thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Ask Amy: Neighbor’s remodel turns ugly

Ask Amy: Neighbor’s remodel turns ugly

Dear Amy : Two years ago , our next-door neighbor was going to remodel his house in a way that would negatively impact us , so we asked him over for a chat .
My husband began an argument with him .
My husband was inappropriate during this blowup .
All during this unfortunate conversation , I was apologizing ( a lot ) and trying to get him to stop , which he eventually did .
He apologized to the owner , who left our house very angry .
This neighbor went on to tell anyone who would listen that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we were dangerous !
We did not threaten him , and we are definitely not dangerous .
I reached out to a mediator in hopes of mending fences , but they would not agree to attend , so I gave up .
Over the two years since that episode , I have been subjected to sneers , head-shaking , and dirty looks ( by his friends ) and a nasty comment from their family member .
This treatment is unwarranted .
I am a community-minded person who looks out for people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ texts during this period regarding general neighborhood issues , and he is civil , but only via text ; when we run into each other on walks , the whole family won ’ t look at us .
I stand by my husband ( he did apologize ) , but I am not him – I did not “ DO ” anything to this family .
I have always been kind to them .
Why can ’ t they just move on and get over it !
?
Should I gently confront him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sad : A quick apology in the moment may call a halt to the immediate episode , but this event isn ’ t over just because your husband says it ’ s over .
He should have done everything in his power to apologize appropriately to these neighbors , including in the moment , and also afterward when he ’ d had a chance to reflect on his behavior .
If he has sincerely done his best to acknowledge and apologize , and if his behavior over the past two years has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbors should make an effort to recover and move on .
They should not punish you for your husband ’ s behavior , but according to you , the neighbor responds well to texts from you .
When you are out walking ( presumably with your husband ) , you should assume that their body language is directed toward him .
They aren ’ t the only participants who need to move on .
For YOU to be entirely over it would be for you to demonstrate that you behave the same way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basically unaffected by people who don ’ t respond in an optimal way toward you .
Dear Amy : Due to the pandemic , I am working from home full time .
My close neighbor is a grandmother whose son and granddaughter have moved in with her .
They spend a lot of time in their yard , which is directly adjacent to my kitchen table ( the only place in my apartment I can work ) .
The way they play seems mostly to involve chasing games and screaming .
Hours of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a grown man and a little girl screaming .
Then she ’ ll have twice daily tantrums with more screaming .
This would be difficult enough , but I have frequent conference calls when I have to speak and can not be on mute .
People have said they can not hear me over the screaming ( this is with my doors and windows shut ) .
Please give me a script I can use to ask them to keep the noise down during work hours , or perhaps to encourage the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to offend anyone , but I have to work !
Dear Anonymous : Contact your neighbors .
Mention how adorable the three-year-old is .
Say , “ I have to work from home right now , and so I ’ m wondering if you could try extra-hard to keep things quieter during work hours .
I ’ ll tape a red piece of paper in the window during my conference calls , so at least you ’ ll know the times I ’ m on the phone.
” A visual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn their volume down .
Dear Amy : Poor “ Stuck in Florida ” was complaining about his live-in girlfriend ’ s inadequate COVID precautions .
Thank you for reminding him that the house where they live belongs to her .
I have a recommendation for him .
If he doesn ’ t like it , he can leave !
Dear Fed Up : When this letter was published , leaving was not really a possibility .

Dear Amy: Two years ago, our next-door neighbor was going to remodel his house in a way that would negatively impact us, so we asked him over for a chat.
My husband began an argument with him. My husband was inappropriate during this blowup. All during this unfortunate conversation, I was apologizing (a lot) and trying to get him to stop, which he eventually did. He apologized to the owner, who left our house very angry.
This neighbor went on to tell anyone who would listen that we threatened him and his family and that we were dangerous!
We did not threaten him, and we are definitely not dangerous.
I reached out to a mediator in hopes of mending fences, but they would not agree to attend, so I gave up.
Over the two years since that episode, I have been subjected to sneers, head-shaking, and dirty looks (by his friends) and a nasty comment from their family member.
This treatment is unwarranted. I am a community-minded person who looks out for people.
I have sent the neighbor a couple texts during this period regarding general neighborhood issues, and he is civil, but only via text; when we run into each other on walks, the whole family won’t look at us.
I stand by my husband (he did apologize), but I am not him – I did not “DO” anything to this family. I have always been kind to them.
Why can’t they just move on and get over it!?
Should I gently confront him about this — or move?
— Sad on the West Coast
Dear Sad: A quick apology in the moment may call a halt to the immediate episode, but this event isn’t over just because your husband says it’s over.
He should have done everything in his power to apologize appropriately to these neighbors, including in the moment, and also afterward when he’d had a chance to reflect on his behavior.
If he has sincerely done his best to acknowledge and apologize, and if his behavior over the past two years has been totally benign, then yes, the neighbors should make an effort to recover and move on.
They should not punish you for your husband’s behavior, but according to you, the neighbor responds well to texts from you. When you are out walking (presumably with your husband), you should assume that their body language is directed toward him.
They aren’t the only participants who need to move on. For YOU to be entirely over it would be for you to demonstrate that you behave the same way toward everyone, and that you are basically unaffected by people who don’t respond in an optimal way toward you.
Dear Amy: Due to the pandemic, I am working from home full time. My close neighbor is a grandmother whose son and granddaughter have moved in with her. They spend a lot of time in their yard, which is directly adjacent to my kitchen table (the only place in my apartment I can work).
The way they play seems mostly to involve chasing games and screaming. Hours of my day are filled with a background of a grown man and a little girl screaming. Then she’ll have twice daily tantrums with more screaming. This would be difficult enough, but I have frequent conference calls when I have to speak and cannot be on mute.
People have said they cannot hear me over the screaming (this is with my doors and windows shut).
Please give me a script I can use to ask them to keep the noise down during work hours, or perhaps to encourage the child not to scream. I don’t want to offend anyone, but I have to work!
— Anonymous
Dear Anonymous: Contact your neighbors. Mention how adorable the three-year-old is. Say, “I have to work from home right now, and so I’m wondering if you could try extra-hard to keep things quieter during work hours. I’ll tape a red piece of paper in the window during my conference calls, so at least you’ll know the times I’m on the phone.” A visual cue might prompt both parent and child to turn their volume down.
Dear Amy: Poor “Stuck in Florida” was complaining about his live-in girlfriend’s inadequate COVID precautions.
Thank you for reminding him that the house where they live belongs to her.
I have a recommendation for him. If he doesn’t like it, he can leave!
— Fed Up
Dear Fed Up: When this letter was published, leaving was not really a possibility.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Man shot in Aurora on Monday dies at a local hospital

A man shot in Aurora on Monday was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead .
The @ @ @ @ @ p.m. near East 16th Avenue and Akron Street , police said in a news release @ @ @ @ @ suffering from a gunshot wound .
He was taken to a local hospital where “ @ @ @ @ @ ” An investigation is ongoing .
As of Monday night , police did not have @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call police at 303-739-6406 , or @ @ @ @ @ at 720-913-7867 ( STOP ) .

A man shot in Aurora on Monday was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The shooting happened at about 12:20 p.m. near East 16th Avenue and Akron Street, police said in a news release. Officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital where “he succumbed to his injuries.”
An investigation is ongoing. As of Monday night, police did not have a suspect in custody.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call police at 303-739-6406, or call Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP).


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Denver protesters assemble for sixth day of demonstrations after death of George Floyd

A sixth day of marches and protests took over downtown Denver Tuesday with crowds stretching the length of three city blocks , but while the crowds were at least as big as previous nights , the mood was more relaxed with less police presence as evening fell .
As they moved through town , from the Colorado Capitol to Civic Center and then headed toward the 16th Street Mall , protestors were chanting , “ No justice .
No peace , ” “ Out of your home !
Into the streets !
” and “ Hey hey , ho ho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go !
” At Coors Field , they dropped to their knees .
Charlie Shae of Denver said this is the first night she ’ s been at the protests here , but her friends have been .
“ This is not the first time our country has had to do this , ” she said , referencing decades of civil rights protests .
“ How are we still fighting for the same things in 2020 ?
” she said .
Protesters are angered over the death of George Floyd who died May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
From the beginning , Denver ’ s demonstrations have been tense with standoffs between Denver Police Department officers and people marching the streets .
Police have deployed tear gas , foam bullets , pepper balls and smoke bombs to deter protesters and disperse crowds .
Protesters have started fires , vandalized buildings , shot fireworks and lobbed rocks and bottles at officers .
Since Thursday , 338 people have been arrested on various charges .
Mayor Michael Hancock ordered a 9 p.m. curfew through Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Monday , thousands of people stayed on the streets well past the deadline to leave .
A smaller group of protesters remained until midnight when a band of Denver police officers in riot gear fired tear gas at them .

Thousands of demonstrators, stretching for blocks, took over downtown Denver Tuesday for a sixth night of protests, but while the crowds were at least as big as previous nights, the mood was more relaxed and peaceful and as midnight neared, it was winding down without tear gas or other major conflicts.
At the height of the protest, demonstrators moved through town, from the Colorado Capitol to Civic Center and then toward the 16th Street Mall, chanting, “No justice. No peace,” “Out of your home! Into the streets!” and “Hey hey, ho ho, these racist cops have got to go!”
At Coors Field, they dropped to their knees.
At 9:40 p.m., nine minutes of silence began as protesters sat near 20th and Champa, fists in the air. Photos showed people illuminating the night with their cell phone lights at the capitol.
Diego Garcia, 26, said Tuesday’s protest shows how peaceful protests should be done.
“I think Denver is doing it the right way – peacefully – to the point where we changed the narrative,” he said.
Charlie Shae of Denver said this is the first night she’s been at the protests here, but her friends have been.
“This is not the first time our country has had to do this,” she said, referencing decades of civil rights protests. “How are we still fighting for the same things in 2020?” she said.
Marchers have stopped for nine minutes of silence in honor of George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/9LoMgHCI5g — Shelly Bradbury (@ShellyBradbury) June 3, 2020
Protesters are angered over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, and have gathered nightly to protest his death and deaths of other people of color at the hands of police.
Protests were underway Tuesday in other Colorado cities, as well, from Colorado Springs to Gunnison, where the High Country News reported several hundred people were demonstrating. Late Tuesday, Fox21 reporter Brandon Thompson posted video of Colorado Springs police ordering protesters to disperse and then using tear gas.
From the beginning, Denver’s demonstrations have been tense with standoffs between Denver Police Department officers and people marching the streets, making Tuesday’s event notable.
Police have deployed tear gas, foam bullets, pepper balls and smoke bombs to deter protesters and disperse crowds. Protesters have started fires, vandalized buildings, shot fireworks and lobbed rocks and bottles at officers. Since Thursday, 338 people have been arrested on various charges.
Denver police will host an hour-long virtual town hall at 6 p.m. Wednesday so residents can discuss what policies they’d like to see moving forward, police announced in a news release late Tuesday night.
Mayor Michael Hancock ordered a 9 p.m. curfew through Friday, but protesters largely have ignored it. On Monday, thousands of people stayed on the streets well past the deadline to leave. A smaller group of protesters remained until midnight when a band of Denver police officers in riot gear fired tear gas at them.
On Tuesday, protesters were sitting in the middle of Lincoln Street after the 9 p.m. curfew but the demonstration remained peaceful except for the sound of gunshots fired into the air shortly after 10 p.m. There were no injuries reported.
Bri Patton and Joe Barker were present Thursday when a driver rammed her car through Denver protesters. It was terrifying and they’re disappointed police have not made an arrest in the case, they said. But they came out on Tuesday again despite the horrifying moment.
“The fight’s still going on,” Patton said.
Patton said she hopes the protests here and across the country change systems to ensure police are more accountable for deaths like Floyd’s. But watching how police have responded forcefully to protests across the country worries Barker.
“I feel like we lost our right to protest,” he said.
“We want everyone to know we’re not against them,” Patton said. “All lives can’t matter if black lives don’t matter.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Boarded windows, cleanup efforts in downtown Denver after weekend of property damage

After protests shook downtown Denver over the weekend , with some among the crowds smashing windows , spray-painting buildings and stealing merchandise from stores , business owners , landlords and others in the heart of the city are taking stock of the damage , updating their policies and planning to clean up .
As of Tuesday morning , the Downtown Denver Partnership was aware of 238 incidences of property damage in the city ’ s core neighborhoods , most of which came in the form of graffiti or broken windows .
Of those , 130 occurred on the 16th Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnership ’ s executive director .
Door ’ s organization manages the downtown area ’ s tax-funded business improvement district and performs a number of tasks , including cleaning .
She said the partnership ’ s purple-clad crews have been out at 5 a.m. each day after the evening protests sweeping up broken glass and putting plants back in planters , among other tasks .
“ It ’ s incredibly well-cared-for given what it has experienced in its physical spaces over the last few days , ” Door said of the downtown area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to businesses and property owners asking them to highlight damages caused by protesters .
It is also asking volunteers to help out .
The partnership is organizing two events — one Wednesday and one on Friday morning — to clean up downtown and support businesses there .
Volunteers are asked to meet in Skyline Park at the corner of 16th and Arapahoe streets at 7 a.m. wearing masks and be prepared for a morning of removing graffiti , picking up debris and passing out water to workers repairing storefronts .
Part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is they provide a place for people to gather and advocate for change .
“ When that is done in a healthy way and in a peaceful way it is incredibly powerful .
This is all a representation of systemic issues in our society that must be addressed , ” Door said .
“ I want to separate that from what we have experienced late into the night.
” Cassandra Allen-Brown ’ s store , Yarn Shoppe Denver , has not been damaged during demonstrations , but a T-Mobile store located in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two windows broken .
Still , the protests have impacted her business .
Some of her customers felt unsafe coming downtown in the later afternoons , so Allen-Brown is closing her store at 1 p.m. on the four days it is open this week .
Its hours had already been shortened to 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ It ’ s like a double-double hit , but we ’ ll get through it because this too shall pass , ” Allen-Brown said .
An African-American woman who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Allen-Brown said she is deeply saddened that police officers are still killing black men in 2020 .
She said that the vandalism that has swept through downtown does not honor the victims of police violence like George Floyd , the Minneapolis man whose killing at the hands of a police officer has now motivated six days of demonstrations in Denver .
Gart Properties , the company that owns and operates the Denver Pavilions and the 16th Street Mall building containing the Target store and other businesses , has also changed its business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Sidell said .
Gart has relaxed rules around when tenant business in the Pavilions needed to be open , it is shutting down its underground parking structure at 7 p.m. each night and it has added extra security guards .
The company has also removed trash cans , patio furniture and other fixtures that might be picked up and thrown and connected businesses that have suffered property damage with contractors to board up windows .
“ We hope we have more peaceful protests and we keep making progress because as a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Sidell said .
“ But I would like to see progress without the setbacks of property damage and police activity.
” Sidell said he is looking forward to the future of the 16th Street Mall area .
His company has applied for city permission to close a portion of Glenarm Street to allow for outdoor dining .

After protests shook downtown Denver over the weekend, with some among the crowds smashing windows, spray-painting buildings and stealing merchandise from stores, business owners, landlords and others in the heart of the city are taking stock of the damage, updating their policies and planning to clean up.
As of Tuesday morning, the Downtown Denver Partnership was aware of 238 incidences of property damage in the city’s core neighborhoods, most of which came in the form of graffiti or broken windows. Of those, 130 occurred on the 16th Street Mall, said Tami Door, the partnership’s executive director.
Door’s organization manages the downtown area’s tax-funded business improvement district and performs a number of tasks, including cleaning. She said the partnership’s purple-clad crews have been out at 5 a.m. each day after the evening protests sweeping up broken glass and putting plants back in planters, among other tasks.
“It’s incredibly well-cared-for given what it has experienced in its physical spaces over the last few days,” Door said of the downtown area.
The partnership is circulating a survey to businesses and property owners asking them to highlight damages caused by protesters. It is also asking volunteers to help out.
The partnership is organizing two events — one Wednesday and one on Friday morning — to clean up downtown and support businesses there. Volunteers are asked to meet in Skyline Park at the corner of 16th and Arapahoe streets at 7 a.m. wearing masks and be prepared for a morning of removing graffiti, picking up debris and passing out water to workers repairing storefronts.
Part of the power of cities, Door said, is they provide a place for people to gather and advocate for change.
“When that is done in a healthy way and in a peaceful way it is incredibly powerful. This is all a representation of systemic issues in our society that must be addressed,” Door said. “I want to separate that from what we have experienced late into the night.”
Cassandra Allen-Brown’s store, Yarn Shoppe Denver, has not been damaged during demonstrations, but a T-Mobile store located in her building at 1615 California St. has had two windows broken. Still, the protests have impacted her business. Some of her customers felt unsafe coming downtown in the later afternoons, so Allen-Brown is closing her store at 1 p.m. on the four days it is open this week. Its hours had already been shortened to 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s like a double-double hit, but we’ll get through it because this too shall pass,” Allen-Brown said.
An African-American woman who grew up in northeast Denver and Aurora, Allen-Brown said she is deeply saddened that police officers are still killing black men in 2020. She said that the vandalism that has swept through downtown does not honor the victims of police violence like George Floyd, the Minneapolis man whose killing at the hands of a police officer has now motivated six days of demonstrations in Denver.
Gart Properties, the company that owns and operates the Denver Pavilions and the 16th Street Mall building containing the Target store and other businesses, has also changed its business practices because of the protests, president Mark Sidell said.
Gart has relaxed rules around when tenant business in the Pavilions needed to be open, it is shutting down its underground parking structure at 7 p.m. each night and it has added extra security guards. The company has also removed trash cans, patio furniture and other fixtures that might be picked up and thrown and connected businesses that have suffered property damage with contractors to board up windows.
“We hope we have more peaceful protests and we keep making progress because as a country we have a ways to go,” Sidell said. “But I would like to see progress without the setbacks of property damage and police activity.”
Sidell said he is looking forward to the future of the 16th Street Mall area. His company has applied for city permission to close a portion of Glenarm Street to allow for outdoor dining.


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Denver City Council members call for investigation into police use of force during George Floyd prot

Denver City Council members call for investigation into police use of force during George Floyd protests

Denver City Council members are calling for an investigation into the city ’ s police department after officers injured bystanders , protesters and journalists in recent days as thousands gathered to call for racial justice and systemic changes in policing throughout the country .
The killing of George Floyd , a black man , at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer sparked massive protests nationwide .
In many cases — including in Denver — the protests have turned violent , especially during the evening hours , leading to the damage of public and private property alike .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that law enforcement officers are targeting peaceful protesters , onlookers and clearly identified journalists with pepper balls , chemical sprays and nonlethal projectiles .
Photos and videos quickly tore through social media showing people at the protest with bloody faces , bruised bodies and teary faces covered with milk , which is used to calm chemical irritants .
Denver Police Department officials fired a police officer Tuesday for writing “ Let ’ s start a riot ” as a caption to a photo he posted on Instagram of himself and two other officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca requested that Denver Public Safety Manager Murphy Robinson and Nick Mitchell , the city ’ s independent monitor , investigate .
“ Protests against police abuse should not result in more police abuse , ” CdeBaca wrote in an email to Robinson and Mitchell .
“ It appears that once the decision was made to shut down the protests , everyone present was targeted with the same level of violence , resulting in injuries , some requiring emergency care.
” “ At the very least , the excessive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already traumatized and grieving community , ” she continued .
Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen had already committed to investigating all allegations of force against peaceful people , but CdeBaca is calling for more .
CdeBaca asked Robinson and Mitchell to investigate the use of pepper spray , rubber bullets and tear gas as well as the use of military vehicles .
The councilwoman also asked for a report on civilian injuries and an explanation as to why journalists were targeted by police .
Reports from the protest also concerned council members Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group ’ s Safety Committee , who said they support CdeBaca ’ s request .
Kashmann also asked Robinson and Chief Paul Pazen to address the committee .
“ We don ’ t need the whole department painted with a broad brush unless you have the type of investigation and evaluation we ’ re looking for , ” Kashmann said .
“ That ’ s the only way you can get down to what happened and if there ’ s a problem , how broad is it ?
” An investigation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the council ’ s concerns and could direct the city ’ s next steps , Torres said .
“ Did police follow the proper procedure ?
Perhaps they did , ” Torres said .
“ But do we have the proper procedure ?
” The department rolled out a new use-of-force policy in 2018 that took 19 months to write and involved significant public input .
Kashmann said Robinson and Pazen are open to a discussion with the committee and should appear before the group in the coming weeks .

Denver City Council members are calling for an investigation into the city’s police department after officers injured bystanders, protesters and journalists in recent days as thousands gathered to call for racial justice and systemic changes in policing throughout the country.
The killing of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer sparked massive protests nationwide. In many cases — including in Denver — the protests have turned violent, especially during the evening hours, leading to the damage of public and private property alike.
Even so, complaints continue to flood in that law enforcement officers are targeting peaceful protesters, onlookers and clearly identified journalists with pepper balls, chemical sprays and nonlethal projectiles. Photos and videos quickly tore through social media showing people at the protest with bloody faces, bruised bodies and teary faces covered with milk, which is used to calm chemical irritants.
Denver Police Department officials fired a police officer Tuesday for writing “Let’s start a riot” as a caption to a photo he posted on Instagram of himself and two other officers in riot gear.
Earlier in the day, Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca requested that Denver Public Safety Manager Murphy Robinson and Nick Mitchell, the city’s independent monitor, investigate.
“Protests against police abuse should not result in more police abuse,” CdeBaca wrote in an email to Robinson and Mitchell. “It appears that once the decision was made to shut down the protests, everyone present was targeted with the same level of violence, resulting in injuries, some requiring emergency care.”
“At the very least, the excessive police response has caused trauma to an already traumatized and grieving community,” she continued.
Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen had already committed to investigating all allegations of force against peaceful people, but CdeBaca is calling for more.
CdeBaca asked Robinson and Mitchell to investigate the use of pepper spray, rubber bullets and tear gas as well as the use of military vehicles. The councilwoman also asked for a report on civilian injuries and an explanation as to why journalists were targeted by police.
Robinson did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Reports from the protest also concerned council members Paul Kashmann and Jamie Torres, leaders of the group’s Safety Committee, who said they support CdeBaca’s request.
Kashmann also asked Robinson and Chief Paul Pazen to address the committee.
“We don’t need the whole department painted with a broad brush unless you have the type of investigation and evaluation we’re looking for,” Kashmann said. “That’s the only way you can get down to what happened and if there’s a problem, how broad is it?”
An investigation and committee discussion should be able to address the council’s concerns and could direct the city’s next steps, Torres said.
“Did police follow the proper procedure? Perhaps they did,” Torres said. “But do we have the proper procedure?”
The department rolled out a new use-of-force policy in 2018 that took 19 months to write and involved significant public input.
Kashmann said Robinson and Pazen are open to a discussion with the committee and should appear before the group in the coming weeks.


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Colorado’s COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to fall, deaths attributed to virus jump

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in Colorado fell to their lowest level since late March and the number of new cases remained relatively low as of Tuesday , but deaths directly linked to the new virus jumped .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 26,788 cases of the new coronavirus as of Tuesday , an increase of 211 compared to the previous day .
That ’ s in line with recent days , when newly reported cases fluctuated between 141 and 499 .
Total hospitalizations rose to 4,419 , but the number of people currently needing treatment for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association reported 268 people were currently hospitalized — the lowest number since March 27 .
Death data looked less encouraging , though it ’ s possible that delayed reporting accounted for some of the increase .
The total number of deaths among people who had COVID-19 increased by 16 , to 1,474 .
Deaths that a medical examiner determined were caused by the virus increased by 43 , to 1,228 — which suggests that some of the increase came from additional information about deaths that were previously reported .
Confirmation that a death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t come in until after the death was first reported , CDPHE spokesman Ian Dickson said .
There ’ s also a general lag in reporting , which means that new deaths reported by state health officials on a given day didn ’ t all necessarily occur the day before .
So far , the state reports 190,700 people were tested for the virus , with about 14 % testing positive .
Officials with the Colorado health department estimated they ’ re able to identify about half of people who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of those known to have the virus in Colorado were hospitalized at some point , and 4.6 % to 5.5 % have died , depending which death total you use .
The total number of people who may have had mild symptoms , or none at all , isn ’ t known , making it difficult to tell how widely the virus has spread or how deadly it is for the average person .
Four hospitals reported they could have staffing shortages in the next week , according to the Colorado Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short of intensive-care beds or protective equipment like masks .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in Colorado fell to their lowest level since late March and the number of new cases remained relatively low as of Tuesday, but deaths directly linked to the new virus jumped.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 26,788 cases of the new coronavirus as of Tuesday, an increase of 211 compared to the previous day. That’s in line with recent days, when newly reported cases fluctuated between 141 and 499.
Total hospitalizations rose to 4,419, but the number of people currently needing treatment for COVID-19 continued to fall. The Colorado Hospital Association reported 268 people were currently hospitalized — the lowest number since March 27.
Death data looked less encouraging, though it’s possible that delayed reporting accounted for some of the increase.
The total number of deaths among people who had COVID-19 increased by 16, to 1,474. Deaths that a medical examiner determined were caused by the virus increased by 43, to 1,228 — which suggests that some of the increase came from additional information about deaths that were previously reported. Confirmation that a death was due to the new virus sometimes doesn’t come in until after the death was first reported, CDPHE spokesman Ian Dickson said.
There’s also a general lag in reporting, which means that new deaths reported by state health officials on a given day didn’t all necessarily occur the day before.
So far, the state reports 190,700 people were tested for the virus, with about 14% testing positive. Officials with the Colorado health department estimated they’re able to identify about half of people who have symptoms of the virus.
About 16.5% of those known to have the virus in Colorado were hospitalized at some point, and 4.6% to 5.5% have died, depending which death total you use. The total number of people who may have had mild symptoms, or none at all, isn’t known, making it difficult to tell how widely the virus has spread or how deadly it is for the average person.
Four hospitals reported they could have staffing shortages in the next week, according to the Colorado Hospital Association, but none said they were short of intensive-care beds or protective equipment like masks.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Broncos safety Kareem Jackson: “We have to put some action behind our words”

What we can do next ?
That is the question Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has asked and discussed since nationwide protests over racism and police brutality gripped the country following the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody last week .
During a team meeting on Tuesday .
During a video call with his fellow players on defense .
And during recent workout sessions with fellow NFL players in Texas .
“ We have to put some action behind our words , ” Jackson said in a media video call Tuesday afternoon .
Developing an action strategy began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with players and is expected to continue when Jackson reaches out to teammates to “ kick around some ideas.
” Jackson wants the talking to be only the beginning .
He wants to make an impact .
He wants to show demonstrators they have the Broncos ’ support .
He doesn ’ t want to sit around .
“ We have to figure out what we can do not only as a team , but as an organization , ” Jackson said .
“ How can we get out and impact the Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a march as a team or something like that .
We have to get out in the community and be heard .
Just the opportunities we have as pro athletes , it ’ s huge for us to be heard and it ’ s huge for us to be in the community and see us and know we stand behind them.
” The dialogue reached another stage when Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis led a team meeting Tuesday during which several players and coaches spoke up .
Afterward , the organization ’ s statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind .
The Broncos share in the outrage ( and ) concern over these senseless deaths .
We have an opportunity to be a part of the healing process.
” Coach Vic Fangio said he will address the players during a meeting on Thursday .
Available to the media for the first time since April 25 , Fangio began his session with a statement condemning Floyd ’ s death .
Fangio said he was “ shocked , sad and angry ” when he watched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by former officer Derek Chauvin , who has been arrested and charged , and said an editorial by NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar resonated with him .
“ Kareem also recognized that 98-99 % of the police do a tremendous job in tough situations and we must do all we can to correct the small percentage that doesn ’ t do a great job on a daily basis , ” Fangio said .
“ Kareem was one person talking sensibly and with solutions .
This is not a political issue .
… It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to join in ( on ) to correct .
… Sports bring people together and I look forward to the Broncos and the NFL leading that ( effort ) .
” Several Broncos players have delivered comments via their social media channels and safety Justin Simmons gained praise for his comments to a group of demonstrators in Florida .
Simmons did not participate in the team video meeting because he has yet to sign his franchise tender , but Fangio saluted him for his effort .
“ Justin is a great person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screwed on correctly and he sees the problems and how they need to be solved and he ’ s doing so peacefully , ” Fangio said .
At 32 years old , Jackson is the oldest player on the Broncos roster and one of only four who is at least 30 , so his life experiences and insight and feelings will ripple through a locker room , or in the current NFL shutdown setup , through his Zoom video screen .
“ We need to get out ( in the community ) so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can actually see us and know that we ’ re there to help them and we ’ re on the same page with them , ” he said .
“ It ’ s obviously a sad time in what we ’ re going through , but at the end of the day , those ( actions ) have to be done .
You have to go out and do the things we can do to be heard.
” Several times as he answered questions , Jackson returned to the same issue .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the big thing , trying to figure out what the next step is in which we can promote do the right things when it comes to this social injustice , ” Jackson said .
“ In the meeting earlier ( Tuesday ) , that ’ s what I shared : We can talk about it until we ’ re blue in the face .
We have to put some type of action behind it .
”

What we can do next?
That is the question Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has asked and discussed since nationwide protests over racism and police brutality gripped the country following the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody last week.
During a team meeting on Tuesday. During a video call with his fellow players on defense. And during recent workout sessions with fellow NFL players in Texas.
“We have to put some action behind our words,” Jackson said in a media video call Tuesday afternoon.
Developing an action strategy began with the team meeting and other conversations with players and is expected to continue when Jackson reaches out to teammates to “kick around some ideas.”
Jackson wants the talking to be only the beginning. He wants to make an impact. He wants to show demonstrators they have the Broncos’ support. He doesn’t want to sit around.
“We have to figure out what we can do not only as a team, but as an organization,” Jackson said. “How can we get out and impact the Denver community? Maybe we can put together a march as a team or something like that. We have to get out in the community and be heard. Just the opportunities we have as pro athletes, it’s huge for us to be heard and it’s huge for us to be in the community and see us and know we stand behind them.”
The dialogue reached another stage when Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis led a team meeting Tuesday during which several players and coaches spoke up.
Afterward, the organization’s statement on social media said: “There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind. The Broncos share in the outrage (and) concern over these senseless deaths. We have an opportunity to be a part of the healing process.”
Coach Vic Fangio said he will address the players during a meeting on Thursday. Available to the media for the first time since April 25, Fangio began his session with a statement condemning Floyd’s death.
Fangio said he was “shocked, sad and angry” when he watched the video of Floyd being pinned down by former officer Derek Chauvin, who has been arrested and charged, and said an editorial by NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar resonated with him.
“Kareem also recognized that 98-99% of the police do a tremendous job in tough situations and we must do all we can to correct the small percentage that doesn’t do a great job on a daily basis,” Fangio said. “Kareem was one person talking sensibly and with solutions. This is not a political issue. … It’s a societal issue that we all have to join in (on) to correct. … Sports bring people together and I look forward to the Broncos and the NFL leading that (effort).”
Several Broncos players have delivered comments via their social media channels and safety Justin Simmons gained praise for his comments to a group of demonstrators in Florida. Simmons did not participate in the team video meeting because he has yet to sign his franchise tender, but Fangio saluted him for his effort.
“Justin is a great person and great leader and has his head screwed on correctly and he sees the problems and how they need to be solved and he’s doing so peacefully,” Fangio said.
At 32 years old, Jackson is the oldest player on the Broncos roster and one of only four who is at least 30, so his life experiences and insight and feelings will ripple through a locker room, or in the current NFL shutdown setup, through his Zoom video screen.
“We need to get out (in the community) so these kids and everybody in these communities can actually see us and know that we’re there to help them and we’re on the same page with them,” he said. “It’s obviously a sad time in what we’re going through, but at the end of the day, those (actions) have to be done. You have to go out and do the things we can do to be heard.”
Several times as he answered questions, Jackson returned to the same issue.
What we can do next?
“That’s the big thing, trying to figure out what the next step is in which we can promote do the right things when it comes to this social injustice,” Jackson said. “In the meeting earlier (Tuesday), that’s what I shared: We can talk about it until we’re blue in the face. We have to put some type of action behind it.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Colorado’s LGBTQ “panic defense” bill, killed last week, may yet be resurrected

Among the many legislative proposals lost in a recent flurry of coronavirus-inspired bill-killing at the Colorado Capitol , one may be resurrected .
The bill would ban defendants in court from trying to justify violence by blaming a victim ’ s sexual orientation or gender identity — the “ panic defense.
” It costs nothing to administer , has no organized opposition and could pass with mere minutes of discussion .
But Democrats voted to kill it at the committee level last week as lawmakers , suddenly strapped for time and cash after a more than two-month coronavirus recess , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also may have passed with little resistance .
LGBTQ advocates say it ’ s hard to measure how often the “ panic defense ” is used in Colorado — history shows that those who have tried to use it have not been successful — but that the bill is needed to protect members of the community , and particularly black , transgender women .
Those women ’ s voices weren ’ t heard when the bill didn ’ t move forward , said sponsor Rep. Leslie Herod , D-Denver .
Sen. Pete Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair of the committee that postponed the bill , said the vote had nothing to do with the bill ’ s content .
It was the first day back the hiatus , he said , and lawmakers had to nix a lot of bills .
Plus , the “ panic defense ” hadn ’ t been used successfully in the state , so he and others didn ’ t feel it was an especially urgent matter .
Senate sponsor Jack Tate , a Centennial Republican , said he ’ s not heard a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he added , “ Quite frankly , someone dropped the ball .
I don ’ t care who .
I just wanted it picked up.
” He may get his wish .
Rep. Brianna Titone , an Arvada Democrat and the state ’ s first openly transgender lawmaker , says she is introducing a new bill with Rep. Matt Soper , a Delta Republican , that she hopes will be fast-tracked and send the right message .
She sent a letter to the bill ’ s Senate sponsors and leadership Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media she asked people to sign a petition in support .
“ Right now , a loophole in our law allows the opportunity to justify hateful violence , potentially encouraging perpetrators to perform heinous acts in the name of ‘ fear , ' ” Titone wrote .
“ We must act swiftly and decisively NOW to remove any excuse that motivates hateful acts.
” Titone said this is an opportunity for senators to make right what they wronged .
Through tears , Titone said it ’ s her job to stand up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because they don ’ t have representation .
“ It ’ s what I ’ m here for .
”

Among the many legislative proposals lost in a recent flurry of coronavirus-inspired bill-killing at the Colorado Capitol, one may be resurrected.
The bill would ban defendants in court from trying to justify violence by blaming a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity — the “panic defense.”
It costs nothing to administer, has no organized opposition and could pass with mere minutes of discussion. But Democrats voted to kill it at the committee level last week as lawmakers, suddenly strapped for time and cash after a more than two-month coronavirus recess, were scuttling dozens of other proposals that also may have passed with little resistance.
LGBTQ advocates say it’s hard to measure how often the “panic defense” is used in Colorado — history shows that those who have tried to use it have not been successful — but that the bill is needed to protect members of the community, and particularly black, transgender women. Those women’s voices weren’t heard when the bill didn’t move forward, said sponsor Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver.
Sen. Pete Lee, a Colorado Springs Democrat and the chair of the committee that postponed the bill, said the vote had nothing to do with the bill’s content. It was the first day back the hiatus, he said, and lawmakers had to nix a lot of bills. Plus, the “panic defense” hadn’t been used successfully in the state, so he and others didn’t feel it was an especially urgent matter.
Senate sponsor Jack Tate, a Centennial Republican, said he’s not heard a good reason for why the bill died, but he added, “Quite frankly, someone dropped the ball. I don’t care who. I just wanted it picked up.”
He may get his wish.
Rep. Brianna Titone, an Arvada Democrat and the state’s first openly transgender lawmaker, says she is introducing a new bill with Rep. Matt Soper, a Delta Republican, that she hopes will be fast-tracked and send the right message. She sent a letter to the bill’s Senate sponsors and leadership Monday, urging them to reconsider. On social media she asked people to sign a petition in support.
“Right now, a loophole in our law allows the opportunity to justify hateful violence, potentially encouraging perpetrators to perform heinous acts in the name of ‘fear,'” Titone wrote. “We must act swiftly and decisively NOW to remove any excuse that motivates hateful acts.”
Titone said this is an opportunity for senators to make right what they wronged.
Through tears, Titone said it’s her job to stand up for trans women, particularly black women, because they don’t have representation. “It’s what I’m here for.”
Staff writer Alex Burness contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--John Hickenlooper fights subpoena for ethics hearing

An attorney for former governor and current U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper has asked a Denver District Court judge to quash a subpoena of his client and cancel a Thursday hearing before the Independent Ethics Commission .
Hickenlooper stands accused of violating Colorado ’ s ban on gifts to public officials by accepting private jet flights from wealthy friends and businesses while he was governor .
The IEC has investigated the matter since late 2018 and , on Monday , subpoenaed Hickenlooper to testify at a virtual hearing .
Hickenlooper ’ s attorneys and campaign claim that doing so would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attorney could not be present with Hickenlooper and because WebEx , a video conferencing platform used by the IEC , is often glitchy .
“ This has never been anything but a political hit job to hurt Governor Hickenlooper and this campaign , ” said M.E .
Smith , Hickenlooper ’ s campaign manager .
Hickenlooper is being represented this week by Marc Elias , an attorney paid by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee .
Elias told reporters on a conference call Tuesday that Hickenlooper hasn ’ t decided whether he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he loses his case or if the matter is undecided by then .
It ’ s rare for attorneys to challenge subpoenas filed by the IEC , and Elias said he knew of no time when an attorney did so and won .
The Public Trust Institute , which filed the ethics complaint against Hickenlooper , said the Democratic candidate continues to use every tool he can to delay his ethics hearing .
“ First , he threatened to not show up .
Then his lawyers challenged the authority of the ethics commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ditch effort , ” said Suzanne Staiert , director of the Public Trust Institute .
“ Two questions remain : what is he hiding , and will he show up for the hearing on Thursday ?
” Hickenlooper will face Andrew Romanoff in a Democratic primary June 30 .
The winner will take on Sen. Cory Gardner , a Yuma Republican , in early November .

An attorney for former governor and current U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper has asked a Denver District Court judge to quash a subpoena of his client and cancel a Thursday hearing before the Independent Ethics Commission.
Hickenlooper stands accused of violating Colorado’s ban on gifts to public officials by accepting private jet flights from wealthy friends and businesses while he was governor. The IEC has investigated the matter since late 2018 and, on Monday, subpoenaed Hickenlooper to testify at a virtual hearing.
Hickenlooper’s attorneys and campaign claim that doing so would violate his due process rights, because an attorney could not be present with Hickenlooper and because WebEx, a video conferencing platform used by the IEC, is often glitchy.
“This has never been anything but a political hit job to hurt Governor Hickenlooper and this campaign,” said M.E. Smith, Hickenlooper’s campaign manager.
Hickenlooper is being represented this week by Marc Elias, an attorney paid by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Elias told reporters on a conference call Tuesday that Hickenlooper hasn’t decided whether he will appear at Thursday’s hearing if he loses his case or if the matter is undecided by then.
It’s rare for attorneys to challenge subpoenas filed by the IEC, and Elias said he knew of no time when an attorney did so and won. The Public Trust Institute, which filed the ethics complaint against Hickenlooper, said the Democratic candidate continues to use every tool he can to delay his ethics hearing.
“First, he threatened to not show up. Then his lawyers challenged the authority of the ethics commission. And now this is his last ditch effort,” said Suzanne Staiert, director of the Public Trust Institute. “Two questions remain: what is he hiding, and will he show up for the hearing on Thursday?”
Hickenlooper will face Andrew Romanoff in a Democratic primary June 30. The winner will take on Sen. Cory Gardner, a Yuma Republican, in early November.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Broncos coach Vic Fangio speaks following George Floyd death: “This is a societal issue we all have

Broncos coach Vic Fangio speaks following George Floyd death: “This is a societal issue we all have to join in to correct.”

Amid nationwide protests over systemic racism and police brutality that were brought to light once again by George Floyd ’ s death last week , Broncos coach Vic Fangio said Tuesday , “ This is a societal issue that we all have to join in to correct.
” “ I was shocked , sad and angry when I saw what the policemen did to a handcuffed George Floyd on his stomach that led to his death , ” Fangio said in a prepared statement during a Zoom conference with the media .
“ ( Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the law for the crimes he has been charged with , in addition to being charged with treason for failing to uphold the badge of the uniform he was entrusted with.
” Fangio ’ s remarks came on the heels of a pair of team meetings earlier in the day in which team president Joe Ellis urged Broncos players to use their platforms to speak out against racism and discrimination , adding that the team had a responsibility to do so .
Fangio said he has the “ utmost respect and admiration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in trying circumstances .
They allow us to have a great country on a daily basis .
The Minnesota cop failed the 99 percent of police that do a great job , and we are all paying a price for that.
” The coach emphasized the circumstance surrounding Floyd ’ s death is “ not a political issue ” , and that with sports as a unifying force , he hopes the Broncos and the NFL can help the nation move forward .
Broncos safety Kareem Jackson echoed that sentiment .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now with what ( the country ) going through , but at the end of the day , we have to go out and do the things we have to do to be heard , and try and do it in a peaceful way , ” Jackson said .
“ We have to figure out what we can do , not only as a team but as an organization .
How can we go out and impact the Denver community ?
Maybe we can get out and put together a march as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have to get out in the community and be heard .
”

Amid nationwide protests over systemic racism and police brutality that were brought to light once again by George Floyd’s death last week, Broncos coach Vic Fangio said Tuesday, “This is a societal issue that we all have to join in to correct.”
“I was shocked, sad and angry when I saw what the policemen did to a handcuffed George Floyd on his stomach that led to his death,” Fangio said in a prepared statement during a Zoom conference with the media. “(Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin) should be punished to the fullest extent of the law for the crimes he has been charged with, in addition to being charged with treason for failing to uphold the badge of the uniform he was entrusted with.”
Fangio’s remarks came on the heels of a pair of team meetings earlier in the day in which team president Joe Ellis urged Broncos players to use their platforms to speak out against racism and discrimination, adding that the team had a responsibility to do so.
Fangio said he has the “utmost respect and admiration for police and the job they do in trying circumstances. They allow us to have a great country on a daily basis. The Minnesota cop failed the 99 percent of police that do a great job, and we are all paying a price for that.”
The coach emphasized the circumstance surrounding Floyd’s death is “not a political issue”, and that with sports as a unifying force, he hopes the Broncos and the NFL can help the nation move forward. Broncos safety Kareem Jackson echoed that sentiment.
“It’s obviously a sad time right now with what (the country) going through, but at the end of the day, we have to go out and do the things we have to do to be heard, and try and do it in a peaceful way,” Jackson said. “We have to figure out what we can do, not only as a team but as an organization. How can we go out and impact the Denver community? Maybe we can get out and put together a march as a team, or something like that. We have to get out in the community and be heard.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Denver police officer fired for social media post captioned “Let’s start a riot”

A Denver police officer was fired for writing “ Let ’ s start a riot ” as a caption to a photo he posted on social media showing himself and two other officers in riot gear .
Officer Thomas McClay , who posted the photo on Instagram , was fired Tuesday , according to the Denver Police Department .
“ The Denver Police Department initiated an Internal Affairs investigation into a social media post by Officer Thomas McClay , ” according to a news release from the department .
“ The Internal Affairs investigation revealed that the officer violated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted content inconsistent with the values of the department , and the officer has been terminated.
” McClay had been moved to a desk job while the department ’ s internal affairs investigation was underway , police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Tuesday .
The city ’ s Office of the Independent Monitor oversaw the investigation .
The Instagram post was made as Denver police use tear gas and less-than-lethal munitions on crowds protesting police brutality .
Foam bullets and pepper balls also have been deployed since protests began Thursday evening .
Some members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fireworks at police , to which officers have responded with broad uses of chemicals and projectiles .
Jackson said he didn ’ t know if the other two officers in the photo were still working the protests .
The photo has since been taken down and McClay ’ s account deleted .
McClay graduated from the police academy and joined the department in October 2019 , according to a Facebook post from the agency , which means he was working the protests only months after graduating from the 3.5-month-long field training program .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all officers have after joining the department , which means he could be fired without all the processes that slow down internal investigations .

A Denver police officer was fired for writing “Let’s start a riot” as a caption to a photo he posted on social media showing himself and two other officers in riot gear.
Officer Thomas McClay, who posted the photo on Instagram, was fired Tuesday, according to the Denver Police Department.
“The Denver Police Department initiated an Internal Affairs investigation into a social media post by Officer Thomas McClay,” according to a news release from the department. “The Internal Affairs investigation revealed that the officer violated the department’s social media policy, posted content inconsistent with the values of the department, and the officer has been terminated.”
McClay had been moved to a desk job while the department’s internal affairs investigation was underway, police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Tuesday. The city’s Office of the Independent Monitor oversaw the investigation.
The Instagram post was made as Denver police use tear gas and less-than-lethal munitions on crowds protesting police brutality. Foam bullets and pepper balls also have been deployed since protests began Thursday evening. Some members of the crowds have thrown rocks and fireworks at police, to which officers have responded with broad uses of chemicals and projectiles.
Jackson said he didn’t know if the other two officers in the photo were still working the protests. The photo has since been taken down and McClay’s account deleted.
McClay graduated from the police academy and joined the department in October 2019, according to a Facebook post from the agency, which means he was working the protests only months after graduating from the 3.5-month-long field training program.
McClay was within the nine-month probationary period all officers have after joining the department, which means he could be fired without all the processes that slow down internal investigations.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Denver police cite 54 during Monday’s George Floyd protest

Denver police arrested 54 people during Monday protests in downtown Denver with most of the citations coming from curfew violations @ @ @ @ @ to the streets for the fifth day to protest the death of George Floyd , @ @ @ @ @ police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes .
They scoffed at Mayor @ @ @ @ @ to impose a 9 p.m. curfew on the city and to extend it through Friday @ @ @ @ @ stayed on the streets until nearly midnight when police officers deployed tear gas to disperse @ @ @ @ @ 54 arrested were cited for crimes other than a curfew violation ; those crimes included @ @ @ @ @ concealed weapon and curfew violation .
Three arrested were juveniles .
Monday ’ s arrests @ @ @ @ @ five days to 338 arrests .
Other day ’ s numbers are :

Denver police arrested 54 people during Monday protests in downtown Denver with most of the citations coming from curfew violations.
Thousands of people took to the streets for the fifth day to protest the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. They scoffed at Mayor Michael Hancock’s decision to impose a 9 p.m. curfew on the city and to extend it through Friday evening. Several hundred people stayed on the streets until nearly midnight when police officers deployed tear gas to disperse them.
Six of the 54 arrested were cited for crimes other than a curfew violation; those crimes included public fighting, carrying a concealed weapon and curfew violation. Three arrested were juveniles.
Monday’s arrests bring the total number over five days to 338 arrests. Other day’s numbers are:


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Guest Commentary: Keep the graffiti as a reminder of this fight for justice

The institutional racism pervading police forces everywhere denies protection to those who need it most , from those whose duty it is to provide it .
George Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery , and Breonna Taylor are only the most recent victims of police brutality and racism engrained in the American psyche .
Their names are added to a list so long that most can not recite it from memory .
They are victims of racism in a time when we preach progress and equality .
Our parents and grandparents lived through the era of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s changed as it pertains to this fight ?
Laws have changed , but the treatment of the members of the black community in America largely has not .
Tremendous progress has been made but this fight for justice is far from over .
It is crucial to understand the goal is and always was that black Americans should not fear for their lives when interacting with the police and in their everyday encounters .
Laws have changed , but that ’ s not enough .
We vow to never forget in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutality , but then it happens again and again .
The truth is that racism is still alive and well .
Accountability for failure to protect our minorities needs to start at the top .
The president needs to recognize the importance of these protests and their unified message .
A month ago , protestors took to the streets to reopen America , calling shelter in place orders an “ injustice.
” The president called the protestors in Michigan “ the good people of Michigan.
” Yet protestors everywhere calling for justice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Plain and simple , he who has the power also has the responsibility to condemn these hate crimes and to initiate the change .
His failure to acknowledge what is going on in this country sends a signal to other authority heads that rampant racism may continue unchecked .
My husband remarked to me that these protests can ’ t stop now .
The only way change will come about is if these protests continue , day in and day out .
I happen to think he is right .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been accomplished ?
Justice may be served in this case but what about next time or the time after that ?
Are we to take to the streets each time and protest ?
No , that ’ s a Band-Aid approach to this fight .
This momentum needs to continue to bring about systemic change .
The whole point is that there can ’ t be a next time .
This was it .
This was the last time .
And so , just as we live in a world with Holocaust museums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the history of the fight for justice that ’ s going on right now .
Change is ugly , uncomfortable , loud , raucous , and painful .
We need to understand that we are the authors of the history books , and we have the power to influence how this chapter is written .
To clean up the graffiti is to whitewash history , to censor this movement , and to allow us to forget what happened .
World War II Holocaust memorials allow us to “ never forget , ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this reason , the graffiti should be preserved .
Sheath the walls with plexiglass .
Let the spray painted boards covering windows tell their stories .
Preservation will serve as a constant reminder to us who lived through it .
Preservation will allow future generations to understand this fight .
In every American city where protests are occurring , preserve it all .
Let every piece serve as a symbol of our power to bring meaningful and lasting change , and to remind all who see it “ never again.
” Adam Rosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Denver for the past 11 years .
He lives with his husband and three dogs .

The institutional racism pervading police forces everywhere denies protection to those who need it most, from those whose duty it is to provide it. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are only the most recent victims of police brutality and racism engrained in the American psyche. Their names are added to a list so long that most cannot recite it from memory. They are victims of racism in a time when we preach progress and equality.
Our parents and grandparents lived through the era of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement. In their lifetimes, what’s changed as it pertains to this fight? Laws have changed, but the treatment of the members of the black community in America largely has not. Tremendous progress has been made but this fight for justice is far from over. It is crucial to understand the goal is and always was that black Americans should not fear for their lives when interacting with the police and in their everyday encounters. Laws have changed, but that’s not enough. We vow to never forget in the aftermath of each victim of police brutality, but then it happens again and again. The truth is that racism is still alive and well.
Accountability for failure to protect our minorities needs to start at the top. The president needs to recognize the importance of these protests and their unified message. A month ago, protestors took to the streets to reopen America, calling shelter in place orders an “injustice.” The president called the protestors in Michigan “the good people of Michigan.” Yet protestors everywhere calling for justice and reform to institutional racism are “thugs?” Plain and simple, he who has the power also has the responsibility to condemn these hate crimes and to initiate the change. His failure to acknowledge what is going on in this country sends a signal to other authority heads that rampant racism may continue unchecked.
My husband remarked to me that these protests can’t stop now. The only way change will come about is if these protests continue, day in and day out. I happen to think he is right. If the protests stop, what will have been accomplished? Justice may be served in this case but what about next time or the time after that? Are we to take to the streets each time and protest? No, that’s a Band-Aid approach to this fight. This momentum needs to continue to bring about systemic change. The whole point is that there can’t be a next time. This was it. This was the last time.
And so, just as we live in a world with Holocaust museums and memorials, so should we preserve the history of the fight for justice that’s going on right now. Change is ugly, uncomfortable, loud, raucous, and painful. We need to understand that we are the authors of the history books, and we have the power to influence how this chapter is written. To clean up the graffiti is to whitewash history, to censor this movement, and to allow us to forget what
happened. World War II Holocaust memorials allow us to “never forget,” and remind us “never again.”
For this reason, the graffiti should be preserved. Sheath the walls with plexiglass. Let the spray painted boards covering windows tell their stories. Preservation will serve as a constant reminder to us who lived through it. Preservation will allow future generations to understand this fight. In every American city where protests are occurring, preserve it all.
Let every piece serve as a symbol of our power to bring meaningful and lasting change, and to remind all who see it “never again.”
Adam Rosen is a marketing professional who has lived in Denver for the past 11 years. He lives
with his husband and three dogs.


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Denver weather: Hot temperatures, isolated showers and storms continue

Unseasonably warm weather , about 10 to 15 degrees above norms , is expected in Denver through the weekend with @ @ @ @ @ 90s along with a daily dose of isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms .
The chance @ @ @ @ @ slim in the city , with a 20 % chance on Wednesday and Friday , @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , according to the National Weather Service .
The high temperature in Denver @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday and Thursday , before turning it up a notch to 94 degrees on @ @ @ @ @ in the city will dip into the 60s through Friday .
Storms will be more @ @ @ @ @ intense , on the Eastern Plains .
An increase in fire danger is expected in @ @ @

Unseasonably warm weather, about 10 to 15 degrees above norms, is expected in Denver through the weekend with high temperatures climbing into the 90s along with a daily dose of isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
The chance for showers and storms are slim in the city, with a 20% chance on Wednesday and Friday, and a 10% chance on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The high temperature in Denver will hit about 91 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, before turning it up a notch to 94 degrees on Friday. Overnight low temperatures in the city will dip into the 60s through Friday.
Storms will be more likely, and likely more intense, on the Eastern Plains. An increase in fire danger is expected in northeastern Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--U.S. Postal Service, Denver health department still at odds over if distribution center had COIVD-19

U.S. Postal Service, Denver health department still at odds over if distribution center had COIVD-19 outbreak

Two weeks after Denver officials attempted to shut down a mail distribution center , the local health department and the U.S .
Postal Service are still at odds about whether the facility ever had a COVID-19 outbreak .
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment sent a letter to the postal service on May 20 , ordering it to close a large distribution center at 7550 E. 53rd Place for disinfecting .
USPS refused to comply with the order , saying the city hadn ’ t taken the facility ’ s efforts to prevent the new virus ’ spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that USPS had refused to allow its inspectors access to ensure the facility was safe , forcing them to order its closure .
USPS countered that inspectors would have been allowed in if they ’ d scheduled a visit .
David Rupert , spokesman for the USPS western region , said Tuesday the postal service is in an “ ongoing dialogue ” and is cooperating with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment .
He said the last known case among the center ’ s roughly 1,800 employees was on May 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing measures .
“ These was no outbreak , ” he said .
The Denver health department disputed that USPS was cooperating .
Spokeswoman Tammy Vigil said one employee of the center who had tested positive for COVID-19 had died , but the department hasn ’ t been given the access it needs to determine if other reported cases started within the facility , or if employees picked up the virus elsewhere .
“ We need the USPS to cooperate with us in order to fully investigate , ” she said .
Rupert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee death related to COVID-19 as a rumor .
The Denver distribution center is the fourth-largest owned by USPS , and handles about 10 million pieces of mail daily for residents of Colorado and Wyoming .
Employees of 11 USPS facilities told ProPublica , a nonprofit newsroom , that their managers weren ’ t informing them when their colleagues tested positive for COVID-19 , despite a pledge from USPS to do so .
The Denver distribution center wasn ’ t one of the facilities where employees reported that issue , though one Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivering mail while waiting for a doctor ’ s note confirming he shouldn ’ t work because he might have the new virus .
Rupert said the USPS is offering generous leave policies to encourage employees who are sick or need to care for a loved one to stay home .

Two weeks after Denver officials attempted to shut down a mail distribution center, the local health department and the U.S. Postal Service are still at odds about whether the facility ever had a COVID-19 outbreak.
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment sent a letter to the postal service on May 20, ordering it to close a large distribution center at 7550 E. 53rd Place for disinfecting.
USPS refused to comply with the order, saying the city hadn’t taken the facility’s efforts to prevent the new virus’ spread into account.
Denver health officials argued that USPS had refused to allow its inspectors access to ensure the facility was safe, forcing them to order its closure. USPS countered that inspectors would have been allowed in if they’d scheduled a visit.
David Rupert, spokesman for the USPS western region, said Tuesday the postal service is in an “ongoing dialogue” and is cooperating with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment. He said the last known case among the center’s roughly 1,800 employees was on May 2, and the facility has implemented social distancing measures.
“There was no outbreak,” he said.
The Denver health department disputed that USPS was cooperating. Spokeswoman Tammy Vigil said one employee of the center who had tested positive for COVID-19 had died, but the department hasn’t been given the access it needs to determine if other reported cases started within the facility, or if employees picked up the virus elsewhere.
“We need the USPS to cooperate with us in order to fully investigate,” she said.
Rupert on Tuesday characterized the report of an employee death related to COVID-19 as a rumor.
The Denver distribution center is the fourth-largest owned by USPS, and handles about 10 million pieces of mail daily for residents of Colorado and Wyoming.
Employees of 11 USPS facilities told ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom, that their managers weren’t informing them when their colleagues tested positive for COVID-19, despite a pledge from USPS to do so. The Denver distribution center wasn’t one of the facilities where employees reported that issue, though one Denver mail carrier reported being ordered to continue delivering mail while waiting for a doctor’s note confirming he shouldn’t work because he might have the new virus.
Rupert said the USPS is offering generous leave policies to encourage employees who are sick or need to care for a loved one to stay home.


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Metro Denver housing market revives after restrictions ease in May

Metro Denver ’ s housing market bounced back in May , with new listings and pending sales rebounding after stay-at-home orders lifted , according to a monthly update from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors .
“ We hustled back to work as soon as restrictions loosened on May 9 , ” Jill Schafer , chairwoman of the DMAR Market Trends Committee and a Denver real estate agent , said in the report .
“ Despite the continued risk of infection , a holiday weekend and the end of the month turmoil , new listings surged 56.4 % from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down because of the outbreak , came back in May .
They listed 7,312 single-family homes and condos in May , up from the 4,674 listed in April .
New listings were down 16.9 % from year-ago levels .
Closings fell nearly 20 % in May from April to 3,152 and only half of May 2019 levels .
But that reflects the lack of contracts signed in late March and April , when open houses were banned and in-person showings were very limited .
Pending sales , a measure of future sales , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6,809 properties under contract in May , up 115 % from April and 11.9 % above year-ago levels .
There were 4,725 single-family properties for sale at the end of May , up 3.3 % from April and down 23.4 % from a year earlier .
There were 2,445 condo and townhome listings , up 7.3 % from April and down 4.5 % from May 2019 .
Listings spent an average of 23 days on the market , on par with the time it took to sell a home last year .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power in favor of sellers .
The one exception , Schafer said , are homes that cost $ 1 million or more .
Those higher-end properties now have 9.5 months of inventory available , above the six months that reflects a balanced market .
The median price of a single-family home sold last month was $ 470,0000 , down 1.05 % from April ’ s median price and up only 0.64 % from May 2019 .
The median price for the condos and townhomes sold was $ 368,241 , up 1.65 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Rates on 30-year mortgages are in the low 3 % range , creating a strong motivation for some buyers , especially older millennials who have been waiting years to leave renting behind .
Some of the activity in May and June might reflect pent-up demand , and several headwinds are in place further out .
Nearly 250,000 workers in the state were actively collecting unemployment benefits at the end of May , and nearly half of Colorado households are reporting a loss in income because of the pandemic .
About one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have sought a mortgage forbearance agreement , which allows them to delay making loan payments for six months or more .
Some of those struggling borrowers may list their homes in the months ahead to repay their obligations .

Metro Denver’s housing market bounced back in May, with new listings and pending sales rebounding after stay-at-home orders lifted, according to a monthly update from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.
“We hustled back to work as soon as restrictions loosened on May 9,” Jill Schafer, chairwoman of the DMAR Market Trends Committee and a Denver real estate agent, said in the report. “Despite the continued risk of infection, a holiday weekend and the end of the month turmoil, new listings surged 56.4% from the prior month.”
Sellers, who hunkered down because of the outbreak, came back in May. They listed 7,312 single-family homes and condos in May, up from the 4,674 listed in April. New listings were down 16.9% from year-ago levels.
Closings fell nearly 20% in May from April to 3,152 and only half of May 2019 levels. But that reflects the lack of contracts signed in late March and April, when open houses were banned and in-person showings were very limited.
Pending sales, a measure of future sales, went through the roof. There were 6,809 properties under contract in May, up 115% from April and 11.9% above year-ago levels.
There were 4,725 single-family properties for sale at the end of May, up 3.3% from April and down 23.4% from a year earlier. There were 2,445 condo and townhome listings, up 7.3% from April and down 4.5% from May 2019. Listings spent an average of 23 days on the market, on par with the time it took to sell a home last year.
That tight inventory continues to keep the balance of power in favor of sellers. The one exception, Schafer said, are homes that cost $1 million or more. Those higher-end properties now have 9.5 months of inventory available, above the six months that reflects a balanced market.
The median price of a single-family home sold last month was $470,0000, down 1.05% from April’s median price and up only 0.64% from May 2019. The median price for the condos and townhomes sold was $368,241, up 1.65% from April and 3.8% over the year.
Rates on 30-year mortgages are in the low 3% range, creating a strong motivation for some buyers, especially older millennials who have been waiting years to leave renting behind.
Some of the activity in May and June might reflect pent-up demand, and several headwinds are in place further out. Nearly 250,000 workers in the state were actively collecting unemployment benefits at the end of May, and nearly half of Colorado households are reporting a loss in income because of the pandemic.
About one in 12 homeowners with a mortgage nationally have sought a mortgage forbearance agreement, which allows them to delay making loan payments for six months or more. Some of those struggling borrowers may list their homes in the months ahead to repay their obligations.


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Russell Stover will close its Montrose plant ahead of schedule due to COVID-19

Russell Stover Chocolates will close its Montrose candy plant seven months ahead of schedule due to the novel coronavirus outbreak , a move that will put 217 workers out of a job in late July and August .
The chocolatier , based in Kansas City , Mo.
, announced on Jan. 16 that it would shut down the plant and a related retail store by March 2021 and shift operations to facilities in Texas and Kansas .
The plant was Montrose ’ s largest manufacturer and had produced sweet treats for 45 years of the company ’ s 97 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic , which was impossible to anticipate or foresee in January of 2020 , we have been forced to accelerate the Montrose and retail store closure earlier than initially planned .
The closing of these facilities will be permanent , ” Jim Kissinger , vice president of human resources , wrote the Colorado Department of Labor in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter .
The Montrose operations employed about 400 people at the time of the January announcement , but many workers had already left for other jobs .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two waves , one around July 24 and the remainder in a final phase around Aug. 28 .
The state released two other WARN letters on Tuesday from resort hotels , which , like the Brown Palace in Denver , said they will not open to normal operations as quickly as expected .
The St. Regis Aspen Resort informed the state that short-term job reductions taken on March 21 will likely last much longer than first expected .
WHC Payroll Company , which operates as the St. Regis Aspen , informed the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended furloughs , layoffs or job hour reductions expected to last beyond six months .
“ These expanded and extended government directives have caused a sudden , severe and worsening downturn in the hospitality industry that now makes it reasonably foreseeable that these temporary actions may extend beyond six months , ” Darren Zemnick , the hotel ’ s director of human resources , told the state in a letter .
The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Hotel in Eagle County also told the state that what was expected to be a temporary closure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more prolonged .
“ While there are encouraging signs that our economy can begin to reopen in some areas , it has now become clear that the demand for travel , events , and hospitality services will take substantially longer to resume than previously anticipated , ” Herb Rackliff , general manager of the hotel , said in his WARN letter .
“ With likely ongoing social distancing , until a reliable COVID-19 vaccine or treatment becomes available , we can not predict when our way of doing business will return to normal.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 102 of its staff and dismiss seven workers , primarily in management , sales and the front office .
A majority of the furloughs are expected to last through Dec. 12 , although several workers will be brought back sooner as the hotel partially reopens .

Russell Stover Chocolates will close its Montrose candy plant seven months ahead of schedule due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, a move that will put 217 workers out of a job in late July and August.
The chocolatier, based in Kansas City, Mo., announced on Jan. 16 that it would shut down the plant and a related retail store by March 2021 and shift operations to facilities in Texas and Kansas. The plant was Montrose’s largest manufacturer and had produced sweet treats for 45 years of the company’s 97 years in business.
The departure from Colorado carries added weight, given that the company got its start in Denver in 1923 as “Mrs. Stover’s Bungalow Candies.”
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was impossible to anticipate or foresee in January of 2020, we have been forced to accelerate the Montrose and retail store closure earlier than initially planned. The closing of these facilities will be permanent,” Jim Kissinger, vice president of human resources, wrote the Colorado Department of Labor in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter.
The Montrose operations employed about 400 people at the time of the January announcement, but many workers had already left for other jobs. The remaining 217 workers will be dismissed in two waves, one around July 24 and the remainder in a final phase around Aug. 28.
The state released two other WARN letters on Tuesday from resort hotels, which, like the Brown Palace in Denver, said they will not open to normal operations as quickly as expected.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort informed the state that short-term job reductions taken on March 21 will likely last much longer than first expected. WHC Payroll Company, which operates as the St. Regis Aspen, informed the state that 263 out of 264 employees faced extended furloughs, layoffs or job hour reductions expected to last beyond six months.
“These expanded and extended government directives have caused a sudden, severe and worsening downturn in the hospitality industry that now makes it reasonably foreseeable that these temporary actions may extend beyond six months,” Darren Zemnick, the hotel’s director of human resources, told the state in a letter.
The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Hotel in Eagle County also told the state that what was expected to be a temporary closure that began on March 22 will be more prolonged.
“While there are encouraging signs that our economy can begin to reopen in some areas, it has now become clear that the demand for travel, events, and hospitality services will take substantially longer to resume than previously anticipated,” Herb Rackliff, general manager of the hotel, said in his WARN letter. “With likely ongoing social distancing, until a reliable COVID-19 vaccine or treatment becomes available, we cannot predict when our way of doing business will return to normal.”
The hotel will extend furloughs for 102 of its staff and dismiss seven workers, primarily in management, sales and the front office. A majority of the furloughs are expected to last through Dec. 12, although several workers will be brought back sooner as the hotel partially reopens.


thedenverpost--2020-06-03--Skill to overshadow will when NHL resumes with 24-team playoffs

Winning the Stanley Cup usually takes equal parts will and skill .
It takes 16 victories to hoist the Cup , and normally teams are banged up heading into the tournament grind .
While the reformated , 24-team 2020 playoffs might lead to more games played by the champion , each team will enter the fray at nearly 100 % health due to the season being shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic .
So , from the outset of this unusual proposed summer series , it will be more about skill than will .
“ It ’ s a grind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this situation is that most teams are going to be virtually healthy .
When does that happen ?
” said former Avalanche analyst Brian Engblom , now with the Tampa Bay Lightning .
“ You get a team like Columbus and Colorado , who both were severely nicked up in March .
They had a lot of guys hurting .
Look at Columbus .
Seth Jones is healthy again .
Without Seth Jones how much chance do you give Columbus ?
” At the time of the league ’ s March 12 “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Western Conference second-place Avalanche ( 42-20-8 ) had key forwards Mikko Rantanen , Nazem Kadri , Matt Calvert on injured reserve , along with goalie Philipp Grubauer .
And superstar center Nathan MacKinnon had missed one game but was scheduled to miss “ weeks.
” Nearly two months later , they are all presumably ready to play now as the NHL ’ s Phase 2 — requesting players return to their teams ’ cities — is underway .
Phase 3 is the start of an official training camp no earlier than July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining regular season and going directly into the 24-team playoff in late July or early August .
“ The silver lining is every team is as healthy as they ’ ve ever been going into a playoff situation .
They all had a chance to heal and that ’ s very unusual in a positive way , ” Engblom said .
“ Normally , you ’ re going in and your top guys are really run down already , and the will part of it becomes that much bigger of a factor because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Engblom remembers a story told by legendary center Wayne Gretzky , who was 22 in 1983 when the Edmonton Oilers lost to the New York Islanders in the Stanley Cup Final .
Perhaps the most talented player to ever play the game learned how to win the Cup the hard way — which he did five times with the Oilers from 1984 to 1990 .
“ Every year , the team that wins it is inside-out ( will over skill ) .
I remember Wayne Gretzky talking about that when they lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Islanders , ” Engblom said .
“ He and Kevin Lowe walked past the Islander locker room and expected to see players jumping all over each other and he said it was everybody else — it was the wives , the friends .
All the players were just exhausted and had all the ice bags on .
They had smiles on their faces but nothing else .
“ Gretzky said something like , ‘ We played hard but that ’ s what it takes to win.
’ And that ’ s absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would give a really good added flavor this year.
” Avs defenseman Ian Cole , a two-time Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins , has remained in Denver during the COVID-19 crisis .
He , too , is excited to begin the playoffs in an unprecedented format .
“ You ’ re going to have every team at full health , for the most part , ” Cole told The Post .
“ Obviously , there are some extended injuries that you can ’ t take into account , but you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHL has ever seen , which could lead to a pretty awesome product .
”

Winning the Stanley Cup usually takes equal parts will and skill. It takes 16 victories to hoist the Cup, and normally teams are banged up heading into the tournament grind.
While the reformated, 24-team 2020 playoffs might lead to more games played by the champion, each team will enter the fray at nearly 100% health due to the season being shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic. So, from the outset of this unusual proposed summer series, it will be more about skill than will.
“It’s a grind, right? The silver lining in this situation is that most teams are going to be virtually healthy. When does that happen?” said former Avalanche analyst Brian Engblom, now with the Tampa Bay Lightning. “You get a team like Columbus and Colorado, who both were severely nicked up in March. They had a lot of guys hurting. Look at Columbus. Seth Jones is healthy again. Without Seth Jones how much chance do you give Columbus?”
At the time of the league’s March 12 “pause” because of the pandemic, the Western Conference second-place Avalanche (42-20-8) had key forwards Mikko Rantanen, Nazem Kadri, Matt Calvert on injured reserve, along with goalie Philipp Grubauer. And superstar center Nathan MacKinnon had missed one game but was scheduled to miss “weeks.”
Nearly two months later, they are all presumably ready to play now as the NHL’s Phase 2 — requesting players return to their teams’ cities — is underway. Phase 3 is the start of an official training camp no earlier than July 10. Phase 4 is skipping the remaining regular season and going directly into the 24-team playoff in late July or early August.
“The silver lining is every team is as healthy as they’ve ever been going into a playoff situation. They all had a chance to heal and that’s very unusual in a positive way,” Engblom said. “Normally, you’re going in and your top guys are really run down already, and the will part of it becomes that much bigger of a factor because you just have to fight through it.”
Engblom remembers a story told by legendary center Wayne Gretzky, who was 22 in 1983 when the Edmonton Oilers lost to the New York Islanders in the Stanley Cup Final. Perhaps the most talented player to ever play the game learned how to win the Cup the hard way — which he did four times with the Oilers from 1984 to 1988.
“Every year, the team that wins it is inside-out (will over skill). I remember Wayne Gretzky talking about that when they lost in the (1983) Final to the Islanders,” Engblom said. “He and Kevin Lowe walked past the Islander locker room and expected to see players jumping all over each other and he said it was everybody else — it was the wives, the friends. All the players were just exhausted and had all the ice bags on. They had smiles on their faces but nothing else.
“Gretzky said something like, ‘We played hard but that’s what it takes to win.’ And that’s absolutely true…So the freshness of the whole situation would give a really good added flavor this year.”
Avs defenseman Ian Cole, a two-time Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has remained in Denver during the COVID-19 crisis. He, too, is excited to begin the playoffs in an unprecedented format.
“You’re going to have every team at full health, for the most part,” Cole told The Post. “Obviously, there are some extended injuries that you can’t take into account, but you’re probably going to have the healthiest playoffs the NHL has ever seen, which could lead to a pretty awesome product.”