thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Turning the page? Republicans acknowledge Biden’s victory.

WASHINGTON — More than a month after the election , top Republicans finally acknowledged Joe Biden as the next U.S. president , a collapse in GOP resistance to the millions of voters who decisively chose the Democrat .
Foreign leaders joined the parade , too , including Russia ’ s Vladimir Putin .
Speaking on Tuesday from the floor of the U.S. Senate where Biden spent 36 years of his career , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated his former colleague as president-elect .
The two men spoke later in the day .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the new administration , Antony Blinken .
And GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , one of President Donald Trump ’ s closest allies , said he ’ d spoken with some of Biden ’ s Cabinet picks .
A similar shift unfolded in capitals across the world , where leaders including Russia ’ s Putin and Mexico ’ s Andrés Manuel López Obrador acknowledged Biden ’ s win .
The moves came a day after electors nationwide formally cast votes affirming Biden ’ s victory in last month ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more stable path for Biden to assume the presidency , it does little to stop Trump from continuing to try to undermine confidence in the results with baseless allegations that have been rejected by judges across the political spectrum .
As Republicans began discussing a Biden presidency more openly on Tuesday , Trump still pledged to press forward with almost nonexistent legal options .
“ Tremendous evidence pouring in on voter fraud .
There has never been anything like this in our Country !
” Trump tweeted just as members of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory .
Hours later , in an overnight tweet that referenced McConnell , Trump wrote : “ Too soon to give up .
Republican Party must finally learn to fight .
People are angry !
” The growing acknowledgment of reality in Washington was triggered by the Electoral College formally voting on Monday to seal Biden ’ s win with 306 votes to Trump ’ s 232 , the same margin that Trump pulled together four years ago .
The normally humdrum political ceremony didn ’ t change the facts of the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by leading Republicans .
“ Many of us had hoped the presidential election would yield a different result , ” McConnell said .
“ But our system of government has the processes to determine who will be sworn in on Jan. 20 .
The Electoral College has spoken.
” The bureaucratic transition from Trump ’ s government to Biden ’ s actually began weeks ago , despite the president ’ s legal challenges .
Still , the suddenly conciliatory stance from many Republicans could thaw the political deep freeze that has gripped Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build momentum as he prepares to assume the presidency while facing the historic challenge of vaccinating hundreds of millions of Americans against the coronavirus .
In some of his most forceful remarks since the election , Biden is calling for unity but also calling Trump ’ s attacks on the voting process “ unconscionable ” and insisting it is time to “ turn the page.
’ “ We need to work together , give each other a chance , and lower the temperature , ” Biden said in a speech Monday .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tone from Republicans has left the president-elect with barely a month to finish building out key parts his new government .
Some say the GOP about-face won ’ t mean much at this point .
“ Even them doing this now , the damage has been done because they ’ ve blocked , they ’ ve interrupted , ” said Anthony Robinson , a former Obama administration appointee who served several national security policy roles including during the transition to the Trump administration in 2016 .
“ I don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ but it definitely doesn ’ t symbolize a smooth transition , ” said Robinson , who is now political director of the National Democratic Training Committee , which trains candidates and campaign staffers all over the country .
Biden ’ s first priority will be the fair and efficient distribution of vaccines against the virus .
The president-elect said Tuesday that he would follow the advice of Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , who says that getting the president-elect himself vaccinated as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Dr .
Fauci recommends I get the vaccine sooner than later .
I want to make sure we do it by the numbers , ” Biden said , adding that he ’ d be immunized publicly , which could help build public trust in the vaccine .
Trump ’ s continued opposition to Biden , meanwhile , may still present roadblocks , especially in the U.S. House where Republicans as recently as last week were introducing legislation to punish members of their party who might be seen as urging Trump to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration Cabinet officials haven ’ t yet followed the lead of Pompeo , who plans to meet Thursday with Blinken , Biden ’ s secretary of state nominee .
“ The president is still involved in ongoing litigation related to the election , ” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany , calling the Electoral College vote “ one step in the constitutional process.
” Rick Tyler , a Republican operative and fierce Trump critic , said it seemed at first like “ the Electoral College had broken the evil spell that Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said the attacks on the electoral system that Trump is continuing to wage have many of his supporters now questioning American democracy itself– and that won ’ t quickly dissipate just because some Republicans and world leaders are now willing to say conciliatory things .
“ There really are 50-plus million people who no longer have trust in our system , and that ’ s a dangerous thing , ” said Tyler .
He said Biden must “ figure out a way to restore that trust .
And it can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , frankly , being stupid.
” Also looming large is the divided U.S. Senate , where majority control will depend on the outcome of two special elections in Georgia on Jan. 5 .
Unless Democrats win both those races , Senate Republicans will have the power to block many of Biden ’ s Cabinet nominations , not to mention thwart his policy initiatives .
Underscoring the urgency on that score , Biden traveled Tuesday to Georgia , his first trip beyond Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania since the election .
“ I need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get something done , not just get in the way , ” Biden told a drive-in rally in Atlanta .

WASHINGTON — More than a month after the election, top Republicans finally acknowledged Joe Biden as the next U.S. president, a collapse in GOP resistance to the millions of voters who decisively chose the Democrat. Foreign leaders joined the parade, too, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Speaking on Tuesday from the floor of the U.S. Senate where Biden spent 36 years of his career, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated his former colleague as president-elect. The two men spoke later in the day.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, meanwhile, was to meet with his likely successor in the new administration, Antony Blinken. And GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies, said he’d spoken with some of Biden’s Cabinet picks.
A similar shift unfolded in capitals across the world, where leaders including Russia’s Putin and Mexico’s Andrés Manuel López Obrador acknowledged Biden’s win.
The moves came a day after electors nationwide formally cast votes affirming Biden’s victory in last month’s presidential election. And while that clears a more stable path for Biden to assume the presidency, it does little to stop Trump from continuing to try to undermine confidence in the results with baseless allegations that have been rejected by judges across the political spectrum.
As Republicans began discussing a Biden presidency more openly on Tuesday, Trump still pledged to press forward with almost nonexistent legal options.
“Tremendous evidence pouring in on voter fraud. There has never been anything like this in our Country!” Trump tweeted just as members of his party were publicly recognizing Biden’s victory.
Hours later, in an overnight tweet that referenced McConnell, Trump wrote: “Too soon to give up. Republican Party must finally learn to fight. People are angry!”
The growing acknowledgment of reality in Washington was triggered by the Electoral College formally voting on Monday to seal Biden’s win with 306 votes to Trump’s 232, the same margin that Trump pulled together four years ago. The normally humdrum political ceremony didn’t change the facts of the election but was nonetheless used as political cover by leading Republicans.
“Many of us had hoped the presidential election would yield a different result,” McConnell said. “But our system of government has the processes to determine who will be sworn in on Jan. 20. The Electoral College has spoken.”
The bureaucratic transition from Trump’s government to Biden’s actually began weeks ago, despite the president’s legal challenges. Still, the suddenly conciliatory stance from many Republicans could thaw the political deep freeze that has gripped Washington lately.
Biden has been trying to build momentum as he prepares to assume the presidency while facing the historic challenge of vaccinating hundreds of millions of Americans against the coronavirus. In some of his most forceful remarks since the election, Biden is calling for unity but also calling Trump’s attacks on the voting process “unconscionable” and insisting it is time to “turn the page.’
“We need to work together, give each other a chance, and lower the temperature,” Biden said in a speech Monday.
Still, the shift coming so late in the tone from Republicans has left the president-elect with barely a month to finish building out key parts his new government. Some say the GOP about-face won’t mean much at this point.
“Even them doing this now, the damage has been done because they’ve blocked, they’ve interrupted,” said Anthony Robinson, a former Obama administration appointee who served several national security policy roles including during the transition to the Trump administration in 2016.
“I don’t want to say, ‘Who cares?,’ but it definitely doesn’t symbolize a smooth transition,” said Robinson, who is now political director of the National Democratic Training Committee, which trains candidates and campaign staffers all over the country.
Biden’s first priority will be the fair and efficient distribution of vaccines against the virus. The president-elect said Tuesday that he would follow the advice of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, who says that getting the president-elect himself vaccinated as soon as possible is a matter of national security.
“Dr. Fauci recommends I get the vaccine sooner than later. I want to make sure we do it by the numbers,” Biden said, adding that he’d be immunized publicly, which could help build public trust in the vaccine.
Trump’s continued opposition to Biden, meanwhile, may still present roadblocks, especially in the U.S. House where Republicans as recently as last week were introducing legislation to punish members of their party who might be seen as urging Trump to “concede prematurely.” Other top Trump administration Cabinet officials haven’t yet followed the lead of Pompeo, who plans to meet Thursday with Blinken, Biden’s secretary of state nominee.
“The president is still involved in ongoing litigation related to the election,” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, calling the Electoral College vote “one step in the constitutional process.”
Rick Tyler, a Republican operative and fierce Trump critic, said it seemed at first like “the Electoral College had broken the evil spell that Trump cast across the Republican Party.”
But he said the attacks on the electoral system that Trump is continuing to wage have many of his supporters now questioning American democracy itself– and that won’t quickly dissipate just because some Republicans and world leaders are now willing to say conciliatory things.
“There really are 50-plus million people who no longer have trust in our system, and that’s a dangerous thing,” said Tyler. He said Biden must “figure out a way to restore that trust. And it can’t just be a partisan attack on Republicans for, frankly, being stupid.”
Also looming large is the divided U.S. Senate, where majority control will depend on the outcome of two special elections in Georgia on Jan. 5. Unless Democrats win both those races, Senate Republicans will have the power to block many of Biden’s Cabinet nominations, not to mention thwart his policy initiatives.
Underscoring the urgency on that score, Biden traveled Tuesday to Georgia, his first trip beyond Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania since the election.
“I need two senators from this state who want to get something done, not just get in the way,” Biden told a drive-in rally in Atlanta.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Broncos’ Diontae Spencer named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

The National Football League announced on Wednesday that Diontae Spencer has been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the @ @ @ @ @ first career touchdown on Sunday with an 83-yard punt return in the first quarter .
@ @ @ @ @ early lead over the Carolina Panthers in a 32-27 win .
The second-year Broncos ’ @ @ @ @ @ seventh longest in Broncos history and the third-longest in the NFL this season .
Spencer @ @ @ @ @ third time a Broncos player has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week @ @ @ @ @ McManus earned the nod in back-to-back weeks earlier this year .
On the season , @ @ @ @ @ for 175 yards , with his 17.5-yard average ranking second in the NFL .

The National Football League announced on Wednesday that Diontae Spencer has been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Spencer scored his first career touchdown on Sunday with an 83-yard punt return in the first quarter. The play gave Denver an early lead over the Carolina Panthers in a 32-27 win. The second-year Broncos’ effort was tied for the seventh longest in Broncos history and the third-longest in the NFL this season.
Spencer’s honor is the third time a Broncos player has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week this season. Kicker Brandon McManus earned the nod in back-to-back weeks earlier this year.
On the season, Spencer has returned 10 punts for 175 yards, with his 17.5-yard average ranking second in the NFL.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Denver weather: Warmup now, snow later?

Denver weather: Warmup now, snow later?

A slight warmup begins Wednesday in the Mile High City and will last through Thursday .
But the more moderate @ @ @ @ @ to snow later in the week .
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder @ @ @ @ @ temperature in Denver will reach 43 degrees under mostly sunny skies .
As has been @ @ @ @ @ temperatures will drop into the high teens overnight .
Windy conditions are possible across the @ @ @ @ @ s more of the same Thursday , with the high projected to be 47 degrees @ @ @ @ @ a nighttime low of 23 degrees .
There is a 40 % chance for snow @ @ @ @ @ forecasters predict , with a high of 38 degrees .
The much-needed precipitation could kick @ @ @ @ @ few clouds and a Sunday high in the 50s .

A slight warmup begins Wednesday in the Mile High City and will last through Thursday. But the more moderate midweek temperatures could give way to snow later in the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, Wednesday’s high temperature in Denver will reach 43 degrees under mostly sunny skies. As has been usual in recent days, temperatures will drop into the high teens overnight. Windy conditions are possible across the Front Range.
It’s more of the same Thursday, with the high projected to be 47 degrees under mostly cloudy skies and a nighttime low of 23 degrees.
There is a 40% chance for snow on Friday, Denver weather forecasters predict, with a high of 38 degrees. The weather system will bring more light snow accumulations and slick travel conditions. Potential snow accumulations will mostly range between 2-4 inches in mountains with an inch or so falling on the plains.
The much-needed precipitation could kick off a beautiful weekend with few clouds and a Sunday high in the 50s.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--What to do with 5,000 drilling applications? That’s the question as new oil, gas rules set to take e

What to do with 5,000 drilling applications? That’s the question as new oil, gas rules set to take effect Jan. 15

With a raft of new oil and gas rules , now comes the tough part for companies and regulators alike .
The rules kick in Jan. 15 and the industry and state will have to see which of the roughly 5,000 pending drilling permits can make it under the wire , have to be redone under the stricter rules — or get dropped .
More than 200 people called into a Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Zoom meeting Tuesday to get their first looks at the new applications for wells and to assess the cumulative impacts of drilling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first and most important thing to keep in mind over the next couple of weeks and months is that this is the first time our agency has launched multiple new forms at the same time and redesigned our entire permitting system in one fell swoop , ” COGCC Director Julie Murphy said .
“ So , to say that the guidance documents are living documents is an understatement.
” A big question is the fate of a little over 5,000 permits already in the pipeline , about 4,300 to drill wells and about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those that don ’ t make it through the process by Jan. 15 , when the new regulations take effect , will have to be “ replaced ” if companies want to pursue them .
Replacing the applications will require redoing them under the new rules approved by the COGCC in November after several months of hearings and drafting and redrafting .
The rules are intended to carry out a 2019 law mandating that the commission shift from fostering development to regulating it in a way that protects public health and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backlog of permits was in part a result of a flurry of applications leading up to the vote on a 2018 ballot measure that would have mandated a minimum of 2,500 feet between new wells and occupied buildings , waterways and other areas .
Voters rejected the measure .
Adding to the pile was a pause in approval of permits last year to let the COGCC write temporary guidelines while the new regulations were being written .
Advocacy organizations called for halting all permits until the permanent rules were in place .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowed down and companies were cutting spending before the coronavirus pandemic because a glut of oil and a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia that depressed prices .
When the pandemic hit , the steep drop in demand sent oil prices plunging even lower .
Four to five drilling rigs are operating in Colorado , compared to 21 to 22 at the start of 2020 .
In 2019 , the COGCC approved 2,111 permits to drill wells and 256 well-location permits .
Through Dec. 11 this year , the state has approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permits .
As the new rules were being developed , Great Western Petroleum formed a strategy for handling the transition , said Susan Fakharzadeh , a vice president with the Denver-based company .
“ We ’ ve been proactively approaching all of our projects in anticipation of the new rules and guidelines , so we ’ ve implemented a lot of the new standards on our locations , ” Fakharzadeh said .
Great Western has been looking at the permits it has in the queue with an eye toward which ones could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be replaced using the new forms and which are wells the company doesn ’ t intend to drill .
The company has about 160 permits pending for new wells .
Both the Colorado Oil and Gas Association and the American Petroleum Council-Colorado said the industry is looking for clarity , certainty and a lot of guidance in the documents the COGCC will write to explain the new applications and processes .
“ The COGCC staff really has to roll up their sleeves and draft guidance so that operators have clear guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comply with these new set of rules , ” said Lynn Granger , executive director of API-Colorado .
Dan Haley , CEO and president of COGA , said the industry is in a wait-and-see mode .
“ Essentially , everyone is starting over .
Companies are going to have to assess which of their permits are a priority and really concentrate on those first and resubmit those permits , ” Haley said The new rules run the gamut from requiring at least 2,000 feet between new wells and schools and homes , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to more opportunities for the public to weigh in on proposed drilling , to giving local governments more control over oil and gas .
The COGCC staff stressed during Tuesday ’ s call with companies that implementing the new rules is a work in progress .
Staffers advised people who want to get approval for permits under the old rules to shoot for early next week to get everything in .
The staff wants companies to prioritize the permits they plan to resubmit by March 1 .

With a raft of new oil and gas rules, now comes the tough part for companies and regulators alike. The rules kick in Jan. 15 and the industry and state will have to see which of the roughly 5,000 pending drilling permits can make it under the wire, have to be redone under the stricter rules — or get dropped.
More than 200 people called into a Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Zoom meeting Tuesday to get their first looks at the new applications for wells and assessing the cumulative impacts of drilling and alternative locations for drilling.
“The first and most important thing to keep in mind over the next couple of weeks and months is that this is the first time our agency has launched multiple new forms at the same time and redesigned our entire permitting system in one fell swoop,” COGCC Director Julie Murphy said. “So, to say that the guidance documents are living documents is an understatement.”
A big question is the fate of a little over 5,000 permits already in the pipeline, about 4,300 to drill wells and about 740 for the location of well sites. Those that don’t make it through the process by Jan. 15, when the new regulations take effect, will have to be “replaced” if companies want to pursue them.
Replacing the applications will require redoing them under the new rules approved by the COGCC in November after several months of hearings and drafting and redrafting. The rules are intended to carry out a 2019 law mandating that the commission shift from fostering development to regulating it in a way that protects public health and safety, the environment and wildlife.
The backlog of permits was in part a result of a flurry of applications leading up to the vote on a 2018 ballot measure that would have mandated a minimum of 2,500 feet between new wells and occupied buildings, waterways and other areas. Voters rejected the measure.
Adding to the pile was a pause in approval of permits last year to let the COGCC write temporary guidelines while the new regulations were being written. Advocacy organizations called for halting all permits until the permanent rules were in place.
In addition, oil and gas activity had slowed down and companies were cutting spending before the coronavirus pandemic because a glut of oil and a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia had depressed prices. When the pandemic hit, the steep drop in demand sent oil prices plunging even lower. Four to five drilling rigs are operating in Colorado, compared to 21 to 22 at the start of 2020.
In 2019, the COGCC approved 2,111 permits to drill wells and 256 well-location permits. Through Dec. 11 this year, the state has approved 1,350 to drill wells and 155 location permits.
As the new rules were being developed, Great Western Petroleum formed a strategy for handling the transition, said Susan Fakharzadeh, a vice president with the Denver-based company.
“We’ve been proactively approaching all of our projects in anticipation of the new rules and guidelines, so we’ve implemented a lot of the new standards on our locations,” Fakharzadeh said.
Great Western has been looking at the permits it has in the queue with an eye toward which ones could be approved before Jan. 15, which will have to be replaced using the new forms and which are wells the company doesn’t intend to drill. The company has about 160 permits pending for new wells.
Both the Colorado Oil and Gas Association and the American Petroleum Council-Colorado said the industry is looking for clarity, certainty and a lot of guidance in the documents the COGCC will write to explain the new applications and processes.
“The COGCC staff really has to roll up their sleeves and draft guidance so that operators have clear guidelines for how they’re going to comply with these new set of rules,” said Lynn Granger, executive director of API-Colorado.
Dan Haley, CEO and president of COGA, said the industry is in a wait-and-see mode.
“Essentially, everyone is starting over. Companies are going to have to assess which of their permits are a priority and really concentrate on those first and resubmit those permits,” Haley said
The new rules run the gamut from requiring at least 2,000 feet between new wells and schools and homes, to stricter monitoring of emissions from well sites, to more opportunities for the public to weigh in on proposed drilling, to giving local governments more control over oil and gas.
The COGCC staff stressed during Tuesday’s call with companies that implementing the new rules is a work in progress. Staffers advised people who want to have their permits considered for approval under the old rules to shoot for early next week to get everything in. However, because of the backlog of permits already under consideration, the COGCC said it’s unlikely that permits submitted in the next several days will be reviewed and approved.
The staff wants companies to prioritize the permits they plan to resubmit by March 1.
The last two paragraphs were updated to clarify that while operators can submit permits before Jan. 15, they will be in line behind ones currently going through the process.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--More testing, shorter quarantines key to resuming in-person learning, Colorado educators say

Colorado education leadercs and public health officials believe they can successfully reopen schools to in-person learning for the spring semester by expanding rapid COVID-19 testing , prioritizing teachers to be vaccinated and implementing other prevention strategies to create a safe classroom environment .
On Tuesday , Gov .
Jared Polis ’ back-to-school task force released a report outlining steps the state will take to support districts as they welcome students back to classrooms — some beginning next month .
A group of seven Denver-area superintendents and the Metro Denver Partnership for Health also unveiled new guidance they will follow to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Layered safety measures are the keys to creating “ one of the safest working environments in the state , ” Polis said .
They won ’ t , however , solve issues like staffing shortages , which many superintendents say made face-to-face schooling logistically impossible in the fall .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently revised its guidelines to enable quarantined students and educators to be readmitted to school after seven days if they produce a negative COVID-19 test result and do not have symptoms .
That will help operationally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed it ’ s incumbent upon everyone to drive community spread of the virus down to most safely and effectively reopen schools .
“ While I ’ m appreciative of revised quarantine standards that I think will give us greater flexibility , while I look forward to the vaccine coming forward and being something that can serve our educators and inoculate them against this virus , what I know and continue to believe is that all those things will give us some incremental benefit in our ability to remain in-person , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five Star Schools .
“ If we remain at 1,100 cases per 100,000 in Adams County — as we did yesterday — in January our goal of having consistent , productive in-person schooling will no longer be viable.
” According to experts with the Metro Denver Partnership for Health , schools can and should be open for in-person learning next spring , especially for the youngest students who appear to be less susceptible to COVID-19 and do not play a significant role in spreading it .
Local data shows that transmission of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when community spread was high , said Dr. Bill Burman , executive director of Denver Public Health and co-chair of the Metro Denver Partnership for Health .
If COVID-19 is rampant in a community , it will inevitably make its way into schools , but schools do not seem to be a vector for the disease , he said .
“ This concept of what we call layered protection works , ” he said , citing mitigation measures like mask wearing , hand hygiene and social distancing .
“ Those aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent transmission.
” Since Colorado updated its color-coded COVID-19 dial , the state now recommends in-person learning take place unless a county is at Level Purple , the equivalent of a stay-at-home order .
At Level Red , the second-highest risk level and where much of the Front Range currently is at , Polis said schools should prioritize in-person learning for preschool through fifth grade , and consider hybrid or remote learning for middle and high school students .
The state also now suggests suspending extracurricular activities to avoid mixing cohorts outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all grade levels .
Polis did not set a firm timeline for when classes should resume in-person after most reverted to online education in the fall ; however , many districts are planning to phase in students by grade starting with elementary .
Denver Public Schools , for example , expects to welcome all students back for some form of face-to-face education by Feb. 1 .
Cherry Creek School District announced Tuesday that elementary students would start attending full-time , in-person classes Jan. 11 , the same day middle and high schoolers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per week in person .
Expanding access to COVID-19 tests , especially those that offer results within 36 to 72 hours , is vital to maintaining in-person learning , educators said .
Many districts already offered free testing to teachers and other staff members through COVIDCheck Colorado , but that will also now be available to students , said company chairman Mike Johnston .
COVIDCheck also plans to expand into surveillance testing , meaning nurses can regularly test students on campus using saliva samples and receive results within 24 hours .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to open and open in the safest possible way to keep an eye on both staff prevalence ( of COVID ) as well as student prevalence , ” Johnston said .
Rapid testing also will enable students and staff to return from quarantine more quickly .
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , quarantined individuals may return to school after 10 days , down from 14 , or after seven days if they test negative for the virus after day five and do not experience symptoms .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state health department also approved schools to use what it calls “ targeted contact identification ” to determine who must quarantine when a positive case of COVID-19 pops up .
The rules dictate only close contacts , or those who were within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more , must quarantine instead of entire cohorts of students and staff .
Polis said Tuesday that the state will support districts with additional resources for contact tracing , testing and personal protection equipment .
Despite encouraging data that leaders said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many challenges remain .
Corey Wise , interim superintendent of Douglas County School District , said staffing shortages will continue to hinder operations and called on community members to apply to be bus drivers , substitute teachers and educational assistants .
Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn emphasized the need for financial support to offset declining enrollment and new district investments related to COVID-19 .
And as the first doses of Pfizer ’ s vaccine were administered this week , the superintendents called on Polis to move teachers and support staff to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Currently , school staff are listed in Phase 2 of Colorado ’ s vaccine rollout planning , meaning the earliest they would receive access would be in the spring .
Wise said that ’ s not soon enough .
“ We really need to advocate for our staff — our school staff , our bus drivers , our educational assistants — to be able to provide that education in person , ” he said .
“ If we can move our teachers and school staff up a tier and get those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be huge and a game-changer , not only for education , but also for our society and community .
”

Colorado education leaders and public health officials believe they can successfully reopen schools to in-person learning for the spring semester by expanding rapid COVID-19 testing, prioritizing teachers to be vaccinated and implementing other prevention strategies to create a safe classroom environment.
On Tuesday, Gov. Jared Polis’ back-to-school task force released a report outlining steps the state will take to support districts as they welcome students back to classrooms — some beginning next month. A group of seven Denver-area superintendents and the Metro Denver Partnership for Health also unveiled new guidance they will follow to help ensure a return to in-person learning.
Layered safety measures are the keys to creating “one of the safest working environments in the state,” Polis said.
They won’t, however, solve issues like staffing shortages, which many superintendents say made face-to-face schooling logistically impossible in the fall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently revised its guidelines to enable quarantined students and educators to be readmitted to school after seven days if they produce a negative COVID-19 test result and do not have symptoms.
That will help operationally, the superintendents said, but they stressed it’s incumbent upon everyone to drive community spread of the virus down to most safely and effectively reopen schools.
“While I’m appreciative of revised quarantine standards that I think will give us greater flexibility, while I look forward to the vaccine coming forward and being something that can serve our educators and inoculate them against this virus, what I know and continue to believe is that all those things will give us some incremental benefit in our ability to remain in-person,” said Chris Gdowski, superintendent of Adams 12 Five Star Schools. “If we remain at 1,100 cases per 100,000 in Adams County — as we did yesterday — in January our goal of having consistent, productive in-person schooling will no longer be viable.”
Layered protection
According to experts with the Metro Denver Partnership for Health, schools can and should be open for in-person learning next spring, especially for the youngest students who appear to be less susceptible to COVID-19 and do not play a significant role in spreading it.
Local data shows that transmission of the virus within school buildings was low even when community spread was high, said Dr. Bill Burman, executive director of Denver Public Health and co-chair of the Metro Denver Partnership for Health.
If COVID-19 is rampant in a community, it will inevitably make its way into schools, but schools do not seem to be a vector for the disease, he said.
“This concept of what we call layered protection works,” he said, citing mitigation measures like mask wearing, hand hygiene and social distancing. “Those aren’t sexy, but they work really well to prevent transmission.”
Since Colorado updated its color-coded COVID-19 dial, the state now recommends in-person learning take place unless a county is at Level Purple, the equivalent of a stay-at-home order. At Level Red, the second-highest risk level and where much of the Front Range currently is at, Polis said schools should prioritize in-person learning for preschool through fifth grade, and consider hybrid or remote learning for middle and high school students.
The state also now suggests suspending extracurricular activities to avoid mixing cohorts outside of school until in-person learning is available at all grade levels.
Polis did not set a firm timeline for when classes should resume in-person after most reverted to online education in the fall; however, many districts are planning to phase in students by grade starting with elementary.
Denver Public Schools, for example, expects to welcome all students back for some form of face-to-face education by Feb. 1. Cherry Creek School District announced Tuesday that elementary students would start attending full-time, in-person classes Jan. 11, the same day middle and high schoolers begin a hybrid schedule of two days per week in person.
More rapid testing
Expanding access to COVID-19 tests, especially those that offer results within 36 to 72 hours, is vital to maintaining in-person learning, educators said. Many districts already offered free testing to teachers and other staff members through COVIDCheck Colorado, but that will also now be available to students, said company chairman Mike Johnston.
COVIDCheck also plans to expand into surveillance testing, meaning nurses can regularly test students on campus using saliva samples and receive results within 24 hours.
“We think this capacity enables the districts be able to open and open in the safest possible way to keep an eye on both staff prevalence (of COVID) as well as student prevalence,” Johnston said.
Rapid testing also will enable students and staff to return from quarantine more quickly. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, quarantined individuals may return to school after 10 days, down from 14, or after seven days if they test negative for the virus after day five and do not experience symptoms.
To minimize disruptions to in-person learning, the state health department also approved schools to use what it calls “targeted contact identification” to determine who must quarantine when a positive case of COVID-19 pops up. The rules dictate only close contacts, or those who were within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more, must quarantine instead of entire cohorts of students and staff.
Polis said Tuesday that the state will support districts with additional resources for contact tracing, testing and personal protection equipment.
Prioritizing vaccinations
Despite encouraging data that leaders said give them confidence schools can safely reopen, many challenges remain.
Corey Wise, interim superintendent of Douglas County School District, said staffing shortages will continue to hinder operations and called on community members to apply to be bus drivers, substitute teachers and educational assistants.
Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn emphasized the need for financial support to offset declining enrollment and new district investments related to COVID-19. And as the first doses of Pfizer’s vaccine were administered this week, the superintendents called on Polis to move teachers and support staff to the front of the line to receive it.
Currently, school staff are listed in Phase 2 of Colorado’s vaccine rollout planning, meaning the earliest they would receive access would be in the spring. Wise said that’s not soon enough.
“We really need to advocate for our staff — our school staff, our bus drivers, our educational assistants — to be able to provide that education in person,” he said. “If we can move our teachers and school staff up a tier and get those vaccinations earlier, that’s going to be huge and a game-changer, not only for education, but also for our society and community.”


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Silverii: Colorado’s audit committee was hijacked by kooks alleging voter fraud

On Monday , members of the Electoral College assembled at the state Capitol to cast Colorado ’ s nine electoral votes for Joe Biden , marking the 37th time this peculiar ceremony has taken place in our state .
Our nine votes contributed to the 306 Electoral College votes Biden earned in his decisive victory over Donald Trump .
The next day , a coalition of kooks , conspiracy theorists , and sore losers came to that same building , seemingly through a portal from another dimension , claiming repeatedly and without evidence that there is doubt about the outcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This official-sounding hearing was made possible because , despite not having any power at all to second-guess Colorado ’ s 2020 election , one of the most extreme right-wing members of the Colorado House of Representatives , Rep. Lori Saine whose term in office ends next month , happens to be the lame-duck chair of the Legislative Audit Committee .
Rep. Saine , who was once arrested for trying to bring a loaded gun onto an airplane at Denver International Airport , held this position because of a longstanding rule that entrusted both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government was accountable , assuming this committee would always be convened in good faith .
But this wasn ’ t about good faith .
Despite absolutely no evidence of fraud that could have undone President-elect Biden ’ s massive 13.5 % margin over Donald Trump in Colorado or John Hickenlooper ’ s 9.3 % margin over outgoing U.S .
Senator Cory Gardner , Rep. Saine convened a hearing at taxpayer expense to allege voter fraud in Colorado without providing any evidence .
This comes despite the fact that Congressman Ken Buck , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado Republican Party , had already brought together Republican county clerks from across the state to assure the party faithful that Colorado ’ s elections were fair and accurate — he has had limited success so far .
Jenna Ellis , an attorney for the Trump Campaign with ties to Colorado Christian University , demanded the Legislative Audit Committee initiate an audit of the 2020 election .
What Ellis didn ’ t seem to know is , Colorado already conducts a thorough bipartisan audit after every election to ensure that there were no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place on November 16th and was streamed live online for the public to see for themselves .
The bipartisan members of the risk-limiting audit in November cast 20 ten-sided dice to randomly select paper ballots that they then compared to the electronic vote record of every county in the state to ensure the paper ballots matched the electronic records .
The 2020 audit produced a result of 96 % confidence , which means that on average 96 out of 100 times an audit was conducted , it would catch any incorrect outcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either Dungeons and Dragons or statistical probability , this means that you can be confident that the winners won , the losers lost , and there was no monkey business that could have changed the outcome of any election in Colorado .
Monday ’ s sham legislative hearing , however , was not an innocent inquest designed to clear up electoral confusion .
The only people who are confused about the outcome of this election are some small fraction of the less than 42 % of Coloradans who cast their vote for Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy theories surrounding imaginary vote-switching algorithms and baseless accusations of systemic fraud given credence in this hearing have led to death threats against employees of Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems , a firm first hired to conduct Colorado ’ s elections by a bipartisan panel headed up by former Republican Secretary of State Wayne Williams .
Colorado county clerks and their staff have received violent messages , like an email sent to lawmakers and state and county elections staff that read , “ Voting Machine Corruption By Dominion .
Here In Colorado Too !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ WE THE PEOPLE ’ KNOW !
YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO SOMETHING OR TAKE COVER !
” RELATED : Guest Commentary : I work for Dominion Voting Systems .
I did not commit voter fraud .
The attacks against me need to stop .
Attached to the email was an image of four bodies hanged in the gallows and a PDF titled “ Declaration of Dr. Navid Keshavarz-NIA , ” which , among other falsehoods and debunked nonsense , alleges problems with votes in Edison County , Michigan — which , in fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end , this purportedly high-drama hearing turned out to be a rather boring waste of time and taxpayer dollars .
Trump ’ s conspiracy theorists prevailed upon a temporarily empowered lame-duck fringe politician to use the State Capitol as a backdrop for the same nonsensical and dangerous falsehoods about the election , trying and failing to lend the credibility of the state of Colorado itself to this farce .
The results of the 2020 election , in Colorado or elsewhere , are not in doubt .
However , it will be difficult for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the election , and our vision for the country , if we can ’ t even accept the basic realities of math .
Ian Silverii is the executive director of ProgressNow Colorado , the state ’ s largest progressive advocacy group .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

On Monday, members of the Electoral College assembled at the state Capitol to cast Colorado’s nine electoral votes for Joe Biden, marking the 37th time this peculiar ceremony has taken place in our state. Our nine votes contributed to the 306 Electoral College votes Biden earned in his decisive victory over Donald Trump.
The next day, a coalition of kooks, conspiracy theorists, and sore losers came to that same building, seemingly through a portal from another dimension, claiming repeatedly and without evidence that there is doubt about the outcome of the 2020 election in Colorado.
This official-sounding hearing was made possible because, despite not having any power at all to second-guess Colorado’s 2020 election, one of the most extreme right-wing members of the Colorado House of Representatives, Rep. Lori Saine whose term in office ends next month, happens to be the lame-duck chair of the Legislative Audit Committee.
Rep. Saine, who was once arrested for trying to bring a loaded gun onto an airplane at Denver International Airport, held this position because of a longstanding rule that entrusted both parties with the responsibility of ensuring the government was accountable, assuming this committee would always be convened in good faith. But this wasn’t about good faith.
Despite absolutely no evidence of fraud that could have undone President-elect Biden’s massive 13.5% margin over Donald Trump in Colorado or John Hickenlooper’s 9.3% margin over outgoing U.S. Senator Cory Gardner, Rep. Saine convened a hearing at taxpayer expense to allege voter fraud in Colorado without providing any evidence. This comes despite the fact that Congressman Ken Buck, who also serves as the Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, had already brought together Republican county clerks from across the state to assure the party faithful that Colorado’s elections were fair and accurate — he has had limited success so far.
Jenna Ellis, an attorney for the Trump Campaign with ties to Colorado Christian University, demanded the Legislative Audit Committee initiate an audit of the 2020 election. What Ellis didn’t seem to know is, Colorado already conducts a thorough bipartisan audit after every election to ensure that there were no irregularities. This year’s audit took place on November 16th and was streamed live online for the public to see for themselves.
The bipartisan members of the risk-limiting audit in November cast 20 ten-sided dice to randomly select paper ballots that they then compared to the electronic vote record of every county in the state to ensure the paper ballots matched the electronic records. The 2020 audit produced a result of 96% confidence, which means that on average 96 out of 100 times an audit was conducted, it would catch any incorrect outcome. For those of you unfamiliar with either Dungeons and Dragons or statistical probability, this means that you can be confident that the winners won, the losers lost, and there was no monkey business that could have changed the outcome of any election in Colorado.
Monday’s sham legislative hearing, however, was not an innocent inquest designed to clear up electoral confusion. The only people who are confused about the outcome of this election are some small fraction of the less than 42% of Coloradans who cast their vote for Donald Trump.
But the false and debunked conspiracy theories surrounding imaginary vote-switching algorithms and baseless accusations of systemic fraud given credence in this hearing have led to death threats against employees of Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems, a firm first hired to conduct Colorado’s elections by a bipartisan panel headed up by former Republican Secretary of State Wayne Williams. Colorado county clerks and their staff have received violent messages, like an email sent to lawmakers and state and county elections staff that read, “Voting Machine Corruption By Dominion. Here In Colorado Too! They’re closing in! ‘WE THE PEOPLE’ KNOW! YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO SOMETHING OR TAKE COVER!”
RELATED: Guest Commentary: I work for Dominion Voting Systems. I did not commit voter fraud. The attacks against me need to stop.
Attached to the email was an image of four bodies hanged in the gallows and a PDF titled “Declaration of Dr. Navid Keshavarz-NIA,” which, among other falsehoods and debunked nonsense, alleges problems with votes in Edison County, Michigan — which, in fact, does not exist.
In the end, this purportedly high-drama hearing turned out to be a rather boring waste of time and taxpayer dollars. Trump’s conspiracy theorists prevailed upon a temporarily empowered lame-duck fringe politician to use the State Capitol as a backdrop for the same nonsensical and dangerous falsehoods about the election, trying and failing to lend the credibility of the state of Colorado itself to this farce.
The results of the 2020 election, in Colorado or elsewhere, are not in doubt. However, it will be difficult for us as Americans to debate the meaning of the election, and our vision for the country, if we can’t even accept the basic realities of math.
Ian Silverii is the executive director of ProgressNow Colorado, the state’s largest progressive advocacy group.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Rockies Mailbag: Bad news for Colorado, the team doesn’t look like a playoff contender in 2021

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .
MLB.com rated the Rockies as having the least talent ( top to bottom ) at the major league level and the fourth worst minor league system .
What ’ s a realistic path forward for the team ?
— Greg , Estes Park Greg , the story you referred to ranked the Rockies last in the majors in terms of WAR , as of Nov. 7 .
The Rockies ’ cumulative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dodgers ’ 44.3 WAR .
That ’ s quite a gulf .
Here is what MLB.com ’ s Mike Petriello wrote about the Rockies : “ The good news first : Kyle Freeland rebounded from a disastrous 2019 season .
You ’ d think of Germán Márquez as an ace if he pitched anywhere else .
Antonio Senzatela was pretty good .
Daniel Bard ’ s comeback story was spectacular .
Trevor Story might be the best all-around shortstop in baseball .
“ The bad news ?
All of that wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look past Nolan Arenado ’ s down season as merely a result of a shoulder injury , his reported unhappiness with the team ’ s direction will hang over everyone ’ s head all winter .
Despite the myth that ‘ they ’ ll always hit , ’ they rarely do , outside of the top two or three bats .
It ’ s unclear how much they ’ ll be able to do about that this winter , but their issue in the past hasn ’ t been that they haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is they haven ’ t spent wisely .
Will they ever get a catcher ?
” As for their low ranking for their minor league system , you ’ re right , the Rockies rank near the bottom .
Keep in mind , however , that minor league rankings are fluid .
When a team graduates players from the farm system to the majors , the minor league rankings go down — usually .
But some franchises , the Dodgers come to mind , are able to win and keep their farm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy .
The Rockies ’ realistic path forward ?
That ’ s a difficult question .
So much depends on what the team does with stars Arenado and Story .
Managing payroll has become an overriding concern for the team and that doesn ’ t translate to winning .
I go back to something owner Dick Monfort said after the 2019 season in which the Rockies finished 71-91 .
He refuted the idea that the Rockies were facing a rebuild .
“ When some teams don ’ t play good over a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do a ( rebuild ) , but our goal is to play better and to win , ” Monfort said .
“ I also hear — what is the phrase ?
‘ You have a window of time ’ — I think we have a huge window of time.
” Now , that window has slammed shut .
I don ’ t foresee a complete rebuild but the team doesn ’ t look like a playoff contender in 2021 .
Why is Jeff Bridich tearing down this team instead of helping them become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David , Colorado Springs David , I don ’ t think Bridich is “ tearing the team down.
” Rather , he ’ s trying to adjust to the reality of the team ’ s talent level and current financial situation .
Keep in mind that Bridich can only spend the amount of money Monfort frees up .
The team ’ s decision to not tender a contract to outfielder David Dahl is an indication of how tight things are with the team right now in the wake of the shortened 2020 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , Bridich bears a lot of responsibility for the Rockies ’ current predicament .
His major free-agent signings – Ian Desmond , Daniel Murphy , the $ 106 million relief trio – have not worked out .
You say Bridich should be helping the team “ become the contenders they can be.
” But as I noted in my response to the first question in this mailbag , I don ’ t think the Rockies qualify as a contender right now or in the immediate future .
Hi Patrick , which of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied in 2021 and going forward ?
Moving the first batter to second base in extra innings games really bugs me , mostly because it diminishes the excitement of these games , especially making it easier to hit an RBI for a walk off .
Happy holidays !
— Judy , Denver Hey Judy , happy holidays to you , too .
Nothing is certain regarding which rule changes will carry over from the 2020 season into 2021 .
Commissioner Rob Manfred is on the record saying he would like to see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be part of baseball ’ s future .
I doubt that happens .
I think there is sentiment for the designated hitter to be incorporated in the National League full time , but that likely will have to wait until it ’ s agreed to in a new collective bargaining agreement after the 2021 season .
As for your take regarding starting the runner on second base in extra innings , I ’ m going to disagree with you .
I thought I would hate it .
I ended up really liking it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the game .
However , I would not use it in the playoffs .
“ I like how this introduces strategy and anticipation in a game that keeps getting down to a very static , less stimulating game.
” Verducci also suggested a tweak : “ In the 10th inning , re-set both lineups to the top of the order .
( No .
9 hitter is the runner . )
That way , as in the first inning , neither team has an advantage .
And fans win !
You get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
It also helps viewers stick around , knowing that in a tie game you will see ( Mike ) Trout , ( Mookie ) Betts , ( Fernando ) Tatis , ( Aaron ) Judge , etc .
come to the plate .
If the NL adopts the designated hitter ( I am old school , but anything to speed up the game and save arms at altitude ) , would Blackmon be a good fit , and would he agree to taking that role ?
I hope the Rockies sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , great job this year and Merry Christmas !
— Robert Emmerling , Parker Before I answer your question , I have one for you .
If you had to pick one Bruce Springsteen song as your favorite , what would it be ?
Me ?
“ Thunder Road.
” Robert , teams have been told that the DH is not likely to be part of the NL in 2021 , although that could change .
As for Blackmon , I think he would be excellent in that role and I do think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provision that he still gets to play in right field from time to time .
As it stands now , Blackmon is the Rockies ’ starting right fielder .
As for Pillar , I think he would be a good , affordable fit for the Rockies in center field .
He signed a one-year , $ 4.25 million deal to begin the 2020 season with Boston before the Red Sox traded him to Colorado .
He ’ s likely seeking a similar deal .
The question is , will the Rockies pursue him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago we were overloaded with depth in the outfield and now we ’ re struggling to find three solid ones .
Blackmon seems like a no-brainer in right field , especially with how much we ’ re paying him , but who fills the other two spots ?
I ’ m a Garrett Hampson fan .
I feel like his speed adds another dimension to the roster .
Sam Hilliard is nice , but he is incredibly streaky .
Do you think we ’ ll just continue with the guys we have or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone like Yasiel Puig and kick the tires on him ?
— Mark , Portland , Ore. Mike , I wrote about this topic in last Sunday ’ s Denver Post , though I didn ’ t specifically spell out how the position would be filled .
You ’ re right saying that Blackmon would be the right fielder .
As it stands now , with no additional players added to the roster , I think Raimel Tapia would be the starter in center .
Which leaves left field – not an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As it stands now , left field would be a platoon between Ian Desmond and Sam Hilliard .
Nothing , however , is set in stone .
I ’ m a Hampson fan , too .
I think he energizes the team with his speed and ability to handle the bat .
Plus , he ’ s a good fielder .
I think he projects as a super-utility player .
Both Hampson and Hilliard need to cut down on strikeouts and improve their on-base percentage .
As for Puig , who sat out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denying his talent .
But he ’ s also been a headache for teams and managers .
Given the relatively conservative nature of the Rockies ’ front office , I would be very surprised if they went out on a limb and signed Puig .
According to reports , the Astros , Orioles and Red Sox have shown interest in Puig , who ’ s currently playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic .
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rockies Mailbag .

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.
MLB.com rated the Rockies as having the least talent (top to bottom) at the major league level and the fourth worst minor league system. What’s a realistic path forward for the team?
— Greg, Estes Park
Greg, the story you referred to ranked the Rockies last in the majors in terms of WAR, as of Nov. 7. The Rockies’ cumulative WAR was 16.6, compared to the Dodgers’ 44.3 WAR. That’s quite a gulf.
Here is what MLB.com’s Mike Petriello wrote about the Rockies:
“The good news first: Kyle Freeland rebounded from a disastrous 2019 season. You’d think of Germán Márquez as an ace if he pitched anywhere else. Antonio Senzatela was pretty good. Daniel Bard’s comeback story was spectacular. Trevor Story might be the best all-around shortstop in baseball.
“The bad news? All of that wasn’t nearly enough. Even if you want to look past Nolan Arenado’s down season as merely a result of a shoulder injury, his reported unhappiness with the team’s direction will hang over everyone’s head all winter. Despite the myth that ‘they’ll always hit,’ they rarely do, outside of the top two or three bats. It’s unclear how much they’ll be able to do about that this winter, but their issue in the past hasn’t been that they haven’t spent enough so much as it is they haven’t spent wisely. Will they ever get a catcher?”
As for their low ranking for their minor league system, you’re right, the Rockies rank near the bottom. Keep in mind, however, that minor league rankings are fluid. When a team graduates players from the farm system to the majors, the minor league rankings go down — usually. But some franchises, the Dodgers come to mind, are able to win and keep their farm system loaded. That’s not easy.
The Rockies’ realistic path forward? That’s a difficult question. So much depends on what the team does with stars Arenado and Story. Managing payroll has become an overriding concern for the team and that doesn’t translate to winning.
I go back to something owner Dick Monfort said after the 2019 season in which the Rockies finished 71-91. He refuted the idea that the Rockies were facing a rebuild.
“When some teams don’t play good over a long period of time, they choose to do a (rebuild), but our goal is to play better and to win,” Monfort said. “I also hear — what is the phrase? ‘You have a window of time’ — I think we have a huge window of time.”
Now, that window has slammed shut. I don’t foresee a complete rebuild but the team doesn’t look like a playoff contender in 2021.
Why is Jeff Bridich tearing down this team instead of helping them become the contenders they can be?
— David, Colorado Springs
David, I don’t think Bridich is “tearing the team down.” Rather, he’s trying to adjust to the reality of the team’s talent level and current financial situation. Keep in mind that Bridich can only spend the amount of money Monfort frees up. The team’s decision to not tender a contract to outfielder David Dahl is an indication of how tight things are with the team right now in the wake of the shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic.
Having said that, Bridich bears a lot of responsibility for the Rockies’ current predicament. His major free-agent signings – Ian Desmond, Daniel Murphy, the $106 million relief trio – have not worked out.
You say Bridich should be helping the team “become the contenders they can be.” But as I noted in my response to the first question in this mailbag, I don’t think the Rockies qualify as a contender right now or in the immediate future.
Hi Patrick, which of the new 2020 MLB rules will be applied in 2021 and going forward? Moving the first batter to second base in extra innings games really bugs me, mostly because it diminishes the excitement of these games, especially making it easier to hit an RBI for a walk off. Happy holidays!
— Judy, Denver
Hey Judy, happy holidays to you, too. Nothing is certain regarding which rule changes will carry over from the 2020 season into 2021. Commissioner Rob Manfred is on the record saying he would like to see the “California tie-breaker” that you mentioned be part of baseball’s future. I doubt that happens. I think there is sentiment for the designated hitter to be incorporated in the National League full time, but that likely will have to wait until it’s agreed to in a new collective bargaining agreement after the 2021 season.
As for your take regarding starting the runner on second base in extra innings, I’m going to disagree with you. I thought I would hate it. I ended up really liking it. I think it adds instant drama to the game. However, I would not use it in the playoffs.
I like what Sports Illustrated baseball writer Tom Verducci wrote:
“I like how this introduces strategy and anticipation in a game that keeps getting down to a very static, less stimulating game.”
Verducci also suggested a tweak: “In the 10th inning, re-set both lineups to the top of the order. (No. 9 hitter is the runner.) That way, as in the first inning, neither team has an advantage. And fans win! You get to see the best players decide the game. It also helps viewers stick around, knowing that in a tie game you will see (Mike) Trout, (Mookie) Betts, (Fernando) Tatis, (Aaron) Judge, etc. come to the plate.
If the NL adopts the designated hitter (I am old school, but anything to speed up the game and save arms at altitude), would Blackmon be a good fit, and would he agree to taking that role? I hope the Rockies sign Kevin Pillar for defense. Thank you, great job this year and Merry Christmas!
— Robert Emmerling, Parker
Thanks, Robert.
Before I answer your question, I have one for you. If you had to pick one Bruce Springsteen song as your favorite, what would it be? Me? “Thunder Road.”
Robert, teams have been told that the DH is not likely to be part of the NL in 2021, although that could change. As for Blackmon, I think he would be excellent in that role and I do think he would accept it, with the provision that he still gets to play in right field from time to time. As it stands now, Blackmon is the Rockies’ starting right fielder.
As for Pillar, I think he would be a good, affordable fit for the Rockies in center field. He signed a one-year, $4.25 million deal to begin the 2020 season with Boston before the Red Sox traded him to Colorado. He’s likely seeking a similar deal. The question is, will the Rockies pursue him?
Patrick, just a couple years ago we were overloaded with depth in the outfield and now we’re struggling to find three solid ones. Blackmon seems like a no-brainer in right field, especially with how much we’re paying him, but who fills the other two spots? I’m a Garrett Hampson fan. I feel like his speed adds another dimension to the roster. Sam Hilliard is nice, but he is incredibly streaky. Do you think we’ll just continue with the guys we have or do we look to free agency for someone like Yasiel Puig and kick the tires on him?
— Mark, Portland, Ore.
Mike, I wrote about this topic in last Sunday’s Denver Post, though I didn’t specifically spell out how the position would be filled.
You’re right saying that Blackmon would be the right fielder. As it stands now, with no additional players added to the roster, I think Raimel Tapia would be the starter in center. Which leaves left field – not an easy position to play at Coors Field. As it stands now, left field would be a platoon between Ian Desmond and Sam Hilliard. Nothing, however, is set in stone.
I’m a Hampson fan, too. I think he energizes the team with his speed and ability to handle the bat. Plus, he’s a good fielder. I think he projects as a super-utility player. Both Hampson and Hilliard need to cut down on strikeouts and improve their on-base percentage.
As for Puig, who sat out the 2020 season, there is no denying his talent. But he’s also been a headache for teams and managers. Given the relatively conservative nature of the Rockies’ front office, I would be very surprised if they went out on a limb and signed Puig. According to reports, the Astros, Orioles and Red Sox have shown interest in Puig, who’s currently playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic.
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Broncos NFL power rankings tracker: How national experts rank Denver entering Week 15

The Broncos clung on to their razor-thin chances at making the playoffs after beating the Panthers , 32-27 , on Sunday .
Second-year quarterback Drew Lock had a breakout game , completing 21 of 27 passes for 280 yards and a season-high four touchdowns .
Next up : Hosting the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills ( 10-3 ) on Sunday .
Here ’ s a look at how various national experts rated the Broncos in their power rankings entering Week 15 : Bleacher Report ( No .
19 ) | Last week : No .
25 “ It was important game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an up-and-down second season .
The Broncos need to decide upon ( Drew ) Lock ’ s future as the starter in the offseason , and games like this don ’ t hurt his chances of keeping his role in 2021 .
But one of our analysts remains skeptical about Lock ’ s potential.
” See the full rankings .
CBS Sports ( No .
22 ) | Last week : No .
24 “ They have to be excited about Drew Lock going forward .
His four-touchdown game against the Panthers was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ See the full rankings .
ESPN ( No .
22 ) | Last week : No .
23 “ The special-teams units — Diontae Spencer ’ s punt return TD in Sunday ’ s win not withstanding — have had plenty of migraine moments this season , likely more than that rating indicates .
But this team ’ s fortunes have fallen the hardest because of an offense that has turned the ball over far too often and scored touchdowns too few times .
The turnovers are the red-alert number .
The Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin , at minus-18 , and their quarterbacks have thrown the most interceptions , with 21 .
The interception total , even with none against the Panthers on Sunday , is five more than that of the next-worst team .
That is not a recipe to win , ” Jeff Legwold writes .
See the full rankings .
NFL.com ( No .
20 ) | Last week : No .
24 “ How could you not love the play call by Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur , who dialed up a deep shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 32-27 win over the Panthers ?
Running the ball to burn clock served as the logical strategy , but the Broncos instead put their faith in Drew Lock , who responded with his fourth touchdown pass of the day .
It was a dream opportunity for Lock , a born gunslinger who lives to throw deep .
Lock ’ s second season has been a disappointment on balance , but a hot finish can only help in what will be another offseason of scrutiny at the quarterback position in Denver , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rankings .
Sporting News ( No .
23 ) | Last week : No .
25 “ Drew Lock needed that performance against the Panthers for his team to have more confidence in him for 2021 .
Maybe everyone was simply a year early on their emergence with him , ” Vinnie Iyer writes .
See the full rankings .
• Denver Broncos to wear Color Rush uniforms against Buffalo Bills in Week 15 • Broncos rookie Michael Ojemudia ’ s goal for final three games : Prove he ’ s on track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phillip Lindsay ’ s struggles have put his Broncos ’ future into doubt • Von Miller to host “ The SpongeBob SportsPants Countdown Special ” prior to NFL wild-card game on Nickelodeon • Broncos Mailbag : What are the keys for Drew Lock over final three games ?
Sports Illustrated ( No .
19 ) | Last week : No .
23 “ This season has not brought the definitive answer to the Broncos ’ QB question the team had hoped for , but Drew Lock made a strong case to continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vs. the Panthers , throwing four touchdowns with no interceptions , ” Jenny Vrentas writes .
See the full rankings .
USA Today ( No .
24 ) | Last week : No .
26 “ Suspensions and injuries have now cost them five cornerbacks – great news with Josh Allen and the Bills headed to the Mile High City , ” Nate Davis writes .
See the full rankings .
Yahoo Sports ( No .
21 ) | Last week : No .
23 “ Drew Lock played a patient game on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a couple long touchdown passes to K.J .
Hamler .
That doesn ’ t mean he has changed his game and won ’ t fall back into reckless throws into coverage .
But at least it was a step in the right direction after most of his season has been a mess , ” Frank Schwab writes .
See the full rankings .

The Broncos clung on to their razor-thin chances at making the playoffs after beating the Panthers, 32-27, on Sunday.
Second-year quarterback Drew Lock had a breakout game, completing 21 of 27 passes for 280 yards and a season-high four touchdowns.
Next up: Hosting the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills (10-3) on Sunday.
Here’s a look at how various national experts rated the Broncos in their power rankings entering Week 15:
Bleacher Report (No. 19) | Last week: No. 25
“It was important game for a young quarterback who has had an up-and-down second season. The Broncos need to decide upon (Drew) Lock’s future as the starter in the offseason, and games like this don’t hurt his chances of keeping his role in 2021. But one of our analysts remains skeptical about Lock’s potential.” See the full rankings.
CBS Sports (No. 22) | Last week: No. 24
“They have to be excited about Drew Lock going forward. His four-touchdown game against the Panthers was impressive,” Pete Prisco writes. See the full rankings.
ESPN (No. 22) | Last week: No. 23
“The special-teams units — Diontae Spencer’s punt return TD in Sunday’s win not withstanding — have had plenty of migraine moments this season, likely more than that rating indicates. But this team’s fortunes have fallen the hardest because of an offense that has turned the ball over far too often and scored touchdowns too few times. The turnovers are the red-alert number. The Broncos are last in the league in turnover margin, at minus-18, and their quarterbacks have thrown the most interceptions, with 21. The interception total, even with none against the Panthers on Sunday, is five more than that of the next-worst team. That is not a recipe to win,” Jeff Legwold writes. See the full rankings.
NFL.com (No. 20) | Last week: No. 24
“How could you not love the play call by Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who dialed up a deep shot to KJ Hamler to ice Sunday’s 32-27 win over the Panthers? Running the ball to burn clock served as the logical strategy, but the Broncos instead put their faith in Drew Lock, who responded with his fourth touchdown pass of the day. It was a dream opportunity for Lock, a born gunslinger who lives to throw deep. Lock’s second season has been a disappointment on balance, but a hot finish can only help in what will be another offseason of scrutiny at the quarterback position in Denver,” Dan Hanzus writes. See the full rankings.
Sporting News (No. 23) | Last week: No. 25
“Drew Lock needed that performance against the Panthers for his team to have more confidence in him for 2021. Maybe everyone was simply a year early on their emergence with him,” Vinnie Iyer writes. See the full rankings.
Sports Illustrated (No. 19) | Last week: No. 23
“This season has not brought the definitive answer to the Broncos’ QB question the team had hoped for, but Drew Lock made a strong case to continue to hold onto the job with his performance vs. the Panthers, throwing four touchdowns with no interceptions,” Jenny Vrentas writes. See the full rankings.
USA Today (No. 24) | Last week: No. 26
“Suspensions and injuries have now cost them five cornerbacks – great news with Josh Allen and the Bills headed to the Mile High City,” Nate Davis writes. See the full rankings.
Yahoo Sports (No. 21) | Last week: No. 23
“Drew Lock played a patient game on Sunday, picking his spots and setting up a couple long touchdown passes to K.J. Hamler. That doesn’t mean he has changed his game and won’t fall back into reckless throws into coverage. But at least it was a step in the right direction after most of his season has been a mess,” Frank Schwab writes. See the full rankings.


thedenverpost--2020-12-16--Ask Amy: Painful post magnifies family drama

On the 20th anniversary of her death , I was reflecting on her life , our relationship , and the ripples it sent through my life .
For better or worse , I posted my thoughts on Facebook .
Our relationship had some huge ups and downs .
She was a difficult person at times , and she said and did some pretty miserable things to me during the last five years of her life .
I did not go into specifics in the Facebook post , but I did say that the treatment I received colored my memories in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summed it up by asking people to think about the effect their words have on the people around them .
My 32-year-old niece read my post and was offended .
My portrayal wasn ’ t the grandmother she remembered .
She then blocked me .
She showed my post to my brother , who proceeded to berate me for my “ anger , ” and for forgetting that she loved me .
He then said I need therapy to deal with my anger .
That was the last I heard from him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After hearing all about my life , she marveled at my restraint .
Over these months , I ’ ve sent cards and gifts for special occasions , as I always have , without mentioning the ISSUE , but I ’ m wondering if I should respond and if so , how ?
I believe they ’ re upset because I didn ’ t tow the “ party line.
” Dear Distressed : Yes , people should be aware of the effect their words have on others .
That includes you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your mother would not line up with your niece ’ s .
After all , your niece was 11 or 12 years old when her grandmother died .
You assume that your family members are upset with you because you have told the truth about your mother ’ s behavior and its impact on you .
I believe it is just as likely that they are upset mainly because you posted these thoughts , feelings , and impressions in a public forum .
You don ’ t mention having any regrets about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has written two memoirs – when you publish painful personal family stories , family members are going to react .
You can either own your version and try to talk about it , or retreat to your respective corners .
Ask your therapist to coach you about ways to handle this without violating your own truth .
If you regret posting this publicly , acknowledging your regret might at least start a conversation .
Sending cards and gifts as you ’ ve always done might seem to you like gestures of reconciliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of sweeping this under the carpet , without acknowledging the pained reactions that your posting seems to have triggered for other people .
Dear Amy : “ Wendy , ” a very good friend of ours , passed away a few years ago .
Wendy and her husband , “ Bart , ” were married for over 40 years .
We felt very sorry for Bart .
During our last visit , we learned that he now has a live in “ girlfriend , ” who is basically his new wife .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then in her house .
This bothers my wife and me because Bart ’ s new lady-friend ’ s husband is still alive .
He suffers from dementia , and probably doesn ’ t know that any of this is going on .
The new lady friend seems almost overjoyed with the situation .
Do you feel this is a proper way for Bart to act ?
How would you advise us to adjust our attitudes toward this ?
Dear Upset : As far as I ’ m concerned , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage in a new relationship .
According to you , his wife passed away a few years ago .
In terms of his girlfriend , I don ’ t think it ’ s wise , or kind , for you to judge someone too harshly , unless you ’ ve walked in their shoes .
You should remind yourself that it is not your job to render a ruling on two people who have found each other late in life .
Dear Amy : I was surprised at your response to “ Desperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept defying COVID recommendations by sneaking out of their house .
I believe it is our responsibility to do everything possible to stop the spread of this pandemic .
Shame on you for advising her to let them go .
Dear Disappointed : At some point , each of us needs to recognize that we can not control people who have the right to behave according to their own ( possibly flawed ) judgment .

Dear Amy: My mother died almost 21 years ago.
On the 20th anniversary of her death, I was reflecting on her life, our relationship, and the ripples it sent through my life.
For better or worse, I posted my thoughts on Facebook. Our relationship had some huge ups and downs. She was a difficult person at times, and she said and did some pretty miserable things to me during the last five years of her life.
I did not go into specifics in the Facebook post, but I did say that the treatment I received colored my memories in a less than flattering way.
I summed it up by asking people to think about the effect their words have on the people around them.
My 32-year-old niece read my post and was offended. My portrayal wasn’t the grandmother she remembered. She then blocked me.
She showed my post to my brother, who proceeded to berate me for my “anger,” and for forgetting that she loved me. He then said I need therapy to deal with my anger. That was the last I heard from him.
I saw a therapist for four months. After hearing all about my life, she marveled at my restraint.
Over these months, I’ve sent cards and gifts for special occasions, as I always have, without mentioning the ISSUE, but I’m wondering if I should respond and if so, how?
I believe they’re upset because I didn’t tow the “party line.”
— Distressed
Dear Distressed: Yes, people should be aware of the effect their words have on others. That includes you. Your knowledge, experiences, and memories of your mother would not line up with your niece’s. After all, your niece was 11 or 12 years old when her grandmother died.
You assume that your family members are upset with you because you have told the truth about your mother’s behavior and its impact on you.
I believe it is just as likely that they are upset mainly because you posted these thoughts, feelings, and impressions in a public forum.
You don’t mention having any regrets about this, but – speaking as someone who has written two memoirs – when you publish painful personal family stories, family members are going to react. You can either own your version and try to talk about it, or retreat to your respective corners.
Ask your therapist to coach you about ways to handle this without violating your own truth. If you regret posting this publicly, acknowledging your regret might at least start a conversation.
Sending cards and gifts as you’ve always done might seem to you like gestures of reconciliation, but this behavior is also one way of sweeping this under the carpet, without acknowledging the pained reactions that your posting seems to have triggered for other people.
Dear Amy: “Wendy,” a very good friend of ours, passed away a few years ago.
Wendy and her husband, “Bart,” were married for over 40 years. We felt very sorry for Bart. During our last visit, we learned that he now has a live in “girlfriend,” who is basically his new wife.
They take turns living in his house and then in her house.
This bothers my wife and me because Bart’s new lady-friend’s husband is still alive.
He suffers from dementia, and probably doesn’t know that any of this is going on. The new lady friend seems almost overjoyed with the situation.
Do you feel this is a proper way for Bart to act? How would you advise us to adjust our attitudes toward this?
— Upset Friends
Dear Upset: As far as I’m concerned, it is completely appropriate for “Bart” to engage in a new relationship. According to you, his wife passed away a few years ago.
In terms of his girlfriend, I don’t think it’s wise, or kind, for you to judge someone too harshly, unless you’ve walked in their shoes.
You should remind yourself that it is not your job to render a ruling on two people who have found each other late in life.
Dear Amy: I was surprised at your response to “Desperate,” the woman whose older parents kept defying COVID recommendations by sneaking out of their house.
I believe it is our responsibility to do everything possible to stop the spread of this pandemic. Shame on you for advising her to let them go.
— Disappointed
Dear Disappointed: At some point, each of us needs to recognize that we cannot control people who have the right to behave according to their own (possibly flawed) judgment.
(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--2020-12-16--Tara VanDerveer becomes winningest women’s basketball coach

STOCKTON , Calif. — Tara VanDerveer became the winningest women ’ s college basketball coach Tuesday night , passing the late Pat Summitt with her 1,099th victory as No .
1 Stanford romped to a 104-61 victory over Pacific .
Dressed casually in all black , VanDerveer received the game ball after the final buzzer .
Her dancing players chanted “ Tara !
Tara !
” and gave her a new pullover reading “ T-DAWG ” to celebrate the latest milestone for the Hall of Fame coach in her 35th season on The Farm and 42nd overall as a college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her career record to 1,099-253 .
The road to this historic night began with her first head coaching job at the University of Idaho from 1978-80 , and then moved to Ohio State ( 1980-85 ) and Stanford , where she is 947-202 .
Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma is right behind at 1,093 wins .
After the history-making win in a draped-off area upstairs that served as Stanford ’ s locker room , VanDerveer was set to receive a plaque containing a piece of the floor from Stanford ’ s home court at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palo Alto Mayor Adrian Fine was another memento .
White long-sleeved shirts commemorating the night were made for the players as well as hand-held confetti poppers and individual mini cakes with an attached sticker that read , “ Tara at the top.
” Silver balloons with the numbers 1,099 adorned the room .
Just as the humble VanDerveer prefers , she broke Summitt ’ s mark going largely under the radar and with little fanfare given the game took place in California ’ s Central Valley — about 80 miles from the Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spanos Center , either .
“ I really hope Pat Summit is looking down and saying , ‘ Great job Tara , keep it going , ’ ” VanDerveer said .
Stanford ( 5-0 ) couldn ’ t play a home game with the Tigers on Nov. 29 because of a positive coronavirus test in the Pacific program and then again Tuesday because of COVID-19 restrictions in Santa Clara County that sent the Cardinal on the road for three weeks .
They spent much of that stretch in Las Vegas before traveling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night game , when VanDerveer tied Summitt ’ s record .
Traveling from Berkeley on Tuesday , Stanford wound up getting caught in traffic due to an accident that delayed the Cardinal ’ s arrival at the arena by 30 minutes .
Anna Wilson got Stanford off to a fast start with an opening four-point play .
Kiana Williams added seven consecutive points in the first quarter to get the Cardinal rolling .
“ Don ’ t cry , Mom , ” VanDerveer instructed mother Rita , who was watching on TV .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Stanford ’ s 10th-year football coach , considers VanDerveer among the best ever in any sport , at any level — man or woman .
“ I ’ ve said it over and over again , I think Tara VanDerveer is one of the best coaches of any sport on this planet because of her ability to change and to cater to the abilities of her athletes at the same time giving them a standard that is necessary for them to grow and to reach their peak , ” Shaw said earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressive enough .
Doing it while basically being nomads and having to stay away from home so long is even more so .
The Cardinal didn ’ t let the emotions of the night get in the way and shot the ball efficiently most of the game .
Pacific : The Tigers made their season debut after having their first four games canceled due to Covid-19 .
They hung tough with the top-ranked Cardinal before eventually wearing down .
Stanford : The Cardinal resume Pac-12 play at Southern California on Saturday .
Pacific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops tournament .

STOCKTON, Calif. — Tara VanDerveer became the winningest women’s college basketball coach Tuesday night, passing the late Pat Summitt with her 1,099th victory as No. 1 Stanford romped to a 104-61 victory over Pacific.
Dressed casually in all black, VanDerveer received the game ball after the final buzzer. Her dancing players chanted “Tara! Tara!” and gave her a new pullover reading “T-DAWG” to celebrate the latest milestone for the Hall of Fame coach in her 35th season on The Farm and 42nd overall as a college head coach.
“It’s really sweet,” VanDerveer said.
The 67-year-old VanDerveer improved her career record to 1,099-253. The road to this historic night began with her first head coaching job at the University of Idaho from 1978-80, and then moved to Ohio State (1980-85) and Stanford, where she is 947-202. Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma is right behind at 1,093 wins.
After the history-making win in a draped-off area upstairs that served as Stanford’s locker room, VanDerveer was set to receive a plaque containing a piece of the floor from Stanford’s home court at Maples Pavilion. A framed proclamation from Palo Alto Mayor Adrian Fine was another memento. White long-sleeved shirts commemorating the night were made for the players as well as hand-held confetti poppers and individual mini cakes with an attached sticker that read, “Tara at the top.” Silver balloons with the numbers 1,099 adorned the room.
Just as the humble VanDerveer prefers, she broke Summitt’s mark going largely under the radar and with little fanfare given the game took place in California’s Central Valley — about 80 miles from the Bay Area. No fans were allowed into Spanos Center, either.
“I really hope Pat Summit is looking down and saying, ‘Great job Tara, keep it going,’” VanDerveer said.
Stanford (5-0) couldn’t play a home game with the Tigers on Nov. 29 because of a positive coronavirus test in the Pacific program and then again Tuesday because of COVID-19 restrictions in Santa Clara County that sent the Cardinal on the road for three weeks. They spent much of that stretch in Las Vegas before traveling to Berkeley to play California in a Sunday night game, when VanDerveer tied Summitt’s record.
Traveling from Berkeley on Tuesday, Stanford wound up getting caught in traffic due to an accident that delayed the Cardinal’s arrival at the arena by 30 minutes.
It hardly mattered.
Anna Wilson got Stanford off to a fast start with an opening four-point play. Kiana Williams added seven consecutive points in the first quarter to get the Cardinal rolling.
VanDerveer thanked her parents and family.
“Don’t cry, Mom,” VanDerveer instructed mother Rita, who was watching on TV.
FROM ONE COACH TO ANOTHER
David Shaw, Stanford’s 10th-year football coach, considers VanDerveer among the best ever in any sport, at any level — man or woman.
“I’ve said it over and over again, I think Tara VanDerveer is one of the best coaches of any sport on this planet because of her ability to change and to cater to the abilities of her athletes at the same time giving them a standard that is necessary for them to grow and to reach their peak,” Shaw said earlier Tuesday.
BIG PICTURE
Stanford: Being 5-0 is impressive enough. Doing it while basically being nomads and having to stay away from home so long is even more so. The Cardinal didn’t let the emotions of the night get in the way and shot the ball efficiently most of the game.
Pacific: The Tigers made their season debut after having their first four games canceled due to Covid-19. They hung tough with the top-ranked Cardinal before eventually wearing down.
UP NEXT
Stanford: The Cardinal resume Pac-12 play at Southern California on Saturday.
Pacific: The Tigers play LSU on Saturday as part of the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops tournament.
___
AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-12-17--Colorado mother who portrayed daughter as terminally ill pleads not guilty in her death

DENVER — A woman charged with killing her 7-year-old daughter after allegedly fraudulently portraying her as terminally ill and seeking donations to cover her medical care pleaded not guilty Wednesday .
Kelly Turner ’ s lawyer entered the plea on her behalf during a virtual court hearing in suburban Denver .
She appeared by video from jail but only spoke to tell the judge she did not have any questions about the proceedings .
Turner was indicted last year on murder , child abuse , theft and charitable fraud charges in the 2017 death of Olivia Gant .
Olivia was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of her illnesses .
However , authorities began investigating her death after doctors became suspicious when Turner allegedly began claiming that her other daughter also had medical problems , according to the indictment .
Olivia ’ s actual cause of death has not been revealed .
It was originally attributed to intestinal failure but was later changed to undetermined after her body was exhumed and an autopsy was conducted as part of the investigation .
It found no physical evidence of that illness or other conditions that Turner claimed the girl suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her daughter ’ s “ bucket list ” of dreams before she died drew publicity and donations , including an $ 11,000 “ bat princess ” costume party provided by the Make-A-Wish-Foundation .
According to the indictment , Turner spontaneously brought up Munchausen syndrome by proxy — a psychological disorder in which parents or caregivers seek attention from the illness of their children or dependents and sometimes cause them injuries that require treatment — while being questioned by investigators but denied that she had it .
Investigators say Olivia had been using a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 to Children ’ s Hospital Colorado , where doctors said her nutrition was deficient .
One doctor told investigators that Turner wanted to withdraw all medical care and artificial feeding for her daughter because her quality of life was so bad .
He said she insisted that he sign a “ do not resuscitate ” order for her daughter .
Doctors had said Olivia wouldn ’ t be able to survive on IV nutrition , and Turner was given the option of taking her home on hospice care , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .

DENVER — A woman charged with killing her 7-year-old daughter after allegedly fraudulently portraying her as terminally ill and seeking donations to cover her medical care pleaded not guilty Wednesday.
Kelly Turner’s lawyer entered the plea on her behalf during a virtual court hearing in suburban Denver. She appeared by video from jail but only spoke to tell the judge she did not have any questions about the proceedings.
Turner was indicted last year on murder, child abuse, theft and charitable fraud charges in the 2017 death of Olivia Gant. Olivia was originally thought to have died as a result of her illnesses. However, authorities began investigating her death after doctors became suspicious when Turner allegedly began claiming that her other daughter also had medical problems, according to the indictment.
Olivia’s actual cause of death has not been revealed. It was originally attributed to intestinal failure but was later changed to undetermined after her body was exhumed and an autopsy was conducted as part of the investigation. It found no physical evidence of that illness or other conditions that Turner claimed the girl suffered.
Turner’s efforts to fulfill her daughter’s “bucket list” of dreams before she died drew publicity and donations, including an $11,000 “bat princess” costume party provided by the Make-A-Wish-Foundation.
According to the indictment, Turner spontaneously brought up Munchausen syndrome by proxy — a psychological disorder in which parents or caregivers seek attention from the illness of their children or dependents and sometimes cause them injuries that require treatment — while being questioned by investigators but denied that she had it.
Investigators say Olivia had been using a feeding tube and was admitted in July 2017 to Children’s Hospital Colorado, where doctors said her nutrition was deficient.
One doctor told investigators that Turner wanted to withdraw all medical care and artificial feeding for her daughter because her quality of life was so bad. He said she insisted that he sign a “do not resuscitate” order for her daughter.
Doctors had said Olivia wouldn’t be able to survive on IV nutrition, and Turner was given the option of taking her home on hospice care, according to the indictment. Olivia died a few weeks later.