. They will play for the final two playoff spots in the East and the West.
The league debuted the play-in tournament this year at Walt Disney World, though it only featured the Nos. 8-9 teams in the Western Conference. Portland knocked out Memphis to earn the final seed in the playoffs.
The league plans to announce the first half of the schedule around the start of training camp in early December. The second half will be unveiled during the latter part of the first half, featuring the remaining games along with any that needed to be postponed because of the virus.
If all goes according to plan, preseason games will be held Dec. 11-19. The first half of the season then runs Dec. 22 through March 4, followed by an All-Star break March 5-10 — though the All-Star Game in Indianapolis was scrapped.
The second half is March 11 to May 16, with the play-in tournament May 18-21. The postseason could then last for two months from May 22 to July 22.
That almost certainly eliminates a number of players from considering going to Tokyo for the postponed 2020 Olympics. The Summer Games are set to begin July 23, with the qualifying tournaments for the remaining four spots in the men’s field scheduled to run from June 29 to July 4.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--RTD approves budget that calls for hundreds of layoffs, slashed salaries for highest-paid staff

Hundreds of RTD bus drivers , train operators and other staff members could lose their jobs in the next two months after the transit agency ’ s board on Tuesday night adopted a 2021 budget laden with severe , pandemic-induced cuts .
But Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis joined the Regional Transportation District ’ s union earlier Tuesday in calling for a pause on most of the layoffs , which RTD says will affect 399 employees — about 14 % of its workforce .
Both cited the potential for another round of federal coronavirus aid in coming months , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a letter to agency leaders , Polis questioned RTD ’ s “ prioritization of resources ” after it received relief money earlier this year .
He also called it “ particularly important that these front line layoffs be delayed until it is clear whether Congress will be providing more relief to struggling transit agencies and local governments across the country.
” During Tuesday night ’ s meeting , board members pushed back against his concerns .
Regarding the layoffs , RTD ’ s new CEO and general manager , Debra Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move forward with the budget — but if a new relief package materializes with aid for transit agencies , “ there always is the option for rescission of layoffs.
” The layoffs , along with the elimination of more than 300 vacant positions , are the most prominent part of next year ’ s $ 1.2 billion budget , approved by the board 11-4 .
The largest component , a $ 629 million operating plan , is down 14 % from this year .
A raft of other cost-cutting measures include some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the union — 3.5 % for those making more than $ 120,000 and 7.5 % for those making more than $ 180,000 .
RTD spokeswoman Pauletta Tonilas said plans call for layoff notifications to go out in two batches in December , ahead of service changes that take effect Jan. 10 .
Three-quarters of affected workers are from union ranks in the current plan , according to estimates she provided .
Lance Longenbohn , president of the Amalgamated Transit Union ’ s Local 1001 , expressed hope that employees might receive at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as stimulus talks in Washington , D.C. , take shape .
RTD was approved last spring to receive up to $ 232 million through the federal CARES Act .
Officials said the aid helped stave off job cuts this year , even as RTD reduced service levels by roughly 40 % .
Meanwhile , ridership has been down about 60 % from normal .
But RTD officials assumed no new federal relief money would come next year as they faced this month ’ s deadline to adopt a 2021 budget .
Layoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at one point targeting nearly 650 employees .
The most recent estimate for the 2021 shortfall was $ 140 million .
Elected board members pushed in September to lean more on salary cuts , while improved sales-tax projections further reduced the scope of layoffs .
The less-dire picture in the last month also averted a controversial plan to suspend contributions to RTD ’ s FasTracks Internal Savings Account for unfinished train lines .
Johnson started last week .
She ’ s set to be paid $ 315,000 a year , but she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut along with RTD ’ s other high earners .

Hundreds of RTD bus drivers, train operators and other staff members could lose their jobs in the next two months after the transit agency’s board on Tuesday night adopted a 2021 budget laden with severe, pandemic-induced cuts.
But Colorado Gov. Jared Polis joined the Regional Transportation District’s union earlier Tuesday in calling for a pause on most of the layoffs, which RTD says will affect 399 employees — about 14% of its workforce. Both cited the potential for another round of federal coronavirus aid in coming months, though that’s far from a certainty.
In a letter to agency leaders, Polis questioned RTD’s “prioritization of resources” after it received relief money earlier this year. He also called it “particularly important that these front line layoffs be delayed until it is clear whether Congress will be providing more relief to struggling transit agencies and local governments across the country.”
During Tuesday night’s meeting, board members pushed back against his concerns. Regarding the layoffs, RTD’s new CEO and general manager, Debra Johnson, said the agency had a duty to move forward with the budget — but if a new relief package materializes with aid for transit agencies, “there always is the option for rescission of layoffs.”
The layoffs, along with the elimination of more than 300 vacant positions, are the most prominent part of next year’s $1.2 billion budget, approved by the board 11-4. The largest component, a $629 million operating plan, is down 14% from this year.
A raft of other cost-cutting measures include some furloughs and salary cuts for higher earners outside the union — 3.5% for those making more than $120,000 and 7.5% for those making more than $180,000.
RTD spokeswoman Pauletta Tonilas said plans call for layoff notifications to go out in two batches in December, ahead of service changes that take effect Jan. 10. Three-quarters of affected workers are from union ranks in the current plan, according to estimates she provided.
Lance Longenbohn, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union’s Local 1001, expressed hope that employees might receive at least a few more weeks of reprieve, as stimulus talks in Washington, D.C., take shape.
RTD was approved last spring to receive up to $232 million through the federal CARES Act. Officials said the aid helped stave off job cuts this year, even as RTD reduced service levels by roughly 40%. Meanwhile, ridership has been down about 60% from normal.
But RTD officials assumed no new federal relief money would come next year as they faced this month’s deadline to adopt a 2021 budget.
Layoff plans fluctuated along with budget shortfall projections, at one point targeting nearly 650 employees. The most recent estimate for the 2021 shortfall was $140 million.
Elected board members pushed in September to lean more on salary cuts, while improved sales-tax projections further reduced the scope of layoffs. The less-dire picture in the last month also averted a controversial plan to suspend contributions to RTD’s FasTracks Internal Savings Account for unfinished train lines.
Johnson started last week. She’s set to be paid $315,000 a year, but she has said she will accept a salary cut along with RTD’s other high earners.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--Vestas Blades America to lay off 185 from its Brighton workforce

Vestas Blades America Inc. , a subsidiary of Vestas Winds Systems , plans to eliminate 185 workers from its Brighton operations early next year .
“ The layoffs of Brighton Facility employees is reasonably expected to occur on the following date : January 17 , 2021 , ” Hans Jespersen , head of operations at Vestas Blades America informed the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Tuesday in a letter made under the Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act .
Vestas employs more than 3,400 workers in Colorado , including 1,100 making turbine blades in Brighton and another 400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blades that houses the generator , according to the company ’ s website .
Vestas did not break out what employees are being let go in the letter , but the cuts represent about 12 % of its Brighton workforce .
Pueblo is home to what the company describes as the world ’ s largest turbine tower plant .
Windsor , the first plant that Vestas established in Colorado , also builds turbines .
Coming into 2020 , the Danish company was riding high after becoming the first company to ever install 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single year , according to consulting firm Wood Mackenzie .
About half of that capacity came out of its U.S. plants .
But the pandemic contributed to a big drop in order volumes this spring .

Vestas Blades America Inc., a subsidiary of Vestas Winds Systems, plans to eliminate 185 workers from its Brighton operations early next year.
“The layoffs of Brighton Facility employees is reasonably expected to occur on the following date: January 17, 2021,” Hans Jespersen, head of operations at Vestas Blades America informed the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Tuesday in a letter made under the Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
Vestas employs more than 3,400 workers in Colorado, including 1,100 making turbine blades in Brighton and another 400 making nacelles, the box behind the blades that houses the generator, according to the company’s website. Vestas did not break out what employees are being let go in the letter, but the cuts represent about 12% of its Brighton workforce.
Pueblo is home to what the company describes as the world’s largest turbine tower plant. Windsor, the first plant that Vestas established in Colorado, also builds turbines.
Coming into 2020, the Danish company was riding high after becoming the first company to ever install 10 gigawatts of onshore wind power capacity in a single year, according to consulting firm Wood Mackenzie. About half of that capacity came out of its U.S. plants. But the pandemic contributed to a big drop in order volumes this spring.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--Colorado congressman tests positive for COVID-19

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter , an Arvada Democrat , has tested positive for COVID-19 , his office said Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ am asymptomatic and I ’ m feeling good , ” Perlmutter said in a written @ @ @ @ @ currently in Washington , D.C. , and plan to isolate in my apartment while continuing @ @ @ @ @ ” The diagnosis , which he said he received Tuesday , serves as a reminder @ @ @ @ @ the highly contagious virus seriously , he said : “ I ’ ve been taking @ @ @ @ @ over the past eight months .
… As we enter the holiday season , I @ @ @ @ @ heed the warnings of no personal gatherings , social distancing , and wearing a mask.
@ @ @ @ @ of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 — most recently GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley of @ @ @ @ @ representatives on Monday .
Perlmutter is the first member of Colorado ’ s delegation to @ @ @ @ @

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, an Arvada Democrat, has tested positive for COVID-19, his office said Tuesday.
As of now, I am asymptomatic and I’m feeling good,” Perlmutter said in a written statement. “I am currently in Washington, D.C., and plan to isolate in my apartment while continuing to work and voting remotely.”
The diagnosis, which he said he received Tuesday, serves as a reminder for the importance of taking the highly contagious virus seriously, he said: “I’ve been taking precautions like so many Coloradans over the past eight months. … As we enter the holiday season, I encourage everyone to continue to heed the warnings of no personal gatherings, social distancing, and wearing a mask.”
A number of members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 — most recently GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa on Tuesday and two representatives on Monday.
Perlmutter is the first member of Colorado’s delegation to announce a positive test.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--What restrictions come with each level of Colorado’s color-coded COVID-19 dial? Here’s an updated br

What restrictions come with each level of Colorado’s color-coded COVID-19 dial? Here’s an updated breakdown

Here is the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ’ s latest breakdown of what restrictions come with each @ @ @ @ @ color-coded COVID dial , including Level Red — where 15 counties including Denver are headed @ @ @ @ @ Level Purple .
The following counties will move to Level Red on Friday , November @ @ @ @ @ , Arapahoe , Boulder , Broomfield , Clear Creek , Denver , Douglas , Jefferson @ @ @ @ @ , Mesa , Morgan , Routt , Summit and Washington .
Join our Facebook group @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in Colorado .

Here is the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s latest breakdown of what restrictions come with each level of Colorado’s color-coded COVID dial, including Level Red — where 15 counties including Denver are headed Friday — and the brand-new Level Purple.
The following counties will move to Level Red on Friday, November 20, 2020: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, La Plata, Logan, Mesa, Morgan, Routt, Summit and Washington.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--NBA draft: The Nuggets’ top-five best fits for the No. 22 pick

The Nuggets have draftable grades on dozens of prospects .
On Wednesday night , it will likely come down to value in terms of who they pick .
At No .
22 , the Nuggets will be looking for a player who fits Denver ’ s culture and one who fits a role .
Whoever the Nuggets select , they ’ ll also have to understand that minutes will be extremely limited next season .
Most teams coming off a conference finals appearance rarely have room to slide rookies into the regular rotation .
If everything breaks right for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fits .
5 .
Maryland C Jalen Smith – Players of Smith ’ s profile don ’ t come around very often .
At 6-foot-10 , Smith has the 3-point stroke of a perimeter player .
He ’ s also got the muscle of a traditional big man .
Though many mock drafts have him going higher , if he slips , the Nuggets have a penchant for selecting non-traditional big men .
4 .
Arizona SF Josh Green – Green appears to have a wide range heading into Wednesday night .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enamored with his combination of size ( 6-foot-6 , 210 pounds ) , defense and perimeter shooting , or teams might be turned off by his inconsistent handle .
After Michael Porter Jr. , there are questions about Denver ’ s wings .
No team can ever have enough 3-and-D archetypes .
3 .
Kentucky G Tyrese Maxey – The slippery guard has a non-stop motor and tends to weave all over the court .
On offense , though his shot is a work in progress , he ’ s got a knack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense , he ’ s known as a ball-hawk .
After Jamal Murray and Miami ’ s Tyler Herro , might Maxey be Kentucky ’ s next Big Thing ?
The Nuggets would pinch themselves if he fell .
2 .
Washington F Isaiah Stewart – Men of Stewart ’ s size ( 6-foot-9 , 250 pounds ) rarely move like the Washington freshman .
He fills a need in terms of an energetic , physical big man who could help replace Paul Millsap , should he leave in free agency .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big men , here ’ s what he said : “ If you go back and watch the film , I dominated each and every matchup with guys at my position.
” That ’ s the confidence of an NBA player .
1 .
Memphis F Precious Achiuwa – A physical , rim-runner who can protect Nikola Jokic on defense , Achiuwa ( 6-foot-9 , 225 pounds ) would be a dream in Denver .
His offensive feel isn ’ t where it needs to be , especially if he plays alongside Jokic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuggets can afford him time to grow .
Armed with an NBA body , he ’ ll be able to compete defensively from Day 1 .

The Nuggets have draftable grades on dozens of prospects. On Wednesday night, it will likely come down to value in terms of who they pick.
At No. 22, the Nuggets will be looking for a player who fits Denver’s culture and one who fits a role. Whoever the Nuggets select, they’ll also have to understand that minutes will be extremely limited next season. Most teams coming off a conference finals appearance rarely have room to slide rookies into the regular rotation.
If everything breaks right for the Nuggets, here are their top five fits.
5. Maryland C Jalen Smith – Players of Smith’s profile don’t come around very often. At 6-foot-10, Smith has the 3-point stroke of a perimeter player. He’s also got the muscle of a traditional big man. Though many mock drafts have him going higher, if he slips, the Nuggets have a penchant for selecting non-traditional big men.
4. Arizona SF Josh Green – Green appears to have a wide range heading into Wednesday night. A team just outside the lottery could be enamored with his combination of size (6-foot-6, 210 pounds), defense and perimeter shooting, or teams might be turned off by his inconsistent handle. After Michael Porter Jr., there are questions about Denver’s wings. No team can ever have enough 3-and-D archetypes.
3. Kentucky G Tyrese Maxey – The slippery guard has a non-stop motor and tends to weave all over the court. On offense, though his shot is a work in progress, he’s got a knack for getting to the rim. On defense, he’s known as a ball-hawk. After Jamal Murray and Miami’s Tyler Herro, might Maxey be Kentucky’s next Big Thing? The Nuggets would pinch themselves if he fell.
2. Washington F Isaiah Stewart – Men of Stewart’s size (6-foot-9, 250 pounds) rarely move like the Washington freshman. He fills a need in terms of an energetic, physical big man who could help replace Paul Millsap, should he leave in free agency. When asked how he fared against fellow Pac-12 big men, here’s what he said: “If you go back and watch the film, I dominated each and every matchup with guys at my position.” That’s the confidence of an NBA player.
1. Memphis F Precious Achiuwa – A physical, rim-runner who can protect Nikola Jokic on defense, Achiuwa (6-foot-9, 225 pounds) would be a dream in Denver. His offensive feel isn’t where it needs to be, especially if he plays alongside Jokic, but that’s where the Nuggets can afford him time to grow. Armed with an NBA body, he’ll be able to compete defensively from Day 1.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--Alex Morgan among players named to U.S. camp roster for Netherlands

Alex Morgan , who is currently playing for Tottenham after giving birth to her daughter in May , is among the players included on the U.S. roster in advance of the final match of the season against the Netherlands .
Coach Vlatko Andonovski named 23 players Tuesday to the six-day training camp in Europe before the Nov. 27 match in Breda , the team ’ s first game since March .
Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd , two veterans who were on the 2019 World Cup-winning team , were left off the roster .
The United States beat the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year for the Americans ’ fourth World Cup title and second in a row .
Rapinoe converted a penalty kick and Rose Lavelle scored following a solo run .
Stanford ’ s Catarina Macario is the lone non-professional on the roster .
Although the Brazilian-born Macario recently became a U.S. citizen and was issued a passport , the FIFA process that would allow her to compete with the United States has not been completed .
“ We don ’ t think she ’ s going to be able to get the permission before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the quality of player that she is , this is a good opportunity for her to come in and spend time with the national team , ” Andonovski said .
“ In a way , we wanted to invest in her and her future , so we can make her transition to this team as seamless as possible when she ’ s ready to play games.
” Andonovski chose players currently based in Europe , including Morgan , Tobin Heath , Christen Press , Sam Mewis , Lavelle and Emily Sonnett .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ roster for a training camp last month in Colorado because of travel restrictions .
In a conference call with reporters , Andonovski said Morgan is not yet fit for a full 90 minutes , but praised her willingness to join Tottenham this season to get in work .
“ I personally have a great respect for her , for her decision to go overseas and play , because it ’ s a tough time , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a tough time for everyone , and for her to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to another country in the middle of a pandemic , just to be able to get back and play the game that she loves and prepare for the next big tournament .
I think that deserves lots of respect and lots of credit.
” Morgan , who has 107 international goals , has not played for the United States since the World Cup final .
Andonovski said Lloyd is coming off an injury and Rapinoe was not ready because she has not played .
He expected both to be available for the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rapinoe , she ’ s in a situation where she was not able to train , obviously , we know she didn ’ t do the Challenge Cup , the fall series , and she was not able to to train in a team environment , ” he said .
“ So from the physical perspective , in this short camp that we have , we would not be able to help her get up to speed.
” Mallory Pugh and goalkeeper Adrianna Franch were also left off the roster as they recover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with club affiliation :

Alex Morgan, who is currently playing for Tottenham after giving birth to her daughter in May, is among the players included on the U.S. roster in advance of the final match of the season against the Netherlands.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski named 23 players Tuesday to the six-day training camp in Europe before the Nov. 27 match in Breda, the team’s first game since March. Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd, two veterans who were on the 2019 World Cup-winning team, were left off the roster.
The United States beat the Netherlands 2-0 in Lyon, France, last year for the Americans’ fourth World Cup title and second in a row. Rapinoe converted a penalty kick and Rose Lavelle scored following a solo run.
Stanford’s Catarina Macario is the lone non-professional on the roster. Although the Brazilian-born Macario recently became a U.S. citizen and was issued a passport, the FIFA process that would allow her to compete with the United States has not been completed.
“We don’t think she’s going to be able to get the permission before this game. But we felt like with the quality of player that she is, this is a good opportunity for her to come in and spend time with the national team,” Andonovski said. “In a way, we wanted to invest in her and her future, so we can make her transition to this team as seamless as possible when she’s ready to play games.”
Andonovski chose players currently based in Europe, including Morgan, Tobin Heath, Christen Press, Sam Mewis, Lavelle and Emily Sonnett. The coach left those players off the roster for a training camp last month in Colorado because of travel restrictions.
In a conference call with reporters, Andonovski said Morgan is not yet fit for a full 90 minutes, but praised her willingness to join Tottenham this season to get in work.
“I personally have a great respect for her, for her decision to go overseas and play, because it’s a tough time,” he said. “It’s a tough time for everyone, and for her to have a newborn with her, go to another country in the middle of a pandemic, just to be able to get back and play the game that she loves and prepare for the next big tournament. I think that deserves lots of respect and lots of credit.”
Morgan, who has 107 international goals, has not played for the United States since the World Cup final.
Andonovski said Lloyd is coming off an injury and Rapinoe was not ready because she has not played. He expected both to be available for the team’s January camp.
“For Rapinoe, she’s in a situation where she was not able to train, obviously, we know she didn’t do the Challenge Cup, the fall series, and she was not able to to train in a team environment,” he said. “So from the physical perspective, in this short camp that we have, we would not be able to help her get up to speed.”
Mallory Pugh and goalkeeper Adrianna Franch were also left off the roster as they recover from injuries.
The roster for camp with club affiliation:
Goalkeepers: Aubrey Bledsoe (Washington Spirit), Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).
Defenders: Alana Cook (Paris Saint-Germain), Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns), Kelley O’Hara (Utah Royals), Margaret Purce (Sky Blue), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns), Emily Sonnett (Orlando Pride).
Midfielders: Julie Ertz (Red Stars), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns), Rose Lavelle (Manchester City), Catarina Macario (Stanford), Kristie Mewis (Houston Dash), Samantha Mewis (Manchester City).
Forwards: Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Tobin Heath (Manchester United), Alex Morgan (Tottenham Hotspur), Christen Press (Manchester United), Sophia Smith (Thorns), Lynn Williams (NC Courage).


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--Theo Epstein steps down after 9 seasons leading Cubs

CHICAGO — Listening in on fans ’ conversations during his walks home from Wrigley Field , Theo Epstein could sense their excitement as the Chicago Cubs set themselves up to capture that long-awaited World Series championship .
It was as if they were all in it together .
“ It felt like the lines between fans and front office members and players were blurred because we were all part of this club that was in on a secret , ” he said .
“ We all kind of knew what was about to happen , maybe before the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who transformed the long-suffering Cubs and helped bring home a drought-busting championship in 2016 , is stepping down after nine seasons as the club ’ s president of baseball operations , the team announced Tuesday .
General manager Jed Hoyer is being promoted to take Epstein ’ s place .
Epstein said after the season he anticipated remaining on the job for at least one more year , with his contract set to expire in 2021 .
But he said Tuesday it became apparent this past summer “ for a number of reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It became really clear that we ’ d be facing some significant long-term decisions this winter , decisions with long-term impacts , ” Epstein said .
“ Those types of decisions are really best made by somebody who ’ s going to be here for a long time , not just for one more year .
… Jed clearly is that person.
” Chairman Tom Ricketts said it was a “ sad day for me personally ” and called Epstein a “ great partner and truly a great friend.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Theo leaves behind is an organization that expects to win , not an organization that is surprised to win , ” Ricketts added .
Though the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked financial havoc on baseball , Ricketts said money “ had nothing to do ” with Epstein ’ s decision .
Epstein , who won ’ t be paid for 2021 by the Cubs , said Ricketts did not bring up his salary when they discussed his future .
He also said he was not asked to resign .
The 46-year-old Epstein , who grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sox break an 86-year drought with World Series championships in 2004 and 2007 , is one of five executives to win titles with multiple organizations .
He , Pat Gillick , John Schuerholz and Dave Dombrowski are the only ones to do so with teams in each league .
Epstein hopes to stay involved with baseball while he plots his next move .
He plans to run a team again , though probably not next season .
He would like to be part of an ownership group at some point .
“ Baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for civic good and help a lot of people and be involved in a lot of the important conversations in the city and be a solution for a lot of issues in cities , ” Epstein said .
“ So that does appeal to me .
A lot of things would have to go right for that to happen .
Usually , for that type of thing to happen you need access to a lot of capital .
… Who knows ?
Maybe I have plans for some of those things down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go right for that to happen.
” For now , Epstein will remain in Chicago with his wife and two sons .
He said he would likely become a season-ticket holder , maybe even a bleacher bum .
And he vowed to buy beers for any Cubs fan he sees in a bar following the coronavirus pandemic , until the team wins a World Series under Hoyer .
Epstein oversaw a massive rebuild when he came to Chicago following the 2011 season .
He overhauled the farm system as well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce one of the most successful stretches in the franchise ’ s history with a big assist from Hoyer .
With homegrown stars Kris Bryant and Javier Báez , shrewd trades for players such as Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta , the signing of Jon Lester and the hiring of former manager Joe Maddon , the Cubs transformed into perennial contenders .
They reached the NL championship series three times in Epstein ’ s nine seasons .
In 2016 , they won 103 games to run away with the NL Central and took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NLCS for their first pennant since 1945 .
The Cubs fell behind 3-1 to the Indians in the World Series before beating them in seven games , ending a title drought dating to 1908 .
The Cubs ’ 505 regular-season victories since 2015 trail only Los Angeles ( 528 ) and the Houston Astros ( 510 ) .
Chicago , the Dodgers , New York Yankees and Astros are the only clubs with at least five playoff appearances in the past six seasons .
But the Cubs have not advanced in the playoffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles in the NLCS .
In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season , Chicago won the NL Central but got swept by Miami in the first round of the playoffs .
“ If you look at my track record in Boston and then here , in the first six years or so , we did some pretty epic things , ” Epstein said .
“ And then the last couple years weren ’ t as impressive .
Maybe what that tells me is I think I ’ m great at and really enjoy building and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not as good and not as motivated by maintenance.
” Hoyer and Epstein worked together in Boston when the Red Sox won two World Series and reunited when Epstein took the job with the Cubs .
In between , Hoyer led San Diego ’ s baseball operations .
“ I have been so fortunate to work alongside Theo for 17 of the last 19 years , ” Hoyer said in a statement .
“ I could not have had a better mentor or a more loyal and trusted friend .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passion , creativity , intellect and leadership .
I have no question that the next chapters in his career will be equally impressive and impactful .
”

CHICAGO — Listening in on fans’ conversations during his walks home from Wrigley Field, Theo Epstein could sense their excitement as the Chicago Cubs set themselves up to capture that long-awaited World Series championship.
It was as if they were all in it together.
“It felt like the lines between fans and front office members and players were blurred because we were all part of this club that was in on a secret,” he said. “We all kind of knew what was about to happen, maybe before the rest of the baseball world did.”
Epstein, who transformed the long-suffering Cubs and helped bring home a drought-busting championship in 2016, is stepping down after nine seasons as the club’s president of baseball operations, the team announced Tuesday. General manager Jed Hoyer is being promoted to take Epstein’s place.
Epstein said after the season he anticipated remaining on the job for at least one more year, with his contract set to expire in 2021. But he said Tuesday it became apparent this past summer “for a number of reasons” it was time to move on.
“It became really clear that we’d be facing some significant long-term decisions this winter, decisions with long-term impacts,” Epstein said. “Those types of decisions are really best made by somebody who’s going to be here for a long time, not just for one more year. … Jed clearly is that person.”
Chairman Tom Ricketts said it was a “sad day for me personally” and called Epstein a “great partner and truly a great friend.”
“Really, I think the legacy that Theo leaves behind is an organization that expects to win, not an organization that is surprised to win,” Ricketts added.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked financial havoc on baseball, Ricketts said money “had nothing to do” with Epstein’s decision. Epstein, who won’t be paid for 2021 by the Cubs, said Ricketts did not bring up his salary when they discussed his future. He also said he was not asked to resign.
The 46-year-old Epstein, who grew up near Boston and helped the Red Sox break an 86-year drought with World Series championships in 2004 and 2007, is one of five executives to win titles with multiple organizations. He, Pat Gillick, John Schuerholz and Dave Dombrowski are the only ones to do so with teams in each league.
Epstein hopes to stay involved with baseball while he plots his next move. He plans to run a team again, though probably not next season. He would like to be part of an ownership group at some point.
“Baseball team owners can be transformed into forces for civic good and help a lot of people and be involved in a lot of the important conversations in the city and be a solution for a lot of issues in cities,” Epstein said. “So that does appeal to me. A lot of things would have to go right for that to happen. Usually, for that type of thing to happen you need access to a lot of capital. … Who knows? Maybe I have plans for some of those things down the line, but a lot would have to go right for that to happen.”
For now, Epstein will remain in Chicago with his wife and two sons. He said he would likely become a season-ticket holder, maybe even a bleacher bum. And he vowed to buy beers for any Cubs fan he sees in a bar following the coronavirus pandemic, until the team wins a World Series under Hoyer.
Epstein oversaw a massive rebuild when he came to Chicago following the 2011 season. He overhauled the farm system as well as the scouting and analytics operations, helping to produce one of the most successful stretches in the franchise’s history with a big assist from Hoyer.
With homegrown stars Kris Bryant and Javier Báez, shrewd trades for players such as Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta, the signing of Jon Lester and the hiring of former manager Joe Maddon, the Cubs transformed into perennial contenders. They reached the NL championship series three times in Epstein’s nine seasons.
In 2016, they won 103 games to run away with the NL Central and took out the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS for their first pennant since 1945. The Cubs fell behind 3-1 to the Indians in the World Series before beating them in seven games, ending a title drought dating to 1908.
The Cubs’ 505 regular-season victories since 2015 trail only Los Angeles (528) and the Houston Astros (510). Chicago, the Dodgers, New York Yankees and Astros are the only clubs with at least five playoff appearances in the past six seasons. But the Cubs have not advanced in the playoffs since the 2017 team lost to Los Angeles in the NLCS.
In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Chicago won the NL Central but got swept by Miami in the first round of the playoffs.
“If you look at my track record in Boston and then here, in the first six years or so, we did some pretty epic things,” Epstein said. “And then the last couple years weren’t as impressive. Maybe what that tells me is I think I’m great at and really enjoy building and transformation and triumphing. Maybe I’m not as good and not as motivated by maintenance.”
Hoyer and Epstein worked together in Boston when the Red Sox won two World Series and reunited when Epstein took the job with the Cubs. In between, Hoyer led San Diego’s baseball operations.
“I have been so fortunate to work alongside Theo for 17 of the last 19 years,” Hoyer said in a statement. “I could not have had a better mentor or a more loyal and trusted friend. He has already changed two storied franchises with his passion, creativity, intellect and leadership. I have no question that the next chapters in his career will be equally impressive and impactful.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--New Mexico State basketball temporarily moving to Phoenix

LAS CRUCES , N.M. — New Mexico State ’ s men ’ s basketball team will temporarily move to Phoenix due to coronavirus restrictions in its home state .
The Aggies are expecting to be in Arizona for five weeks , but could extend their stay depending on developments with the pandemic , deputy athletic director Braun Cartwright said Tuesday .
They are hoping to play their first game next week .
New Mexico State looked at three sites in Las Vegas and Arizona before deciding to move its entire operations to the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the resort , and are looking at various places to play games in the Phoenix area .
Under New Mexico health guidelines , athletic departments currently do not all allow games or workouts exceeding five people .
Anyone who travels from outside the state also must quarantine for 14 days .
All players and coaches will continue to be tested for COVID-19 three times a week while in Arizona .
Cartwright said the cost of rooms , facilities , food and testing for the five weeks will be about $ 79,000 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to practice some in Tucson , Arizona , and is looking at various places to play , including just over the Texas state line at UTEP .
New Mexico ’ s football team is planning to move to Las Vegas and play a spring schedule .

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — New Mexico State’s men’s basketball team will temporarily move to Phoenix due to coronavirus restrictions in its home state.
The Aggies are expecting to be in Arizona for five weeks, but could extend their stay depending on developments with the pandemic, deputy athletic director Braun Cartwright said Tuesday. They are hoping to play their first game next week.
New Mexico State looked at three sites in Las Vegas and Arizona before deciding to move its entire operations to the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix. The Aggies will practice and stay at the resort, and are looking at various places to play games in the Phoenix area.
Under New Mexico health guidelines, athletic departments currently do not all allow games or workouts exceeding five people. Anyone who travels from outside the state also must quarantine for 14 days.
All players and coaches will continue to be tested for COVID-19 three times a week while in Arizona.
Cartwright said the cost of rooms, facilities, food and testing for the five weeks will be about $79,000.
The women’s team is planning to practice some in Tucson, Arizona, and is looking at various places to play, including just over the Texas state line at UTEP.
New Mexico’s football team is planning to move to Las Vegas and play a spring schedule.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--Suspect arrested Tuesday in connection to June arson at City Grille in downtown Denver

A man accused of starting a fire at City Grille in Denver in June was arrested on Tuesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ said fire investigators with the Denver Fire Department ( DFD ) arrested Michael Lidmila , @ @ @ @ @ the June 5 fire , which caused significant damage to the restaurant .
After the @ @ @ @ @ surveillance that showed a man carrying boxes and walking around City Grille — located at @ @ @ @ @ around 1:20 a.m. that day .
Five months later , officers with the Denver Police @ @ @ @ @ picked up Lidmila after recognizing him on E. Colfax Avenue near the State Capitol Tuesday @ @ @ @

A man accused of starting a fire at City Grille in Denver in June was arrested on Tuesday.
The Denver Department of Public Safety said fire investigators with the Denver Fire Department (DFD) arrested Michael Lidmila, 47, in connection to the June 5 fire, which caused significant damage to the restaurant.
After the fire, investigators gathered video surveillance that showed a man carrying boxes and walking around City Grille — located at 321 E. Colfax Ave. — around 1:20 a.m. that day.
Five months later, officers with the Denver Police Department and DFD fire investigators picked up Lidmila after recognizing him on E. Colfax Avenue near the State Capitol Tuesday around 8 a.m.
Read the full story at thedenverchannel.com.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--Letters: Make a thankful holiday by keeping yourself and others safe (11/18/20)

Re : “ Give the gift that matters most by staying home over the holiday , ” Nov. 14 commentary I applaud the discussion from Doctors Burman and Douglas , to “ give the gift of health ” this holiday season by committing to public health COVID-19 guidelines .
We are asked to double-down and do more to protect both your loved ones and my loved ones with minimally burdensome , albeit non-aesthetic , lifestyle tactics .
These simple measures , outlined in the article , are well-known principles of public health .
They not only save lives but are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity and staff and that our businesses stay open .
The “ can-do ” plea is particularly appealing .
Imagine every Coloradan saying “ no ” to being part of the problem .
Imagine our neighbors saying “ we ’ ve had enough ” of the record-breaking rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases , and of the escalating per-cent of positive COVID tests ( where less than 5 % is desirable , yet we are hugging a dangerous 13 % ) , and , of the ominous increase in hospitalizations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are , in fact , the three metrics used by our public health officials to determine a community ’ s level of restrictions .
Imagine if everyone just said “ no ” to Levels Orange ( safer-at-home , high-risk ) and Red ( stay-at-home ) and committed to doing their part to protect people and help businesses .
Editor ’ s note : Parsons is a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and past-president of the Colorado Medical Society .
The new minority leader of Colorado ’ s House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stated upon his election to his post , “ I think the reason we ’ re losing elections is because the voters are being tricked and deceived by Democrats , and we need to do everything we can to expose that deception.
” I ’ m seeing a trend here : President Donald Trump didn ’ t lose the election , he was defrauded by 77 million votes against him .
The Republicans in Colorado are only a minority party because Coloradans keep getting “ tricked and deceived.
” The Republicans have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first uttered by the boxer Max Schmeling ’ s manager in 1932 when he lost to the American Jack Sharkey , “ We wuz robbed.
” Perhaps they might consider that the voters prefer one party on the issues over the other one .
We the people need to declare a lockdown on our animosity against those with which we disagree .
We need to take a chill pill and pull together for our neighborhood , community and state — for the future of America and our children .
To send a letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Make a thankful holiday
Re: “Give the gift that matters most by staying home over the holiday,” Nov. 14 commentary
I applaud the discussion from Doctors Burman and Douglas, to “give the gift of health” this holiday season by committing to public health COVID-19 guidelines. We are asked to double-down and do more to protect both your loved ones and my loved ones with minimally burdensome, albeit non-aesthetic, lifestyle tactics. These simple measures, outlined in the article, are well-known principles of public health. They not only save lives but are crucial to ensuring our hospitals have enough capacity and staff and that our businesses stay open.
The “can-do” plea is particularly appealing. Imagine every Coloradan saying “no” to being part of the problem. Imagine our neighbors saying “we’ve had enough” of the record-breaking rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases, and of the escalating per-cent of positive COVID tests (where less than 5% is desirable, yet we are hugging a dangerous 13%), and, of the ominous increase in hospitalizations with declining hospital bed and staff availability.
These are, in fact, the three metrics used by our public health officials to determine a community’s level of restrictions. Imagine if everyone just said “no” to Levels Orange (safer-at-home, high-risk) and Red (stay-at-home) and committed to doing their part to protect people and help businesses.
Debra Parsons, Denver
Editor’s note: Parsons is a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and past-president of the Colorado Medical Society.
They “wuz robbed”
Re: “House GOP picks new minority leader,” Nov. 10 news story
Rep. Dave Williams of Colorado Springs stated, “I think the reason we’re losing elections is because the voters are being tricked and deceived by Democrats, and we need to do everything we can to expose that deception.”
I’m seeing a trend here: President Donald Trump didn’t lose the election, he was defrauded by 77 million votes against him. The Republicans in Colorado are only a minority party because Coloradans keep getting “tricked and deceived.”
The Republicans have embraced in defeat that long used phrase first uttered by the boxer Max Schmeling’s manager in 1932 when he lost to the American Jack Sharkey, “We wuz robbed.”
Perhaps they might consider that the voters prefer one party on the issues over the other one.
Richard Nathan, Greenwood Village
Lockdown and a chill pill
We the people need to declare a lockdown on our animosity against those with which we disagree.
We need to take a chill pill and pull together for our neighborhood, community and state — for the future of America and our children.
It’s energy-efficient.
David L. Stevenson, Denver
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--2020-11-18--Here’s who’s considering running for chair of Colorado’s Republican Party

The race to replace U.S. Rep. Ken Buck as chair of the Colorado Republican Party has begun .
At least two high-profile Colorado Republicans say they ’ re considering a run to replace Buck , though months still remain in his somewhat tumultuous term .
A party spokesman confirmed to The Denver Post that Buck won ’ t seek reelection to the chairmanship .
“ All of us have to consider what is best for us , to strengthen the party , ” said GOP Vice Chair Kristi Burton Brown , who confirmed she is considering a run for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not announcing anything right now publicly .
It would be premature for anyone to get out there and campaign for a position when the focus should be building the party , ” she added .
Former Secretary of State Scott Gessler said he is also considering a run but fell short of definitively dropping his name in the hat .
“ Let me put it this way , ” Gessler told The Post .
“ I can tell you that I ’ m giving it a lot of thought.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gessler ventured , but they could not be reached for comment .
County Republican parties will elect their respective leadership teams around February and March , including electing delegates to the state party ’ s central committee , Gessler said .
Then the statewide leadership election will be held in late March or early April .
Burton Brown said it has been clear that Buck would not run for a second term since he was elected in March 2019 .
That election itself raised eyebrows as some questioned whether Buck could effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state party .
And while internal party controversies in El Paso and Weld counties peppered the last year of Buck ’ s term , Burton Brown said they were a relatively small part of an otherwise successful two years .
Still , the El Paso County ordeal resulted in a complaint — still under investigation — filed by a Democratic group with the state ’ s attorney regulation board .
And officials passed a Weld County complaint involving one of Buck ’ s congressional aides to the Colorado Attorney General ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has resulted in any action or ruling against Buck .
The statewide reorganization led to a successful get-out-the-vote effort for the November election , Burton Brown said .
And while President Donald Trump and Republican Sen. Cory Gardner lost their bids in Colorado , Republicans held their own in a few key races where many expected Democrats to make more inroads .
Looking forward , Burton Brown said , the next state chair must hold Republican enthusiasm at the ballot boxes and attract unaffiliated voters who side with conservative policies .
One area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be Hispanic voters .
Kaye Ferry , a member of the state party ’ s executive committee , said she ’ s ready for some fresh blood at the helm .
Too often state leaders ignore those on the Western Slope , which ultimately hurts downticket candidates and conservative policy proposals , she said .
“ I can ’ t tell you what the answer is to the problem , ” said Ferry , who also serves as chair of the Eagle County Republican Party .
“ I just know ( the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way it should .
”

The race to replace U.S. Rep. Ken Buck as chair of the Colorado Republican Party has begun.
Sort of.
At least two high-profile Colorado Republicans say they’re considering a run to replace Buck, though months still remain in his somewhat tumultuous term. A party spokesman confirmed to The Denver Post that Buck won’t seek reelection to the chairmanship.
“All of us have to consider what is best for us, to strengthen the party,” said GOP Vice Chair Kristi Burton Brown, who confirmed she is considering a run for the organization’s top spot.
“I’m not announcing anything right now publicly. It would be premature for anyone to get out there and campaign for a position when the focus should be building the party,” she added.
Former Secretary of State Scott Gessler said he is also considering a run but fell short of definitively dropping his name in the hat.
“Let me put it this way,” Gessler told The Post. “I can tell you that I’m giving it a lot of thought.”
Several others are also considering a run, Gessler ventured, but they could not be reached for comment.
County Republican parties will elect their respective leadership teams around February and March, including electing delegates to the state party’s central committee, Gessler said. Then the statewide leadership election will be held in late March or early April.
Burton Brown said it has been clear that Buck would not run for a second term since he was elected in March 2019. That election itself raised eyebrows as some questioned whether Buck could effectively balance his congressional duties with those of the state party.
And while internal party controversies in El Paso and Weld counties peppered the last year of Buck’s term, Burton Brown said they were a relatively small part of an otherwise successful two years.
Still, the El Paso County ordeal resulted in a complaint — still under investigation — filed by a Democratic group with the state’s attorney regulation board. And officials passed a Weld County complaint involving one of Buck’s congressional aides to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office for further review. Neither complaint has resulted in any action or ruling against Buck.
The statewide reorganization led to a successful get-out-the-vote effort for the November election, Burton Brown said. And while President Donald Trump and Republican Sen. Cory Gardner lost their bids in Colorado, Republicans held their own in a few key races where many expected Democrats to make more inroads.
Looking forward, Burton Brown said, the next state chair must hold Republican enthusiasm at the ballot boxes and attract unaffiliated voters who side with conservative policies. One area of focus, she said, should be Hispanic voters.
Kaye Ferry, a member of the state party’s executive committee, said she’s ready for some fresh blood at the helm. Too often state leaders ignore those on the Western Slope, which ultimately hurts downticket candidates and conservative policy proposals, she said.
“I can’t tell you what the answer is to the problem,” said Ferry, who also serves as chair of the Eagle County Republican Party. “I just know (the state party) doesn’t run the way it should.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--PointsBet sportsbook, which will base its U.S. headquarters in Denver, launches betting operation in

PointsBet sportsbook, which will base its U.S. headquarters in Denver, launches betting operation in state

PointsBet , a Denver-based sportsbook operator , launched its mobile app and digital sports betting product Wednesday in Colorado , its fifth state of operation .
Johnny Aitken , PointsBet USA CEO , said the company is proud to be the only sports betting operation with its permanent U.S. headquarters in Colorado .
“ Our approach for the market is that we really want to bring the sports betting experience that Coloradans have been seeking , ” Aitken said .
“ When you open the app , it ’ s not going to have promotional language about the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have an ambassador that ’ s based in Chicago.
” “ It ’ s a custom-made app built for the Colorado market , ” he added .
The company will also soon have a retail presence at the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino in Cripple Creek .
PointsBet was founded in Australia , where Aitken grew up .
He said the company had “ an eye on the U.S. sports betting market.
” The company made the move when the legalization of online sports betting picked up momentum , opening its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
PointsBet also operates in Iowa , Indiana and Illinois .
Its home base is in Lower Downtown Denver , where the majority of the company ’ s 150 employees in the country work .
Aitken said there are places for about 200 employees in the LoDo office , and he plans to fill the spots in the next six to 12 months .
Legal sports betting kicked off in Colorado May 1 after the passage in 2019 of a ballot measure that expanded gambling by legalizing betting on professional sports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can apply for licenses for physical or online sportsbooks .
Fans wagered more than $ 207 million on all sports in September , up 61 % from August , the Colorado Division of Gaming said .
The numbers for October haven ’ t been compiled yet .
“ I see this market as a very forward and progressive market , ” Aitken said .
“ It ’ s a really competitive and open market.
” Aitken said it has been a challenge to roll out operations during a pandemic , with sports teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wrestle with COVID-caused disruptions .
But it gave the company time to continue hiring .
“ We ’ re really excited to be based here .
We wanted to truly invest in the community , not only providing tangible employment opportunities but also to partner with local sport organizations , ” Aitken said .
The company has teamed up with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment , the owner of the Denver Nuggets , the Colorado Avalanche and the Colorado Mammoth pro lacrosse team .
As part of the multiyear deal , PointsBet will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ digital platforms , Altitude broadcasts and in the Ball Arena , formerly the Pepsi Center , where the teams play .
Aitken declined to disclose the agreement ’ s financial terms .
Kroenke also owns the Colorado Rapids .
In September , PointsBet announced a five-year corporate partnership with the University of Colorado Buffaloes .
It is also the exclusive betting partner of NBC Sports .
Aitken said the company ’ s relationship with CU also involves building a recruiting pipeline for students interested in the sports betting industry .
He sees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 50 % of the employees work in technology and product development .
The area ’ s pool of technical talent was a major reason for choosing Denver as PointsBet ’ s U.S. headquarters , Aitken said .
Colorado ’ s quality of life and having several professional sports teams “ in walking distance ” also contributed .
One of PointsBet ’ s products , the company said , is high-risk , high-reward betting that rewards or docks bettors for how right or wrong their wager was .
To celebrate the Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bettors a risk-free betting bundle , including a “ hometown discount ” of up to $ 100 for local teams .

PointsBet, a Denver-based sportsbook operator, launched its mobile app and digital sports betting product Wednesday in Colorado, its fifth state of operation.
Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA CEO, said the company is proud to be the only sports betting operation with its permanent U.S. headquarters in Colorado.
“Our approach for the market is that we really want to bring the sports betting experience that Coloradans have been seeking,” Aitken said. “When you open the app, it’s not going to have promotional language about the New York Yankees. You’re not going to have an ambassador that’s based in Chicago.”
“It’s a custom-made app built for the Colorado market,” he added.
The company will also soon have a retail presence at the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino in Cripple Creek.
PointsBet was founded in Australia, where Aitken grew up. He said the company had “an eye on the U.S. sports betting market.” The company made the move when the legalization of online sports betting picked up momentum, opening its first U.S. operation in New Jersey in January 2019.
PointsBet also operates in Iowa, Indiana and Illinois. Its home base is in Lower Downtown Denver, where the majority of the company’s 150 employees in the country work. Aitken said there are places for about 200 employees in the LoDo office, and he plans to fill the spots in the next six to 12 months.
Legal sports betting kicked off in Colorado May 1 after the passage in 2019 of a ballot measure that expanded gambling by legalizing betting on professional sports. The state’s 17 casino operators can apply for licenses for physical or online sportsbooks.
Fans wagered more than $207 million on all sports in September, up 61% from August, the Colorado Division of Gaming said. The numbers for October haven’t been compiled yet.
“I see this market as a very forward and progressive market,” Aitken said. “It’s a really competitive and open market.”
Aitken said it has been a challenge to roll out operations during a pandemic, with sports teams suspending play for a while and continuing to wrestle with COVID-caused disruptions. But it gave the company time to continue hiring.
“We’re really excited to be based here. We wanted to truly invest in the community, not only providing tangible employment opportunities but also to partner with local sport organizations,” Aitken said.
The company has teamed up with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche and the Colorado Mammoth pro lacrosse team. As part of the multiyear deal, PointsBet will have a major presence on the teams’ digital platforms, Altitude broadcasts and in the Ball Arena, formerly the Pepsi Center, where the teams play.
Aitken declined to disclose the agreement’s financial terms. Kroenke also owns the Colorado Rapids.
In September, PointsBet announced a five-year corporate partnership with the University of Colorado Buffaloes. It is also the exclusive betting partner of NBC Sports.
Aitken said the company’s relationship with CU also involves building a recruiting pipeline for students interested in the sports betting industry. He sees PointsBet as a technology company and said more than 50% of the employees work in technology and product development.
The area’s pool of technical talent was a major reason for choosing Denver as PointsBet’s U.S. headquarters, Aitken said. Colorado’s quality of life and having several professional sports teams “in walking distance” also contributed.
State and Denver-area economic development agencies worked with PointsBet.
One of PointsBet’s products, the company said, is high-risk, high-reward betting that rewards or docks bettors for how right or wrong their wager was. To celebrate the Colorado launch, the company is offering Colorado bettors a risk-free betting bundle, including a “hometown discount” of up to $100 for local teams.


thedenverpost--2020-11-18--Guest Commentary: The coronavirus vaccine is safe. I know because I tested it.

A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine would be a game-changer in the fight against the pandemic , saving countless lives and helping to put us all back on the path to the lives we enjoyed less than a year ago .
And it offers strong hope to the African-American community that has been hit so much harder by the coronavirus .
So when the opportunity arose for volunteers to support the vaccine ’ s development , I felt deeply that it was my civic duty to do my part .
That ’ s why I volunteered to test it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first shot of the Moderna vaccine and then a second injection about a month later .
Along with the thousands of other volunteers enrolled in the clinical trials , I sought to provide the research community with the data they needed to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective .
And due to the biopharmaceutical industry ’ s efforts , they ’ ve managed to do just that .
Still , some Colorado residents are wary of a prospective coronavirus vaccine .
They worry that the vaccine ’ s development and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recipients .
They fear the worst , and as a result , they want to roll the dice , believing they ’ ll be better off unvaccinated .
However , having experienced the vaccination process firsthand , I can safely say that those fears are misplaced .
They ’ re not substantiated with hard evidence but instead based upon misconceptions about how the U.S. health-care system operates .
A concern I had was that researchers were cutting corners , but I know firsthand that the bio pharmaceutical researchers are employing a wide range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed , a COVID-19 vaccine is both safe and effective .
What I learned before I joined the trail is that while companies are greatly accelerating the vaccine timeline , given the pandemic ’ s global devastation , researchers are not skipping critical steps .
To even be considered for public use , the vaccine must complete an intensive development process , replete with exhaustive clinical trials .
Only then will the prospective vaccine proceed to the regulatory review and approval process .
At that point , numerous federal agencies , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will collaborate to ensure the candidate is effective and safe to use .
Manufacturing can then begin in earnest to make sure the vaccine is widely available .
Finally , the healthcare industry will work to provide coverage and reimbursement for the vaccine , so that affordability is not a barrier to access .
And recent headlines show that Moderna ’ s vaccine , which I tested , and the Pfizer vaccine are showing very promising results from these clinical trials .
If this sounds like an immensely rigorous process , that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the COVID-19 vaccine will have undergone the same four phases used to create all other vaccines .
This guarantees a crucial degree of consistency in the development of new medicines — while the process ’ s efficiency may change , the steps required do not .
In this way , biopharmaceutical companies aren ’ t sacrificing safety for speed ; they ’ re merely working harder to ensure the necessary work is completed that much faster .
Clearly , the U.S. health-care industry views recipient wellness as a top priority .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and requirements , researchers are working tirelessly to ensure that their eventual COVID-19 vaccine passes the highest ethical , safety , and effectiveness standards .
I ’ m just one of the thousands of people who put my trust — and my health — in the hands of these dedicated men and women .
As we near the long-awaited day when vaccines become available , I urge everyone to look at the careful commitment to safety that marked every step in the development process .
Don ’ t buy into the fear and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I tested the vaccine myself .
Michael Rouse is a 30-year veteran of the computer industry .
Now retired , Michael continues to run several small businesses in Colorado , is an active community volunteer , and is a member of the Vaccine Equity Taskforce .
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 .

A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine would be a game-changer in the fight against the pandemic, saving countless lives and helping to put us all back on the path to the lives we enjoyed less than a year ago. And it offers strong hope to the African-American community that has been hit so much harder by the coronavirus.
So when the opportunity arose for volunteers to support the vaccine’s development, I felt deeply that it was my civic duty to do my part. That’s why I volunteered to test it.
Late in August, I received my first shot of the Moderna vaccine and then a second injection about a month later. Along with the thousands of other volunteers enrolled in the clinical trials, I sought to provide the research community with the data they needed to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. And due to the biopharmaceutical industry’s efforts, they’ve managed to do just that.
Still, some Colorado residents are wary of a prospective coronavirus vaccine. They worry that the vaccine’s development and rollout will present serious health concerns for recipients. They fear the worst, and as a result, they want to roll the dice, believing they’ll be better off unvaccinated.
However, having experienced the vaccination process firsthand, I can safely say that those fears are misplaced. They’re not substantiated with hard evidence but instead based upon misconceptions about how the U.S. health-care system operates. A concern I had was that researchers were cutting corners, but I know firsthand that the bio pharmaceutical researchers are employing a wide range of precautions to ensure that, when completed, a COVID-19 vaccine is both safe and effective.
What I learned before I joined the trail is that while companies are greatly accelerating the vaccine timeline, given the pandemic’s global devastation, researchers are not skipping critical steps. To even be considered for public use, the vaccine must complete an intensive development process, replete with exhaustive clinical trials. Only then will the prospective vaccine proceed to the regulatory review and approval process. At that point, numerous federal agencies, including the FDA, CDC, and HHS, will collaborate to ensure the candidate is effective and safe to use.
Manufacturing can then begin in earnest to make sure the vaccine is widely available. Finally, the healthcare industry will work to provide coverage and reimbursement for the vaccine, so that affordability is not a barrier to access.
And recent headlines show that Moderna’s vaccine, which I tested, and the Pfizer vaccine are showing very promising results from these clinical trials.
If this sounds like an immensely rigorous process, that’s because it is. Upon completion, the COVID-19 vaccine will have undergone the same four phases used to create all other vaccines. This guarantees a crucial degree of consistency in the development of new medicines — while the process’s efficiency may change, the steps required do not. In this way, biopharmaceutical companies aren’t sacrificing safety for speed; they’re merely working harder to ensure the necessary work is completed that much faster.
Clearly, the U.S. health-care industry views recipient wellness as a top priority. With their myriad safeguards and fail-safes, regulations and requirements, researchers are working tirelessly to ensure that their eventual COVID-19 vaccine passes the highest ethical, safety, and effectiveness standards. I’m just one of the thousands of people who put my trust — and my health — in the hands of these dedicated men and women.
As we near the long-awaited day when vaccines become available, I urge everyone to look at the careful commitment to safety that marked every step in the development process. Don’t buy into the fear and misinformation. Take it from me — I tested the vaccine myself.
Michael Rouse is a 30-year veteran of the computer industry. Now retired, Michael continues to run several small businesses in Colorado, is an active community volunteer, and is a member of the Vaccine Equity Taskforce.
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--2020-11-18--Brighton, Adams County preserve nearly 80 acres of farmland from development

For those yearning for a bit more undisturbed acreage in a fast-growing metro area , look to the north .
Brighton and Adams County teamed up with The Conservation Fund this week to preserve 79 acres of farmland along 144th Avenue and Sable Boulevard , just south of Brighton , in a traditionally agricultural area recently designated as Historic Splendid Valley .
The city and county used $ 2.5 million in Adams County open space sales tax revenue and Great Outdoors Colorado money to place a conservation easement on the land , ensuring it remains agricultural and free from development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furthers the mission of Historic Splendid Valley to protect one of the state ’ s last remaining areas of urban agricultural land with available water rights to ensure that food production can continue for the benefit of the local community and the region , ” Adams County said in a press release this week .
The farm is located in Denver ’ s northern suburbs and is surrounded on all sides by an explosion in single-family subdivisions and retail outlets to serve a growing population .
The farm had been owned by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leased it from the family before recently purchasing it .
Petrocco grows cabbage , onions , leafy greens and sweet corn at the farm .
This week ’ s deal brings the total acreage preserved in the Historic Splendid Valley so far to 444 acres .
That includes both privately owned land operating under agricultural conservation easements and land directly owned by Adams County or Brighton , which places it under agricultural preservation .

For those yearning for a bit more undisturbed acreage in a fast-growing metro area, look to the north.
Brighton and Adams County teamed up with The Conservation Fund this week to preserve 79 acres of farmland along 144th Avenue and Sable Boulevard, just south of Brighton, in a traditionally agricultural area recently designated as Historic Splendid Valley.
The city and county used $2.5 million in Adams County open space sales tax revenue and Great Outdoors Colorado money to place a conservation easement on the land, ensuring it remains agricultural and free from development.
“The preservation of this area furthers the mission of Historic Splendid Valley to protect one of the state’s last remaining areas of urban agricultural land with available water rights to ensure that food production can continue for the benefit of the local community and the region,” Adams County said in a press release this week.
The farm is located in Denver’s northern suburbs and is surrounded on all sides by an explosion in single-family subdivisions and retail outlets to serve a growing population.
The farm had been owned by the Morimitsu family since 1939. Petrocco Farms leased it from the family before recently purchasing it. Petrocco grows cabbage, onions, leafy greens and sweet corn at the farm.
This week’s deal brings the total acreage preserved in the Historic Splendid Valley so far to 444 acres. That includes both privately owned land operating under agricultural conservation easements and land directly owned by Adams County or Brighton, which places it under agricultural preservation.