thedenverpost--2020-04-28--Confirmed coronavirus cases in Colorado top 14,000

Colorado ’ s coronavirus death toll stood at 736 Tuesday , with 14,316 cases of COVID-19 confirmed through testing in the state .
About 784 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 , the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus , and 72 had been discharged in the last 24 hours , according to data released Tuesday by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment .
Officials estimate the actual number of COVID-19 cases in the state to be several times higher than the infections confirmed through testing , both because of limited testing and because of asymptomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 67,094 people have been tested for the virus , according to the state data , which is updated daily .
The state is testing between 2,000 and 3,000 people a day , incident commander Scott Bookman said Tuesday , and officials have set the goal of eventually testing 10,000 people per day .
The state is also working to hire 50 additional epidemiologists and to enlist volunteers to increase its ability to do contact tracing , a process in which officials work to identify people who might have been exposed to the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patients knew they were infected .
On Tuesday , the state was tracking 149 outbreaks at facilities like nursing homes , prisons and factories .
The state has spent about $ 70 million in response to the coronavirus pandemic , Mike Willis , director of the state emergency operations center , said in a conference call with reporters Tuesday .
“ That fluctuates every day , ” he said , adding later , “ If we order [ Personal Protective Equipment ] and the supplier can ’ t deliver it , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
If we find opportunities to purchase PPE or other equipment necessary to keep Coloradans safe , the number will go up a little bit.
” Colorado on Monday lifted its stay-at-home order and allowed some parts of the economy to begin reopening , issuing a 34-page public health order with detailed guidelines and standards for various activities and industries .
The loosening of restrictions does not apply in places that have more restrictive local health orders in place , including Denver , Jefferson , Broomfield , Boulder , Adams , Arapahoe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their local stay-at-home orders into May .
Residents are required to follow the most strict guidelines issued for their area , Willis said .
“ If your jurisdiction has imposed greater or more restrictive measures , it is important to follow those , ” he said .
“ And if they have not , it is important to follow the state guide.
” Businesses that violate the state public health order on reopening will be served with cease-and-desist letters and could lose their licenses .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates @ @ @ @ @

Colorado’s coronavirus death toll stood at 736 Tuesday, with 14,316 cases of COVID-19 confirmed through testing in the state.
About 784 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and 72 had been discharged in the last 24 hours, according to data released Tuesday by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Officials estimate the actual number of COVID-19 cases in the state to be several times higher than the infections confirmed through testing, both because of limited testing and because of asymptomatic carriers of the virus.
At least 67,094 people have been tested for the virus, according to the state data, which is updated daily. The state is testing between 2,000 and 3,000 people a day, incident commander Scott Bookman said Tuesday, and officials have set the goal of eventually testing 10,000 people per day.
The state is also working to hire 50 additional epidemiologists and to enlist volunteers to increase its ability to do contact tracing, a process in which officials work to identify people who might have been exposed to the virus by tracing confirmed patients’ movements before the patients knew they were infected.
On Tuesday, the state was tracking 149 outbreaks at facilities like nursing homes, prisons and factories.
The state has spent about $70 million in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Mike Willis, director of the state emergency operations center, said in a conference call with reporters Tuesday.
“That fluctuates every day,” he said, adding later, “If we order [Personal Protective Equipment] and the supplier can’t deliver it, we cancel those orders and the number goes down. If we find opportunities to purchase PPE or other equipment necessary to keep Coloradans safe, the number will go up a little bit.”
Colorado on Monday lifted its stay-at-home order and allowed some parts of the economy to begin reopening, issuing a 34-page public health order with detailed guidelines and standards for various activities and industries.
The loosening of restrictions does not apply in places that have more restrictive local health orders in place, including Denver, Jefferson, Broomfield, Boulder, Adams, Arapahoe and Pitkin counties, which have extended their local stay-at-home orders into May.
Residents are required to follow the most strict guidelines issued for their area, Willis said.
“If your jurisdiction has imposed greater or more restrictive measures, it is important to follow those,” he said. “And if they have not, it is important to follow the state guide.”
Businesses that violate the state public health order on reopening will be served with cease-and-desist letters and could lose their licenses.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-04-28--Weld County sheriff’s deputies searching for man who fired shots at oil field workers

Authorities in Weld County are looking for a man who allegedly fired shots at oil and gas field workers and @ @ @ @ @ help identify the suspect .
The incident happened at 2:15 p.m. Monday north of Brighton @ @ @ @ @ and 29 , according to the sheriff ’ s office .
Workers reported that several @ @ @ @ @ them and their equipment by someone in a white SUV driving by the work site @ @ @ @ @ .
The suspect is described as a stocky white man , in his 30s to @ @ @ @ @ hair and a goatee .
There was at least one other person in the SUV @ @ @ @ @ incident .
The SUV is a white Chevrolet Trailblazer , the sheriff ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ Broncos logo on the left side of the tailgate and Colorado license plate UQY-913 .
@ @ @ @ @ incident , or on a suspect , is asked to call the sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .

Authorities in Weld County are looking for a man who allegedly fired shots at oil and gas field workers and the public is asked to help identify the suspect.
The Weld County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help identifying a man suspected of randomly firing on oil field workers. Details in the release. pic.twitter.com/7eCXJ5ay4W — Weld County Sheriff (@WeldSheriff) April 28, 2020
The incident happened at 2:15 p.m. Monday north of Brighton near Weld County roads 6 and 29, according to the sheriff’s office.
Workers reported that several gun shots were fired at them and their equipment by someone in a white SUV driving by the work site. No workers were injured.
The suspect is described as a stocky white man, in his 30s to 40s, with short dark hair and a goatee. There was at least one other person in the SUV at the time of the incident.
The SUV is a white Chevrolet Trailblazer, the sheriff’s office said, with a Denver Broncos logo on the left side of the tailgate and Colorado license plate UQY-913.
Anyone with information on the incident, or on a suspect, is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 970-400-5376 or 970-400-2856.


thedenverpost--2020-04-28--Denver sheriff’s deputy fired after lying about missing department AR-15 rifle

A Denver sheriff deputy was fired last week for lying to investigators about what happened to a department-owned semi-automatic AR-15 rifle that has been missing for almost two years .
Brandon Hudson , who had been a deputy with the department since 2011 , was fired last week for telling internal affairs investigators varying stories about what happened to the rifle , which was last assigned to him , according to a Denver Public Safety Department disciplinary letter .
Hudson first said he turned the rifle into the training academy but couldn ’ t remember whom he gave it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rifle in an empty room at the academy because nobody was there to receive the gun .
“ By departing from the truth or intentionally omitting information about the return of the weapon , Deputy Hudson failed to live up to his responsibility as a deputy sheriff , he violated the public trust , and acted contrary to the guiding principles of the Department , ” Deputy Director of Public Safety Mary Dulacki wrote in the April 21 letter .
“ His deceptive conduct demonstrates a lack of integrity , ethics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the position of deputy sheriff.
” The absence of the weapon was revealed during a 2018 inventory of the sheriff department ’ s armories .
Department officials then contacted Hudson because he was the last known person to be assigned the rifle .
Over a series of interviews , Hudson said that he turned the weapon into someone at the training academy after finishing an assignment more than a year before the rifle was discovered missing , the letter shows .
But no records confirmed the rifle was received at the academy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Hudson .
“ When asked who in training took receipt of the weapon , Deputy Hudson said he could not recall and became agitated , raising his voice , using profanity , asking why it was just discovered that the gun was missing , and saying that this happened over a year ago , ” the letter states , describing an internal interview .
Hudson later said that he did not turn the weapon into a person , but instead left it leaning against a wall in a room at the academy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving the rifle in the office was the safe thing to do and he replied , ‘ Absolutely , ' ” the letter states .
Public safety officials did not agree with that decision making .
“ Assuming that Deputy Hudson ’ s latest version of events that he left the weapon unattended in an office at the Training Academy is accurate , he was careless and negligent in the handling of the weapon , ” the letter states .
A Denver police investigation found that the rifle was never reported stolen or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fired for lying during the investigation , which superceded the 10-day suspension he received for losing the gun .
His firing was first reported by television station KDVR .
“ The weapon has not been recovered and is considered lost , ” Dulacki wrote in the letter .
“ Somewhere , there is a deadly weapon in the hands of an unauthorized party which equates to a ‘ demonstrable risk ’ to public safety .
”

A Denver sheriff deputy was fired last week for lying to investigators about what happened to a department-owned semi-automatic AR-15 rifle that has been missing for almost two years.
Brandon Hudson, who had been a deputy with the department since 2011, was fired last week for telling internal affairs investigators varying stories about what happened to the rifle, which was last assigned to him, according to a Denver Public Safety Department disciplinary letter.
Hudson first said he turned the rifle into the training academy but couldn’t remember whom he gave it to. He later said that he left the rifle in an empty room at the academy because nobody was there to receive the gun.
“By departing from the truth or intentionally omitting information about the return of the weapon, Deputy Hudson failed to live up to his responsibility as a deputy sheriff, he violated the public trust, and acted contrary to the guiding principles of the Department,” Deputy Director of Public Safety Mary Dulacki wrote in the April 21 letter. “His deceptive conduct demonstrates a lack of integrity, ethics and character which render him unfit to hold the position of deputy sheriff.”
The absence of the weapon was revealed during a 2018 inventory of the sheriff department’s armories. Department officials then contacted Hudson because he was the last known person to be assigned the rifle.
Over a series of interviews, Hudson said that he turned the weapon into someone at the training academy after finishing an assignment more than a year before the rifle was discovered missing, the letter shows. But no records confirmed the rifle was received at the academy and no staff members remembered receiving a rifle from Hudson.
“When asked who in training took receipt of the weapon, Deputy Hudson said he could not recall and became agitated, raising his voice, using profanity, asking why it was just discovered that the gun was missing, and saying that this happened over a year ago,” the letter states, describing an internal interview.
Hudson later said that he did not turn the weapon into a person, but instead left it leaning against a wall in a room at the academy.
“Deputy Hudson was asked if leaving the rifle in the office was the safe thing to do and he replied, ‘Absolutely,'” the letter states.
Public safety officials did not agree with that decision making.
“Assuming that Deputy Hudson’s latest version of events that he left the weapon unattended in an office at the Training Academy is accurate, he was careless and negligent in the handling of the weapon,” the letter states.
A Denver police investigation found that the rifle was never reported stolen or registered to a new owner.
Hudson was fired for lying during the investigation, which superceded the 10-day suspension he received for losing the gun. His firing was first reported by television station KDVR.
“The weapon has not been recovered and is considered lost,” Dulacki wrote in the letter. “Somewhere, there is a deadly weapon in the hands of an unauthorized party which equates to a ‘demonstrable risk’ to public safety.”


thedenverpost--2020-04-28--Regis Jesuit baseball’s chance to repeat wiped out by coronavirus: “It tears me up”

Pitcher Jacob Thompsen and catcher Owen Best spent a good chunk of their Tuesday morning swapping memories via computer .
Such is the life of high school seniors in the age of the coronavirus .
“ We sent videos back and forth and talked about last season , ” Thompsen said .
Ah , yes , last season .
Thompsen ’ s Regis Jesuit Raiders won the Class 5A state championship , beating Cherry Creek 8-3 in the title game .
The Raiders — armed with a strong pitching staff and six seniors who ’ ve committed to Division I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to repeat .
Until the pandemic benched their dreams .
Last week , the Colorado High School Activities Association canceled the remainder of the spring sports season .
“ I still felt there was a little bit of hope and I kept that alive , ” said Thompsen , a star right-handed pitcher and shortstop who is headed to Long Beach State next fall .
“ But when I heard that announcement , that was when I knew for sure that I was not going to have a senior season .
That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thompsen ’ s prom ( it was supposed to be Saturday ) , the camaraderie of the last few precious months of high school and the pomp and circumstance of graduation .
“ I think Regis is still going to try and do a live ceremony , sometime later this summer , ” Thompsen said .
“ I hope we do .
I want the chance to see everybody again because you never know when you ’ ll see them again ( after that ) .
” Regis coach Matt Darr is wrestling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel really disappointed for these kids , ” he said .
“ This is something they will never get back .
So there is this kind of empty void , something in the pit of your stomach .
Some days , I wake up and I think it can ’ t be real .
But it is and it tears me up .
“ I wish the kids had their chance .
Because we talked about how rare it is to repeat , especially in 5A baseball .
Our guys really embraced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , well aware of what students are going through , have reached out with a series of videos for Colorado kids .
“ To all of the students out there , I want to say I ’ m sorry for what ’ s going on , ” star third baseman Nolan Arenado says in his video .
“ Some of you seniors won ’ t be able to walk and that ’ s really sad and I ’ m sorry to hear that .
“ In times like these , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negativity or be down .
I understand .
And don ’ t get me wrong , you guys have a right to be upset about it and you have a right to not be happy about it .
“ But we also have to see that there is a bigger picture and we must focus on those things .
Because that ’ s going to keep us moving forward and that ’ s going to be really important in our lives.
” Left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland , a graduate of Denver ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a video to seniors in Westminster Public Schools .
Freeland lamented the losses students are enduring but encouraged them to keep their community intact .
“ Reach out to your friends , classmates , teammates , teachers and coaches , ” he said .
“ This is important to talk about and support each other as we all work through this time together.
” Last week , Darr put together a video for his players in which he attempted to explain the big picture of the coronavirus .
“ This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ Ultimately , I truly believe that it will make them better and we all learn lessons .
But it ’ s really hard to sell kids on that right now .
But overall , they have done a fabulous job handling this .
I ’ m very proud of them .
”

Pitcher Jacob Thompsen and catcher Owen Best spent a good chunk of their Tuesday morning swapping memories via computer. Such is the life of high school seniors in the age of the coronavirus.
“We sent videos back and forth and talked about last season,” Thompsen said.
Ah, yes, last season. Thompsen’s Regis Jesuit Raiders won the Class 5A state championship, beating Cherry Creek 8-3 in the title game.
The Raiders — armed with a strong pitching staff and six seniors who’ve committed to Division I college baseball programs — were heavy favorites to repeat. Until the pandemic benched their dreams. Last week, the Colorado High School Activities Association canceled the remainder of the spring sports season.
“I still felt there was a little bit of hope and I kept that alive,” said Thompsen, a star right-handed pitcher and shortstop who is headed to Long Beach State next fall. “But when I heard that announcement, that was when I knew for sure that I was not going to have a senior season. That was tough.”
Gone, too, is Thompsen’s prom (it was supposed to be Saturday), the camaraderie of the last few precious months of high school and the pomp and circumstance of graduation.
“I think Regis is still going to try and do a live ceremony, sometime later this summer,” Thompsen said. “I hope we do. I want the chance to see everybody again because you never know when you’ll see them again (after that).”
Regis coach Matt Darr is wrestling with his emotions.
“I just feel really disappointed for these kids,” he said. “This is something they will never get back. So there is this kind of empty void, something in the pit of your stomach. Some days, I wake up and I think it can’t be real. But it is and it tears me up.
“I wish the kids had their chance. Because we talked about how rare it is to repeat, especially in 5A baseball. Our guys really embraced that challenge from Day 1.”
The Rockies, well aware of what students are going through, have reached out with a series of videos for Colorado kids.
“To all of the students out there, I want to say I’m sorry for what’s going on,” star third baseman Nolan Arenado says in his video. “Some of you seniors won’t be able to walk and that’s really sad and I’m sorry to hear that.
“In times like these, it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity or be down. I understand. And don’t get me wrong, you guys have a right to be upset about it and you have a right to not be happy about it.
“But we also have to see that there is a bigger picture and we must focus on those things. Because that’s going to keep us moving forward and that’s going to be really important in our lives.”
Left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland, a graduate of Denver’s Thomas Jefferson High School, reached out in a video to seniors in Westminster Public Schools. Freeland lamented the losses students are enduring but encouraged them to keep their community intact.
“Reach out to your friends, classmates, teammates, teachers and coaches,” he said. “This is important to talk about and support each other as we all work through this time together.”
Last week, Darr put together a video for his players in which he attempted to explain the big picture of the coronavirus.
“This is the reality of life right now,” he said. “Ultimately, I truly believe that it will make them better and we all learn lessons. But it’s really hard to sell kids on that right now. But overall, they have done a fabulous job handling this. I’m very proud of them.”


thedenverpost--2020-04-28--CU Buffs head football coach Karl Dorrell gets first prep commitment with a defensive end from Flori

CU Buffs head football coach Karl Dorrell gets first prep commitment with a defensive end from Florida

Allan Baugh , a defensive end from St. Thomas Aquinas ( Fla. ) High School , announced his verbal commitment to the Buffaloes on Tuesday morning , becoming the first high school player to give his pledge to CU since Dorrell was hired in February .
“ After days of prayer and talking with family , I would like to announce that I am 1000 % committed to the University of Colorado , ” Baugh wrote on Twitter .
Playing for one of the nation ’ s best high school teams , Baugh had 11 tackles and four sacks last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-0 and ranked No .
5 nationally by MaxPreps.com .
Although he doesn ’ t have a star rating from 247Sports.com or Rivals.com , the 6-foot-3 , 255-pound Baugh has picked up several scholarship offers in recent weeks .
According to 247Sports , Baugh has 14 offers , including from Air Force , Army , Boston College , Colorado State , Maryland and Central Florida .
CU extended its offer in late March .
Baugh joins Cherry Creek High School receiver Chase Penry on CU ’ s commitment list for the 2021 class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de-commit : Palmer Ridge athletes Anthony Costanzo ( 2022 ) and Kaden Dudley ( 2021 ) and Vista Peak offensive lineman Braylen Nelson ( 2021 ) .

First-year Colorado head football coach Karl Dorrell hit a recruiting milestone Tuesday.
Allan Baugh, a defensive end from St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) High School, announced his verbal commitment to the Buffaloes on Tuesday morning, becoming the first high school player to give his pledge to CU since Dorrell was hired in February.
“After days of prayer and talking with family, I would like to announce that I am 1000% committed to the University of Colorado,” Baugh wrote on Twitter.
Playing for one of the nation’s best high school teams, Baugh had 11 tackles and four sacks last season, helping St. Thomas Aquinas finish 15-0 and ranked No. 5 nationally by MaxPreps.com.
Although he doesn’t have a star rating from 247Sports.com or Rivals.com, the 6-foot-3, 255-pound Baugh has picked up several scholarship offers in recent weeks. According to 247Sports, Baugh has 14 offers, including from Air Force, Army, Boston College, Colorado State, Maryland and Central Florida. CU extended its offer in late March.
Baugh joins Cherry Creek High School receiver Chase Penry on CU’s commitment list for the 2021 class.
CU has recently had three players de-commit: Palmer Ridge athletes Anthony Costanzo (2022) and Kaden Dudley (2021) and Vista Peak offensive lineman Braylen Nelson (2021).


thedenverpost--2020-04-28--Letters: Cut out Saturday mail; words of sympathy for columnist (4/28/20)

Re : “ Coronavirus threatening delivery of the U.S. mail , ” April 10 news story Regarding the U.S .
Postal Service ’ s critical budget woes , why doesn ’ t Congress permanently cancel mail service for Saturdays ?
This has been debated many times in the past to no avail .
So , now in light of the current financial situation , this would be an opportune time to do it .
We , as a nation , can no longer suffer such a luxury and , really , who would miss it ?
Re : “ Having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hug , ” April 26 commentary “ The loneliest moment in someone ’ s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart , and all they can do is stare blankly.
” I have been a longtime fan of Mark Kiszla ’ s .
As a writer , I have enjoyed his way with words and his honest opinions .
However , Sunday ’ s column had me in tears as he wrote so movingly about the death of his mother and his inability to be with her .
Goodbye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lonelier feeling than this and I speak from experience .
I am not alone in not being able to comfort our ailing or terminal loved ones who are hospitalized or in rehab during this COVID-19 time .
We are unable to hug , kiss or stay close as our loved ones suffer .
Perhaps this is one of the saddest aspects of what we are currently experiencing .
All we can do is “ stare blankly.
” Thank you , Mark , for your passion and your feeling and thank you for sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver Post for encouraging such feeling — even in the Sports pages .
When the pandemic started , my No .
1 fear was for my 93-year-old mother , who has been on lock-down in her retirement community in St. Louis .
I can ’ t bear the thought of not being able to go see her one last time and support her through her next life transition .
Our hearts were saddened for Mark Kiszla and the loss of his mother .
His article in the Sunday Denver Post was a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his own emotional process .
Thank you , Mark .
The way out is the way in .
We used to treat each other with respect .
Now we have a culture of contempt .
By showing respect again , we can find the unity that we need so that we can prevail over our difficulties .
Let ’ s howl together at 8 o ’ clock .
Through music , we transcend our cultural differences and show our gratitude to those who keep our civilization going while we lie dormant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it ’ s wonderful that we ’ re howling , playing “ Ode to Joy ” and in other innumerable ways celebrating those folks on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis .
They certainly deserve our admiration , respect , and , most especially , gratitude .
I wonder if somehow we could organize a mass show of empathy for those who are suffering the consequences of the shutdown : all those who are out of work and trying to make ends meet , homeschooling their children , taking care of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On an individual level , I ’ m sure many of us are trying to help out , but how about as a society we shout loudly , “ We feel your pain !
” 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 .

Cut out Saturday mail
Re: “Coronavirus threatening delivery of the U.S. mail,” April 10 news story
Regarding the U.S. Postal Service’s critical budget woes, why doesn’t Congress permanently cancel mail service for Saturdays? This has been debated many times in the past to no avail. So, now in light of the current financial situation, this would be an opportune time to do it. We, as a nation, can no longer suffer such a luxury and, really, who would miss it?
Art McCray, Aurora
Words of sympathy
Re: “Having to say goodbye to mom without ﬁnal hug,” April 26 commentary
“The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.”
I have been a longtime fan of Mark Kiszla’s. As a writer, I have enjoyed his way with words and his honest opinions. However, Sunday’s column had me in tears as he wrote so movingly about the death of his mother and his inability to be with her. Goodbye without a hug. There is no lonelier feeling than this and I speak from experience.
I am not alone in not being able to comfort our ailing or terminal loved ones who are hospitalized or in rehab during this COVID-19 time. We are unable to hug, kiss or stay close as our loved ones suffer. Perhaps this is one of the saddest aspects of what we are currently experiencing. All we can do is “stare blankly.”
Thank you, Mark, for your passion and your feeling and thank you for sharing it with us. Thanks to The Denver Post for encouraging such feeling — even in the Sports pages.
Sue Petrovski, Lakewood
When the pandemic started, my No. 1 fear was for my 93-year-old mother, who has been on lock-down in her retirement community in St. Louis. I can’t bear the thought of not being able to go see her one last time and support her through her next life transition. Our hearts were saddened for Mark Kiszla and the loss of his mother. His article in the Sunday Denver Post was a great tribute to his mother and beautiful reflection on his own emotional process. Thank you, Mark.
Craig Knippenberg, Denver
Howling out our support
The way out is the way in. We used to treat each other with respect. Now we have a culture of contempt. By showing respect again, we can find the unity that we need so that we can prevail over our difficulties.
Let’s howl together at 8 o’clock. Through music, we transcend our cultural differences and show our gratitude to those who keep our civilization going while we lie dormant. Besides, it’s fun.
Philip Mortensen, Denver
I think it’s wonderful that we’re howling, playing “Ode to Joy” and in other innumerable ways celebrating those folks on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis. They certainly deserve our admiration, respect, and, most especially, gratitude.
I wonder if somehow we could organize a mass show of empathy for those who are suffering the consequences of the shutdown: all those who are out of work and trying to make ends meet, homeschooling their children, taking care of elderly parents and so much more. On an individual level, I’m sure many of us are trying to help out, but how about as a society we shout loudly, “We feel your pain!”
Dan Eberhart, Denver
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-04-28--DU Pioneers add two grad transfers as movement grows within hockey

The University of Denver hockey team lost two players to NHL contracts this month , but thanks to the NCAA graduate-transfer program that is growing in popularity in men ’ s hockey , the Pioneers look relatively unscathed after adding 22-year-olds Steven Jandric and Bo Hanson on Tuesday .
Jandric is a forward who led Alaska-Fairbanks in scoring last season , and Hanson was the top-scoring defenseman for St. Lawrence before 2019-20 ended because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Both players received bachelor ’ s degrees in three years and will have one year of eligibility at DU while working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Both have proven at the college level to be everyday players and consistent contributors , ” DU coach David Carle said in a phone interview about his newest players .
“ We have big plans for both of them and I think they add a lot of value to our lineup.
” Jandric and Hanson replace sophomore forward Emilio Petterson and junior defenseman Ian Mitchell , respectively .
Petterson signed with the Calgary Flames on Monday , two weeks after Mitchell agreed to terms with the Chicago Blackhawks .
DU has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 when defenseman Les Lancaster left Mercyhurst to play for the Pioneers in Carle ’ s first season ( 2018-19 ) as head coach .
The NCAA ’ s grad transfer program began in 2011 for football and other sports , but was not used by hockey teams until 2014 .
There was just one grad transfer apiece in 2014 , ’ 15 and ’ 16 before the list grew to two in 2017 and four in 2018 , according to the NCAA .
While no data is available for 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double-digits in 2020 , according to various media reports .
“ It ’ s very circumstantial , and summer school has become such an offering across the board that it allows a lot of kids to get ahead in their studies , ” Carle said .
“ Kids are also taking courses prior to getting to the university .
They ’ re bringing some credits in which accelerates their degree-seeking status and gives them some flexibility in graduating in three years .
“ I look at a guy for us , ( defenseman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years and then did his master ’ s degree in his fourth year ( 2019-20 ) with us.
” While DU ’ s newest additions are great for the program , Carle said “ there is another side to it .
These players are leaving those schools , and they don ’ t love it , I ’ m sure .
There is a flip side to it , and a balance to it .
There are positives and negatives to both sides of it .
“ Certainly , for us at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to add both players.
” 2014 : 1 2015 : 1 2016 : 1 2017 : 2 2018 : 4 Source : NCAA Note : No data is available for 2019 .

The University of Denver hockey team lost two players to NHL contracts this month, but thanks to the NCAA graduate-transfer program that is growing in popularity in men’s hockey, the Pioneers look relatively unscathed after adding 22-year-olds Steven Jandric and Bo Hanson on Tuesday.
Jandric is a forward who led Alaska-Fairbanks in scoring last season, and Hanson was the top-scoring defenseman for St. Lawrence before 2019-20 ended because of the coronavirus pandemic. Both players received bachelor’s degrees in three years and will have one year of eligibility at DU while working towards a master’s degree.
“Both have proven at the college level to be everyday players and consistent contributors,” DU coach David Carle said in a phone interview about his newest players. “We have big plans for both of them and I think they add a lot of value to our lineup.”
Jandric and Hanson replace sophomore forward Emilio Petterson and junior defenseman Ian Mitchell, respectively. Petterson signed with the Calgary Flames on Monday, two weeks after Mitchell agreed to terms with the Chicago Blackhawks.
DU has now signed three grad transfers, the first in 2018 when defenseman Les Lancaster left Mercyhurst to play for the Pioneers in Carle’s first season (2018-19) as head coach.
The NCAA’s grad transfer program began in 2011 for football and other sports, but was not used by hockey teams until 2014. There was just one grad transfer apiece in 2014, ’15 and ’16 before the list grew to two in 2017 and four in 2018, according to the NCAA. While no data is available for 2019, the number is expected to balloon to double-digits in 2020, according to various media reports.
“It’s very circumstantial, and summer school has become such an offering across the board that it allows a lot of kids to get ahead in their studies,” Carle said. “Kids are also taking courses prior to getting to the university. They’re bringing some credits in which accelerates their degree-seeking status and gives them some flexibility in graduating in three years.
“I look at a guy for us, (defenseman) Erich Fear. He graduated in three years and then did his master’s degree in his fourth year (2019-20) with us.”
While DU’s newest additions are great for the program, Carle said “there is another side to it. These players are leaving those schools, and they don’t love it, I’m sure. There is a flip side to it, and a balance to it. There are positives and negatives to both sides of it.
“Certainly, for us at this moment, we’re excited to add both players.”
NCAA graduate transfers for men’s hockey
2014: 1
2015: 1
2016: 1
2017: 2
2018: 4
Source: NCAA
Note: No data is available for 2019.


thedenverpost--2020-04-28--Pac-12 basketball: Damage assessment from the NBA Draft’s early-entry deadline

The deadline for early-entry candidates to declare for the NBA Draft has come and gone .
On the surface , the Pac-12 landscape looks scorched .
All the elite freshmen declared , every last one of them , as did the vast majority of top sophomores and juniors .
In total , 15 early entries are in the draft , either for good or to evaluate their options .
The list includes the obvious ( Arizona ’ s Nico Mannion , Washington ’ s Isaiah Stewart , USC ’ s Onyeka Okongwu ) and the not-so-obvious ( ASU ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ethan Thompson and Utah ’ s Both Gach ) .
Nine of the 10 players named first-team all-conference in 2019-20 are currently in the draft .
How many stay in ?
Will any of the high-impact players pull out by the June 3 withdrawal deadline ?
At this point , six of the 14 are viewed as likely/guaranteed first-round picks : Mannion , Green , Nnaji , Okongwu , Stewart and McDaniels .
Don ’ t assume the prospects pegged for the second round ( or worse ) will return .
That happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adds a layer of uncertainty — not only to the process itself ( i.e.
, no workouts ) but to the personal calculation made by each player and his family .
From here , it seems the Pac-12 ’ s chances for success next season are heavily dependent on the fate of three early entries : Martin , Smith and Terry .
They are the keys to 2021 .
If all three come back , the Pac-12 would be positioned to thrive .
If all three remain in the draft , the conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s return to Westwood would solidify the Bruins as the conference frontrunner .
All the other key pieces are back from a team that sizzled down the stretch and projects as a near lock for the NCAAs in 2021 .
The missing element , as of now , is a No .
1 option .
Smith would provide that .
ASU was hit hard by attrition but has been quickly rebuilt by Bobby Hurley and — if undergraduate transfers are deemed immediately eligible by the NCAA ( as expected ) — would possess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin , and the Sun Devils take on the look of a Sweet 16 candidate .
Stanford ’ s situation is similar .
The core pieces are expected back , including all-conference forward Oscar da Silva .
Terry was the missing element for the Cardinal last season — the piece that made everything whole .
If he returns , Stanford jumps to the top tier of contenders .
Every team would benefit from the return of its early-entry candidate ( s ) .
Elleby would lift Washington State .
Same with Gach at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wright at Colorado .
But where solid returning rosters and likely second-round picks intersect , we see Arizona State , Stanford and UCLA .
Martin , Terry and Smith would make good teams better — they would strengthen the top , not the middle , of the conference .
That ’ s the missing piece , after all .
The Pac-12 ’ s uptick last season was fueled by a stronger bottom and wider middle : Nobody stunk , and there were a plethora of bubble teams .
That ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the shape of the rosters at this point in the offseason cycle , UCLA , Arizona State and Stanford are central players in the attempt to elevate the top tier .
That makes Smith , Martin and Terry the highest of priorities over the next six weeks .
Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , but for access to all content , you ’ ll need to subscribe .
I ’ ve secured a rate of $ 1 per week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer alert !
— just 99 cents for the first month , with the option to cancel anytime .
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*** Send suggestions , comments and tips ( confidentiality guaranteed ) to pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference .

The deadline for early-entry candidates to declare for the NBA Draft has come and gone. On the surface, the Pac-12 landscape looks scorched.
All the elite freshmen declared, every last one of them, as did the vast majority of top sophomores and juniors.
In total, 15 early entries are in the draft, either for good or to evaluate their options.
The list includes the obvious (Arizona’s Nico Mannion, Washington’s Isaiah Stewart, USC’s Onyeka Okongwu) and the not-so-obvious (ASU’s Romello Wright, Oregon State’s Ethan Thompson and Utah’s Both Gach).
Perhaps more meaningful:
Nine of the 10 players named first-team all-conference in 2019-20 are currently in the draft.
Here’s the list:
Arizonafreshman guard Josh Greenfreshman guard Nico Mannionfreshman forward Zeke Nnaji
Arizona Statejunior guard Remy Martinjunior forward Romello White
Coloradojunior forward Tyler Beyjunior guard McKinley Wright
Oregon Statejunior guard Ethan Thompson
Stanfordfreshman guard Tyrell Terry
UCLAjunior guard Chris Smith
USCfreshman forward Onyeka Okongwu
Utahsophomore guard Both Gach
Washingtonfreshman forward Isaiah Stewartfreshman forward Jaden McDaniels
Washington Statesophomore forward CJ Elleby
How many stay in?
Will any of the high-impact players pull out by the June 3 withdrawal deadline?
At this point, six of the 14 are viewed as likely/guaranteed first-round picks: Mannion, Green, Nnaji, Okongwu, Stewart and McDaniels.
Don’t assume the prospects pegged for the second round (or worse) will return.
That happens more often than not, but coronavirus adds a layer of uncertainty — not only to the process itself (i.e., no workouts) but to the personal calculation made by each player and his family.
From here, it seems the Pac-12’s chances for success next season are heavily dependent on the fate of three early entries: Martin, Smith and Terry.
They are the keys to 2021.
If all three come back, the Pac-12 would be positioned to thrive.
If all three remain in the draft, the conference’s outlook dims.
Smith’s return to Westwood would solidify the Bruins as the conference frontrunner. All the other key pieces are back from a team that sizzled down the stretch and projects as a near lock for the NCAAs in 2021. The missing element, as of now, is a No. 1 option. Smith would provide that.
ASU was hit hard by attrition but has been quickly rebuilt by Bobby Hurley and — if undergraduate transfers are deemed immediately eligible by the NCAA (as expected) — would possess the parts necessary to contend. Add Martin, and the Sun Devils take on the look of a Sweet 16 candidate.
Stanford’s situation is similar. The core pieces are expected back, including all-conference forward Oscar da Silva. Terry was the missing element for the Cardinal last season — the piece that made everything whole. If he returns, Stanford jumps to the top tier of contenders.
Every team would benefit from the return of its early-entry candidate(s). Elleby would lift Washington State. Same with Gach at Utah and, of course, Bey and Wright at Colorado.
But where solid returning rosters and likely second-round picks intersect, we see Arizona State, Stanford and UCLA.
Martin, Terry and Smith would make good teams better — they would strengthen the top, not the middle, of the conference.
That’s the missing piece, after all.
The Pac-12’s uptick last season was fueled by a stronger bottom and wider middle: Nobody stunk, and there were a plethora of bubble teams.
But the top remained light.
That’s the next step in the recovery.
Based on the shape of the rosters at this point in the offseason cycle, UCLA, Arizona State and Stanford are central players in the attempt to elevate the top tier.
That makes Smith, Martin and Terry the highest of priorities over the next six weeks.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert! — just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Rockies Mailbag: How does baseball’s uncertain calendar affect Nolan Arenado’s future in LoDo?

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 .
Say , for instance , Major League Baseball returns sometime in July .
How do you think they will handle the trade deadline ?
Or say , for instance , MLB doesn ’ t return at all this year .
Do you think Nolan Arenado will still be in purple next season ?
— Curtis , Denver Curtis , all trades are frozen right now and that will remain the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their teams .
Of course , there is a chance baseball won ’ t return at all .
If , as you suppose , the season were to begin in July , MLB and the MLB Players Union would have to negotiate a new trade deadline .
Right now , however , there is no way to target when that might be .
If , for example , the World Series were to extend into November , there also would be looming questions about the free-agency calendar , the Rule 5 draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is so much up in the air right now .
As for Arenado , all I know is that he will be credited with a full season of service time for 2020 , meaning he will be one step closer to a potential opt-out after the 2021 season .
Given the strange times we ’ re in , it ’ s difficult to speculate about Arenado ’ s future with the Rockies .
My best guess is that he will begin the 2021 season in Rockies purple .
Baseball this season in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players .
What would be the problem with running a shortened TV-only season from teams ’ own ballparks ?
Yeah , that adds the risk of travel but don ’ t all teams charter their own planes anyway ?
— Jeff Karpinski , Elizabeth Yes , major-league teams , including the Rockies , charter their own planes , but there is so much more involved in the logistics of putting on a game .
We ’ re not talking only about players , managers , coaches and staff on a major-league team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ umpires , TV crews and all of the others behind the scenes .
MLB doesn ’ t want all of those people flying on their own and then mingling at various ballparks .
Then , of course , there is the prospect of testing all of those people on a regular basis for COVID-19 .
MLB believes all of that would be handled better in a few locations .
The idea of playing games under the hot Arizona sun is a real problem , which is why many games would be played in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Chase Field ) with the possibility of multiple games being played on the same day .
As I pointed out in my story in Tuesday ’ s Post , there are currently three reported models for an abbreviated 2020 season : • The “ Arizona plan ” would house all 30 teams in the Phoenix area , where players and staff would stay at hotels , face a strict quarantine and travel only to ballparks to play games .
• The “ Cactus League and Grapefruit League ” plan , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Arizona would form one league , with the 15 teams that hold spring training in Florida forming the other league .
• The “ Tri-State ” plan , with leagues in Florida , Arizona and Texas .
According to a report from CBS Sports , 10 teams would be stationed in each state .
Clubs would play games at major- and minor-league ballparks , as well as some spring training facilities .
In this scenario , the Rockies would be included in the Texas League .
With all the players on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group benefit more ( hitters , pitchers , fielders ) ?
Do some have a hitting machine , or some type of cage to hit or throw ?
Centerfield or Glory Days ?
Thanks .
— Robert Emmerling , Parker I think it depends more on the individual than on the position .
For instance , Arenado has his own baseball “ warehouse ” in Southern California that enables Arenado , along with his brother , Jonah , and cousin , Josh Fuentes , to hit from the cage and go through extensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott Oberg both have portable mounds at their homes , so that enables them to work on their own “ bullpens.
” The point is , the players all have their own routines right now .
As for your second question , you know that I ’ m a huge Bruce Springsteen fan , but “ Glory Days ” is not one of my favorite songs .
I think John Fogerty ’ s “ Centerfield ” is a better baseball song .
Patrick , wanted to see what is going on with Rockies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m wanting to know if we will be refunded any money for games not played .
Thanks .
— Julie , Denver Julie , that situation remains in a state of flux , but there is movement .
On Tuesday , Major League Baseball announced that it is allowing teams to offer refunds to fans for games currently not being played because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Up until Tuesday ’ s announcement , major-league games were considered postponed — instead of canceled – which allowed teams to hold on to revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no chance of a full 162-game season , MLB will allow refunds .
It should be noted that MLB is not requiring teams to issue refunds , and each team will set its own policy .
Teams can announce their new policies beginning Wednesday .
We ’ ll be checking in with the Rockies .
There are reports that teams will offer credits for the 2021 season as one option .
Patrick , the breakdown on the three general managers the Rockies have had was a depressing read .
It shows me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below-average ball club in most years .
We love our baseball here in Denver and want a consistent winner .
Do you think we will ever see that here in town ?
— Bill , Aurora Bill , as I noted in my Sunday story , playing baseball at a mile above sea level presents challenges unlike any other in the majors .
That ’ s not an excuse , it ’ s a reality .
Having said that , Rockies fans deserve a better on-field product .
At some point , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formula of decent pitching and a dynamic offense that makes Coors Field a house of horrors for opposing teams .
I can see a team being good for four or five years running , but given that the Rockies are a mid-market team ( financially ) and that free-agent pitchers are loathe to come to Colorado , I don ’ t think the Rockies will even win seven consecutive division titles as the Dodgers have done .
Starting May 1 , MLB teams can start laying off or cutting salaries of major and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as their scouts .
What have the Rockies decided to do in this department ?
Would hope they take care of the MiLB teams in their system .
— Troy , Longmont Troy , the situation is ever-changing , but the Rockies are one of 18 major-league teams that have informed baseball operations employees that they will receive paychecks through May .
After that , we will see .
As for the future of minor-league teams , that ’ s difficult to forecast .
It does appear , however , that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and eliminate teams and jobs .
Here is part of a “ Baseball America ” story that was published last week : “ When Major League Baseball proposed to Minor League Baseball last year its plan to cut the minor leagues from 160 teams to 120 affiliated teams in negotiations for a new Professional Baseball Agreement , such a proposal was greeted by many MiLB teams as unthinkable .
The world has changed dramatically over the past six months , especially now that the coronavirus pandemic has halted sports .
When MLB and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , multiple sources with knowledge of the negotiations say MiLB will indicate that it agrees to 120 affiliated teams in a new PBA .
Such a concession by MiLB could be a clear step toward a deal .
MiLB has now agreed to find ways to come to agreement on almost all of MLB ’ s public demands .
Now the open question is whether MLB will be willing to accept the concession as a foundation for a potential deal.
” Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — or MLB — related question for the 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.
Say, for instance, Major League Baseball returns sometime in July. How do you think they will handle the trade deadline? Or say, for instance, MLB doesn’t return at all this year. Do you think Nolan Arenado will still be in purple next season?
— Curtis, Denver
Curtis, all trades are frozen right now and that will remain the case until baseball returns and players report back to their teams. Of course, there is a chance baseball won’t return at all.
If, as you suppose, the season were to begin in July, MLB and the MLB Players Union would have to negotiate a new trade deadline. Right now, however, there is no way to target when that might be.
If, for example, the World Series were to extend into November, there also would be looming questions about the free-agency calendar, the Rule 5 draft and perhaps even 2021 spring training. There is so much up in the air right now.
As for Arenado, all I know is that he will be credited with a full season of service time for 2020, meaning he will be one step closer to a potential opt-out after the 2021 season. Given the strange times we’re in, it’s difficult to speculate about Arenado’s future with the Rockies. My best guess is that he will begin the 2021 season in Rockies purple.
Baseball this season in Arizona sounds like a hot nightmare for the players. What would be the problem with running a shortened TV-only season from teams’ own ballparks? Yeah, that adds the risk of travel but don’t all teams charter their own planes anyway?
— Jeff Karpinski, Elizabeth
Jeff, that’s a good question.
Yes, major-league teams, including the Rockies, charter their own planes, but there is so much more involved in the logistics of putting on a game. We’re not talking only about players, managers, coaches and staff on a major-league team. We’re also talking about umpires, TV crews and all of the others behind the scenes. MLB doesn’t want all of those people flying on their own and then mingling at various ballparks.
Then, of course, there is the prospect of testing all of those people on a regular basis for COVID-19.
MLB believes all of that would be handled better in a few locations.
The idea of playing games under the hot Arizona sun is a real problem, which is why many games would be played in domed ballparks (such as Phoenix’s Chase Field) with the possibility of multiple games being played on the same day.
As I pointed out in my story in Tuesday’s Post, there are currently three reported models for an abbreviated 2020 season:
• The “Arizona plan” would house all 30 teams in the Phoenix area, where players and staff would stay at hotels, face a strict quarantine and travel only to ballparks to play games.
• The “Cactus League and Grapefruit League” plan, in which the 15 teams that hold spring training in Arizona would form one league, with the 15 teams that hold spring training in Florida forming the other league.
• The “Tri-State” plan, with leagues in Florida, Arizona and Texas. According to a report from CBS Sports, 10 teams would be stationed in each state. Clubs would play games at major- and minor-league ballparks, as well as some spring training facilities. In this scenario, the Rockies would be included in the Texas League.
With all the players on their own for workouts now, does any group benefit more (hitters, pitchers, fielders)? Do some have a hitting machine, or some type of cage to hit or throw? Centerfield or Glory Days? Thanks.
— Robert Emmerling, Parker
I think it depends more on the individual than on the position. For instance, Arenado has his own baseball “warehouse” in Southern California that enables Arenado, along with his brother, Jonah, and cousin, Josh Fuentes, to hit from the cage and go through extensive fielding drills.
Pitchers Kyle Freeland and Scott Oberg both have portable mounds at their homes, so that enables them to work on their own “bullpens.”
The point is, the players all have their own routines right now.
As for your second question, you know that I’m a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, but “Glory Days” is not one of my favorite songs. I think John Fogerty’s “Centerfield” is a better baseball song.
Patrick, wanted to see what is going on with Rockies season ticket holders like myself. I’m wanting to know if we will be refunded any money for games not played. Thanks.
— Julie, Denver
Julie, that situation remains in a state of flux, but there is movement. On Tuesday, Major League Baseball announced that it is allowing teams to offer refunds to fans for games currently not being played because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Up until Tuesday’s announcement, major-league games were considered postponed — instead of canceled – which allowed teams to hold on to revenue generated from ticket sales. Now, with no chance of a full 162-game season, MLB will allow refunds.
It should be noted that MLB is not requiring teams to issue refunds, and each team will set its own policy. Teams can announce their new policies beginning Wednesday. We’ll be checking in with the Rockies.
There are reports that teams will offer credits for the 2021 season as one option.
Patrick, the breakdown on the three general managers the Rockies have had was a depressing read. It shows me the team is OK with being a below-average ball club in most years. We love our baseball here in Denver and want a consistent winner. Do you think we will ever see that here in town?
— Bill, Aurora
Bill, as I noted in my Sunday story, playing baseball at a mile above sea level presents challenges unlike any other in the majors. That’s not an excuse, it’s a reality.
Having said that, Rockies fans deserve a better on-field product. At some point, I think a GM will find the right formula of decent pitching and a dynamic offense that makes Coors Field a house of horrors for opposing teams.
I can see a team being good for four or five years running, but given that the Rockies are a mid-market team (financially) and that free-agent pitchers are loathe to come to Colorado, I don’t think the Rockies will even win seven consecutive division titles as the Dodgers have done.
Starting May 1, MLB teams can start laying off or cutting salaries of major and minor league coaches, trainers, as well as their scouts. What have the Rockies decided to do in this department? Would hope they take care of the MiLB teams in their system.
— Troy, Longmont
Troy, the situation is ever-changing, but the Rockies are one of 18 major-league teams that have informed baseball operations employees that they will receive paychecks through May. After that, we will see.
As for the future of minor-league teams, that’s difficult to forecast. It does appear, however, that the coronavirus pandemic will hit the minors hard and eliminate teams and jobs.
Here is part of a “Baseball America” story that was published last week:
“When Major League Baseball proposed to Minor League Baseball last year its plan to cut the minor leagues from 160 teams to 120 affiliated teams in negotiations for a new Professional Baseball Agreement, such a proposal was greeted by many MiLB teams as unthinkable. The world has changed dramatically over the past six months, especially now that the coronavirus pandemic has halted sports. When MLB and MiLB negotiators convene on a teleconference on Wednesday, multiple sources with knowledge of the negotiations say MiLB will indicate that it agrees to 120 affiliated teams in a new PBA. Such a concession by MiLB could be a clear step toward a deal. MiLB has now agreed to find ways to come to agreement on almost all of MLB’s public demands. Now the open question is whether MLB will be willing to accept the concession as a foundation for a potential deal.”
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--2020-04-29--Second Colorado dispensary will soon begin offering marijuana delivery

Boulder will soon be home to two dispensaries legally delivering medical marijuana .
Helping Hands Cannabis on Pearl Street recently procured its license for delivery and expects to begin service to medical patients in mid-May , according to co-owner Johnny Kurish .
Kurish decided to offer delivery as a way to safely reach patients during the pandemic .
Helping Hands closed voluntarily before Gov .
Jared Polis issued a statewide stay-at-home order in March “ because we couldn ’ t see a responsible way to conduct business inside of our premises and still be cognizant of public health and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
When he found out that Boulder ’ s medical marijuana code allowed for delivery , he knew that would be a better option .
About 20 % of Helping Hands ’ business is in medical marijuana ; the rest is sold on the recreational side of the dispensary , Kurish said .
“ We ’ ve seen people just let their medical cards expire over the years , ” Kurish said .
“ But I do expect these delivery rules to bring some people back into the medical world.
” Legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Bill 1234 in 2019 .
The law permits medical marijuana deliveries to start in 2020 followed by recreational cannabis deliveries in 2021 , but left it to municipalities to individually decide if they will allow the services .
So far , Boulder and the nearby town of Superior are the only districts known to allow marijuana delivery .
The Dandelion dispensary in Boulder was the first dispensary to obtain its delivery license and began servicing local patients in March .
Helping Hands is still finalizing many of the details of its delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , customers will be able to place orders through the dispensary ’ s website .
They ’ ll be able to pay with a debit account , too , thanks to an app called Strike , which the dispensary is using to collect payments .
Delivery has been a hot-button issue during the coronavirus pandemic .

Boulder will soon be home to two dispensaries legally delivering medical marijuana.
Helping Hands Cannabis on Pearl Street recently procured its license for delivery and expects to begin service to medical patients in mid-May, according to co-owner Johnny Kurish.
Kurish decided to offer delivery as a way to safely reach patients during the pandemic. Helping Hands closed voluntarily before Gov. Jared Polis issued a statewide stay-at-home order in March “because we couldn’t see a responsible way to conduct business inside of our premises and still be cognizant of public health and our staff’s health,” Kurish said.
When he found out that Boulder’s medical marijuana code allowed for delivery, he knew that would be a better option.
About 20% of Helping Hands’ business is in medical marijuana; the rest is sold on the recreational side of the dispensary, Kurish said.
“We’ve seen people just let their medical cards expire over the years,” Kurish said. “But I do expect these delivery rules to bring some people back into the medical world.”
Legislators legalized cannabis delivery with the passage of House Bill 1234 in 2019. The law permits medical marijuana deliveries to start in 2020 followed by recreational cannabis deliveries in 2021, but left it to municipalities to individually decide if they will allow the services.
So far, Boulder and the nearby town of Superior are the only districts known to allow marijuana delivery. The Dandelion dispensary in Boulder was the first dispensary to obtain its delivery license and began servicing local patients in March.
Helping Hands is still finalizing many of the details of its delivery program, but Kurish said starting in May, customers will be able to place orders through the dispensary’s website. They’ll be able to pay with a debit account, too, thanks to an app called Strike, which the dispensary is using to collect payments.
Delivery has been a hot-button issue during the coronavirus pandemic.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Want Terrell Davis to wish mom a happy birthday? Yes, dreams can come true.

Who says dreams can ’ t come true ?
The folks are Cameo are certainly doing their part — at a price .
For the princely sum of $ 500 , you too can get a personalized message from Denver Broncos legend Terrell Davis .
Too rich for your blood ?
Well , Jake Plummer is always available for a relative bargain of $ 55 or even Derek Wolfe for $ 35 .
Such is the wonder of Cameo and its roster of talent .
Stars , fan favorites , bench warmers — they ’ re all ready for your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communion .
Among the other Broncos ready to give a shout out are Brock Osweiler ( $ 75 ) , Dalton Risner ( $ 75 ) and Shelby Harris ( $ 25 ) .
Football not your thing ?
Cameo also has former Nuggets Alex English ( $ 125 ) and Javale McGee ( $ 200 ) , as well as current backup point guard Monte Morris ( $ 100 ) .
There ’ s also former Rockies Vinny Castilla ( $ 70 ) and Drew Butera ( $ 30 ) .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers !
Subscribe to The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $ 6.99/month thereafter .
Cancel anytime .
+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Ryan O ’ Halloran here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .

Who says dreams can’t come true?
The folks are Cameo are certainly doing their part — at a price.
For the princely sum of $500, you too can get a personalized message from Denver Broncos legend Terrell Davis. Too rich for your blood? Well, Jake Plummer is always available for a relative bargain of $55 or even Derek Wolfe for $35.
Such is the wonder of Cameo and its roster of talent. Stars, fan favorites, bench warmers — they’re all ready for your next bat mitzvah, quinceanera or first communion.
Among the other Broncos ready to give a shout out are Brock Osweiler ($75), Dalton Risner ($75) and Shelby Harris ($25).
Football not your thing? Cameo also has former Nuggets Alex English ($125) and Javale McGee ($200), as well as current backup point guard Monte Morris ($100). There’s also former Rockies Vinny Castilla ($70) and Drew Butera ($30).
What a time to be alive.
— Matt Schubert, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Council members unhappy about Denver Health’s executive bonuses — from $29,000 to more than $230,000

Denver City Council members are becoming increasingly vocal about their concerns with Denver Health leadership following recent revelations that the quasi-public agency gave top executives hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonuses .
“ When these entities want to give you information that makes them look good , they will , ” said Lisa Calderón , spokesperson for Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca , told The Denver Post on Tuesday .
“ When there ’ s information that the public wants to know , that they know may not portray these entities in the best light , then the council doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health , like most hospitals , is struggling financially as it responds to the coronavirus pandemic , and has asked all employees — including frontline workers — to take paid time off , reduce hours or take voluntary furloughs .
Calderón said she and CdeBaca met with hospital Chief Executive Officer Robin Wittenstein just a week before the news of the bonuses emerged and specifically asked how lower-wage hospital workers could be protected as much as possible during the financial crisis .
Wittenstein mentioned neither the furloughs nor the bonuses , Calderón said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclose , and she failed to do so.
” “ I think that omission resulted in a breach of trust after we found out about the bonuses , ” she added later in a text message .
A Denver Health spokesperson said the executive has been in touch with council members regularly .
“ Robin Wittenstein as well as other leadership have maintained communication over the last several months in regards to Denver Health ’ s response to COVID-19 , ” the spokesperson said in an email when asked about the CdeBaca meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in communication with council members since the story broke last week.
” CdeBaca and Councilman Chris Hinds blocked a last-minute vote Monday to accept $ 38.6 million from FEMA for Denver Health and other Denver agencies , delaying the vote for a week .
Hinds said he had questions about both the grant agreement and the health system that hadn ’ t been answered .
The councilman said he asked Denver Health officials about the bonuses and furloughs Friday and still hadn ’ t heard back Tuesday .
“ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ I ’ m opposed to them getting bonuses at the same time other people get pay cuts.
” Councilman Kevin Flynn didn ’ t oppose Monday night ’ s vote but he , too , has questions , such as whether hospital executives are part of the Denver Employee Retirement Program and whether those bonuses would inflate their pensions .
If so , other city employees would essentially be forced to subsidize those executive pensions , he said .
“ Denver Health can expect that the next budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a talk about a number of issues , ” Flynn said .
Of Denver Health ’ s $ 1.1 billion operating budget , $ 56 million comes from the city of Denver .
That money consists of $ 30.7 million to provide health care to uninsured patients in the county and $ 25.3 million for services , such as care for inmates at the city jail and public health services , according to documents from the hospital .
More about those bonuses On April 10 , at least 12 Denver Health executives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 29,000 to more than $ 230,000 , according to data obtained by The Post .
The bonuses , which were first reported by CBS4 , came as Denver Health employees were asked to voluntarily take paid time off or leave without pay .
So far , there have been no layoffs at Denver Health .
Similar steps are occurring at hospitals across the state as health systems take a financial hit from the cancellation or delay of elective surgeries and other services — a move aimed at freeing up bed space and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus .
Wittenstein received the largest bonus , getting $ 230,275 on top of her $ 967,155 base salary .
She was followed by Connie Price , chief medical officer , and Peggy Burnette , chief financial officer .
Price received more than $ 95,000 as a bonus in addition to a base salary of $ 507,200 , while Burnette received more than $ 93,000 on top of her $ 530,600 salary , according to compensation data provided by Denver Health .
On Monday , Wittenstein apologized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a letter to staff .
“ Being informed of incentive payments now to the executive staff , no matter what the explanation , has clearly been painful and dividing , especially because you did not hear about this from me directly first , ” she wrote .
“ For this , I am deeply sorry.
” In the letter , Wittenstein said a large portion of executives ’ salary is considered “ at risk , ” meaning that they receive a base pay and then earn a certain amount on top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and goals each year .
If the hospital does not hit the goals , then executives do not receive the payments .
Wittenstein wrote that the bonuses were not paid in two of the past four years .
Denver Health ’ s leadership team as a whole is also cutting its hours , and therefore pay , by 12 % , she said .
As of April 20 , Wittenstein is using paid time off instead of her regular salary to “ save ” Denver Health two days of her regular salary during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also waiving her ability to accrue paid time off , according to Denver Health .
She has pledged $ 100,000 to the Denver Health Foundation , which has an employee relief fund , and the first payment was made in December , according to her letter to staff .
Despite his concern about the bonuses , Hinds fell short of characterizing the relationship between Denver Health and the council as a problem .
That issue is just one data point , he said .
“ If this data point becomes the pattern , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .

Denver City Council members are becoming increasingly vocal about their concerns with Denver Health leadership following recent revelations that the quasi-public agency gave top executives hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonuses.
“When these entities want to give you information that makes them look good, they will,” said Lisa Calderón, spokesperson for Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca, told The Denver Post on Tuesday. “When there’s information that the public wants to know, that they know may not portray these entities in the best light, then the council doesn’t get that information voluntarily.”
Denver Health, like most hospitals, is struggling financially as it responds to the coronavirus pandemic, and has asked all employees — including frontline workers — to take paid time off, reduce hours or take voluntary furloughs.
Calderón said she and CdeBaca met with hospital Chief Executive Officer Robin Wittenstein just a week before the news of the bonuses emerged and specifically asked how lower-wage hospital workers could be protected as much as possible during the financial crisis.
Wittenstein mentioned neither the furloughs nor the bonuses, Calderón said. “She had her opportunity to disclose, and she failed to do so.”
“I think that omission resulted in a breach of trust after we found out about the bonuses,” she added later in a text message.
A Denver Health spokesperson said the executive has been in touch with council members regularly.
“Robin Wittenstein as well as other leadership have maintained communication over the last several months in regards to Denver Health’s response to COVID-19,” the spokesperson said in an email when asked about the CdeBaca meeting. “Mostly recently, Robin has been in communication with council members since the story broke last week.”
CdeBaca and Councilman Chris Hinds blocked a last-minute vote Monday to accept $38.6 million from FEMA for Denver Health and other Denver agencies, delaying the vote for a week.
Hinds said he had questions about both the grant agreement and the health system that hadn’t been answered. The councilman said he asked Denver Health officials about the bonuses and furloughs Friday and still hadn’t heard back Tuesday.
“I’m not opposed to people getting bonuses,” he said. “I’m opposed to them getting bonuses at the same time other people get pay cuts.”
Councilman Kevin Flynn didn’t oppose Monday night’s vote but he, too, has questions, such as whether hospital executives are part of the Denver Employee Retirement Program and whether those bonuses would inflate their pensions. If so, other city employees would essentially be forced to subsidize those executive pensions, he said.
“Denver Health can expect that the next budget cycle that we’re going to have a talk about a number of issues,” Flynn said.
Of Denver Health’s $1.1 billion operating budget, $56 million comes from the city of Denver. That money consists of $30.7 million to provide health care to uninsured patients in the county and $25.3 million for services, such as care for inmates at the city jail and public health services, according to documents from the hospital.
More about those bonuses
On April 10, at least 12 Denver Health executives received bonuses, ranging from more than $29,000 to more than $230,000, according to data obtained by The Post.
The bonuses, which were first reported by CBS4, came as Denver Health employees were asked to voluntarily take paid time off or leave without pay. So far, there have been no layoffs at Denver Health.
Similar steps are occurring at hospitals across the state as health systems take a financial hit from the cancellation or delay of elective surgeries and other services — a move aimed at freeing up bed space and equipment for patients with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Wittenstein received the largest bonus, getting $230,275 on top of her $967,155 base salary.
She was followed by Connie Price, chief medical officer, and Peggy Burnette, chief financial officer. Price received more than $95,000 as a bonus in addition to a base salary of $507,200, while Burnette received more than $93,000 on top of her $530,600 salary, according to compensation data provided by Denver Health.
On Monday, Wittenstein apologized to Denver Health employees about the bonuses in a letter to staff.
“Being informed of incentive payments now to the executive staff, no matter what the explanation, has clearly been painful and dividing, especially because you did not hear about this from me directly first,” she wrote. “For this, I am deeply sorry.”
In the letter, Wittenstein said a large portion of executives’ salary is considered “at risk,” meaning that they receive a base pay and then earn a certain amount on top of that if Denver Health achieves its budget and goals each year. If the hospital does not hit the goals, then executives do not receive the payments.
Wittenstein wrote that the bonuses were not paid in two of the past four years. Denver Health’s leadership team as a whole is also cutting its hours, and therefore pay, by 12%, she said.
As of April 20, Wittenstein is using paid time off instead of her regular salary to “save” Denver Health two days of her regular salary during each 10-day pay period. She is also waiving her ability to accrue paid time off, according to Denver Health.
She has pledged $100,000 to the Denver Health Foundation, which has an employee relief fund, and the first payment was made in December, according to her letter to staff.
Despite his concern about the bonuses, Hinds fell short of characterizing the relationship between Denver Health and the council as a problem. That issue is just one data point, he said.
“If this data point becomes the pattern, that’s a problem,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Disability, health advocates welcome Medicaid changes Colorado requested due to coronavirus

Colorado has asked federal officials to approve a host of temporary changes to its Medicaid program to keep more people covered and sustain health care providers through the COVID-19 pandemic .
Some of the changes were priorities for health and disability rights advocates long before the new coronavirus began spreading .
It ’ s not clear if they could stick around once the public health emergency ends , though .
Medicaid is funded by the federal government and the states , so if states want to make changes , they have to seek approval from the federal Centers for Medicare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can take months for CMS to review states ’ applications and determine that they won ’ t increase federal spending , but the process has sped up to allow states to respond to the pandemic .
Colorado has received approval for an emergency waiver , which would : • Allow the state to waive prior authorization – the requirement that doctors get permission before prescribing a medication or performing a procedure – in some cases .
• Let nursing facilities admit new residents before performing some screenings about the level of care a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are required before a person can move in .
• Give people who apply for Medicaid coverage more time to request a hearing if they ’ re denied .
• Make it easier for out-of-state providers to get paid for care provided to Colorado Medicaid members .
For example , a person who was visiting family in another state might have gotten stuck because of lockdowns and need to receive care there .
• Continue to pay long-term care facilities like nursing homes even if they have to evacuate residents to an unlicensed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use buildings certified as meeting a wide variety of safety rules .
Colorado also has made other changes that didn ’ t have to go through the full waiver process .
Those changes would : • Suspend the requirement that Medicaid members prove their incomes haven ’ t risen above the eligibility threshold .
• Allow early refills for most medications and dispense more in each filling .
• Expand telemedicine coverage , increase payments for some virtual services and reduce patients ’ out-of-pocket costs .
• Allow more home-based services for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow services to move forward before certain assessments by a doctor are complete .
• Let some family caregivers be paid for services to their relative who qualifies for professional care under Medicaid .
Broadly speaking , Colorado ’ s requests would make it easier for low-income people to sign up for Medicaid and stay enrolled , and for doctors and others who want to accept Medicaid to work with the program , said Jeff Bontrager , director of research and evaluation at the Colorado Health Institute .
They also could allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paperwork , so they can focus on other priorities , he said .
“ A lot of the reenrollment does require administrative resources , ” he said .
“ There is a request to suspend some of that so the state ’ s energies can be spent on getting people the services they need.
” Julie Reiskin , executive director of the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition , said some of the changes are ones they ’ ve wanted to see for a long time .
For example , allowing a case manager to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physician ’ s assessment is finished will let people with disabilities get help they need faster , since the assessment doesn ’ t provide much useful information , she said .
“ These are things we ’ ve wanted to do forever , ” she said .
Many people don ’ t understand why family caregivers need to be paid , but it ’ s difficult to hold down a full-time job while caring for someone with extensive needs , even if you work from home , Reiskin said .
She said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their caregivers if the state would give people a financial allowance to make their own respite care arrangements because the state doesn ’ t have a set-up that allows caregivers to get a break from behavioral challenges related to their loved one ’ s disability , she said .
“ If they could hire someone , they could put the parameters on , ” like requiring respite caregivers to limit their contacts that could expose them to the virus , she said .
“ These families just really need a break.
” Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Policy Coalition , said some of the other changes Colorado has requested , like suspending the requirement for people to regularly verify their income , will help increase coverage .
Some people who are eligible end up losing coverage because they moved and didn ’ t get their re-enrollment paperwork , she said .
“ There ’ s always problems with these systems , ” she said .
Congress has allowed all states to cover the cost of testing for COVID-19 for uninsured people , but the coalition would like to see Medicaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test positive for the new virus , Baskett said .
They also hope the state will cover coronavirus-related care for undocumented immigrants , who often work in industries like meat-packing where they ’ re exposed to the virus , she said .
“ These are the front-line workers , ” she said .
“ It ’ s very tough to stop the spread when you have whole sections of our society that don ’ t have health care.
” Colorado did seek to cover the cost of any treatment uninsured people who test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down that idea , according to a summary from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing .
Federal rules also wouldn ’ t allow coverage for undocumented people , HCPF spokesman Marc Williams said .
Baskett said the health policy coalition members support the idea of paying more to safety-net providers to help them stay in business while patients aren ’ t coming in for routine services .
Ideally , those retainer payments would benefit providers offering home-based services , community health centers , mental health centers helping underserved populations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said .
“ We have ( provider ) shortages already around behavioral health and even around primary care , ” she said .
It ’ s possible some of the waivers could stick around after the pandemic ends , but states will have to contend with an increasing number of people qualifying for Medicaid because they lost their jobs or had their hours cut , at the same time tax revenue is decreasing , Bontrager said .
“ Everybody ’ s trying to figure out what the state can afford , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado has asked federal officials to approve a host of temporary changes to its Medicaid program to keep more people covered and sustain health care providers through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the changes were priorities for health and disability rights advocates long before the new coronavirus began spreading. It’s not clear if they could stick around once the public health emergency ends, though.
Medicaid is funded by the federal government and the states, so if states want to make changes, they have to seek approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Normally, it can take months for CMS to review states’ applications and determine that they won’t increase federal spending, but the process has sped up to allow states to respond to the pandemic.
Colorado has received approval for an emergency waiver, which would:
Allow the state to waive prior authorization – the requirement that doctors get permission before prescribing a medication or performing a procedure – in some cases.
Let nursing facilities admit new residents before performing some screenings about the level of care a person needs. Normally, those screenings are required before a person can move in.
Give people who apply for Medicaid coverage more time to request a hearing if they’re denied.
Make it easier for out-of-state providers to get paid for care provided to Colorado Medicaid members. For example, a person who was visiting family in another state might have gotten stuck because of lockdowns and need to receive care there.
Continue to pay long-term care facilities like nursing homes even if they have to evacuate residents to an unlicensed facility. Normally, providers can only use buildings certified as meeting a wide variety of safety rules.
Colorado also has made other changes that didn’t have to go through the full waiver process. Those changes would:
Suspend the requirement that Medicaid members prove their incomes haven’t risen above the eligibility threshold.
Allow early refills for most medications and dispense more in each filling.
Expand telemedicine coverage, increase payments for some virtual services and reduce patients’ out-of-pocket costs.
Allow more home-based services for people with disabilities to be provided virtually and allow services to move forward before certain assessments by a doctor are complete.
Let some family caregivers be paid for services to their relative who qualifies for professional care under Medicaid.
Increase payments to some health care providers.
Broadly speaking, Colorado’s requests would make it easier for low-income people to sign up for Medicaid and stay enrolled, and for doctors and others who want to accept Medicaid to work with the program, said Jeff Bontrager, director of research and evaluation at the Colorado Health Institute. They also could allow the state to have fewer employees processing renewal paperwork, so they can focus on other priorities, he said.
“A lot of the reenrollment does require administrative resources,” he said. “There is a request to suspend some of that so the state’s energies can be spent on getting people the services they need.”
Julie Reiskin, executive director of the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, said some of the changes are ones they’ve wanted to see for a long time. For example, allowing a case manager to start putting together a service plan before a physician’s assessment is finished will let people with disabilities get help they need faster, since the assessment doesn’t provide much useful information, she said.
“These are things we’ve wanted to do forever,” she said.
Many people don’t understand why family caregivers need to be paid, but it’s difficult to hold down a full-time job while caring for someone with extensive needs, even if you work from home, Reiskin said. She said it also would benefit people with disabilities and their caregivers if the state would give people a financial allowance to make their own respite care arrangements because the state doesn’t have a set-up that allows caregivers to get a break from behavioral challenges related to their loved one’s disability, she said.
“If they could hire someone, they could put the parameters on,” like requiring respite caregivers to limit their contacts that could expose them to the virus, she said. “These families just really need a break.”
Elizabeth Baskett, who coordinates the Colorado Health Policy Coalition, said some of the other changes Colorado has requested, like suspending the requirement for people to regularly verify their income, will help increase coverage. Some people who are eligible end up losing coverage because they moved and didn’t get their re-enrollment paperwork, she said.
“There’s always problems with these systems,” she said.
Congress has allowed all states to cover the cost of testing for COVID-19 for uninsured people, but the coalition would like to see Medicaid cover any needed treatment for people who test positive for the new virus, Baskett said. They also hope the state will cover coronavirus-related care for undocumented immigrants, who often work in industries like meat-packing where they’re exposed to the virus, she said.
“These are the front-line workers,” she said. “It’s very tough to stop the spread when you have whole sections of our society that don’t have health care.”
Colorado did seek to cover the cost of any treatment uninsured people who test positive might need, but CMS shot down that idea, according to a summary from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Federal rules also wouldn’t allow coverage for undocumented people, HCPF spokesman Marc Williams said.
Baskett said the health policy coalition members support the idea of paying more to safety-net providers to help them stay in business while patients aren’t coming in for routine services. Ideally, those retainer payments would benefit providers offering home-based services, community health centers, mental health centers helping underserved populations, critical access hospitals and inpatient psychiatric facilities, she said.
“We have (provider) shortages already around behavioral health and even around primary care,” she said.
It’s possible some of the waivers could stick around after the pandemic ends, but states will have to contend with an increasing number of people qualifying for Medicaid because they lost their jobs or had their hours cut, at the same time tax revenue is decreasing, Bontrager said.
“Everybody’s trying to figure out what the state can afford,” he said.
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thedenverpost--2020-04-29--Letters: Striking a balance (4/29/20)

Letters: Striking a balance (4/29/20)

Easing the restrictions on COVID-19 risky activities is like setting a speed limit on our roads .
The higher the speed limit , the greater the freedom to drive as one pleases , and the greater the number of statistically probable deaths .
There are those who would advocate for unfettered freedom notwithstanding higher death rates , and vice versa .
The political and economic challenge is in finding a socially acceptable balance .
Although one might differ from our elected leaders on where to set the limits , or how fast to proceed in adjusting those limits , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during which data and societal feedback will trend toward an acceptable trade-off between freedom and harm .
Let ’ s cut our local leaders some slack as they attempt to strike a balance .
In the wake of the COVID crisis and the unprecedented number of job losses , furloughs , and wage cuts our citizens have seen in the last month , many Colorado families now find themselves unable to put food on the table .
And with schools closed , children who once received two meals a day at school have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further stressing family budgets .
As a consequence our food banks are running empty and Colorado families are relying upon federal food benefits more than ever before , yet at a national level , there are proposals to cut these benefits .
As Coloradans , we must take a stand and let our legislators know this is not OK. As a mother and a pediatrician , I know first-hand how important adequate nutrition is to the minds and bodies of young , growing children .
A hungry child can not learn , doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and has more difficulties with sleep than one who does not have to worry about when their next meal will be .
Colorado legislators owe it to the children and families that they serve to stand up to Washington and demand continued and increased support of federal food benefits .
I noted the political cartoon on Tuesday and thought to myself , the fellow jumping out of his parachute is not satisfied with current conditions and the fellow remaining in his parachute is satisfied .
Then I looked at a slightly larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cartoon was the quote from Denver Post founder Frederick G. Bonfils , “ There is no hope for the satisfied man.
” I guess I can say that The Post is presenting both sides , but the Bonfils quote is on the op/ed page every day .
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 .

Striking a balance
Easing the restrictions on COVID-19 risky activities is like setting a speed limit on our roads. The higher the speed limit, the greater the freedom to drive as one pleases, and the greater the number of statistically probable deaths. There are those who would advocate for unfettered freedom notwithstanding higher death rates, and vice versa. The political and economic challenge is in finding a socially acceptable balance. Although one might differ from our elected leaders on where to set the limits, or how fast to proceed in adjusting those limits, there is going to be a trial-and-error period during which data and societal feedback will trend toward an acceptable trade-off between freedom and harm. Let’s cut our local leaders some slack as they attempt to strike a balance.
Peter Wessel, Denver
Demand federal food benefits
In the wake of the COVID crisis and the unprecedented number of job losses, furloughs, and wage cuts our citizens have seen in the last month, many Colorado families now find themselves unable to put food on the table. And with schools closed, children who once received two meals a day at school have lost a vital source of nutrition, further stressing family budgets.
As a consequence our food banks are running empty and Colorado families are relying upon federal food benefits more than ever before, yet at a national level, there are proposals to cut these benefits.
As Coloradans, we must take a stand and let our legislators know this is not OK. As a mother and a pediatrician, I know first-hand how important adequate nutrition is to the minds and bodies of young, growing children. A hungry child cannot learn, doesn’t have the energy to play, and has more difficulties with sleep than one who does not have to worry about when their next meal will be. Colorado legislators owe it to the children and families that they serve to stand up to Washington and demand continued and increased support of federal food benefits.
Sarah Nelson-Taylor, Denver
Speaking of the “satisfied man”
I noted the political cartoon on Tuesday and thought to myself, the fellow jumping out of his parachute is not satisfied with current conditions and the fellow remaining in his parachute is satisfied.
Then I looked at a slightly larger picture and noted that right above the cartoon was the quote from Denver Post founder Frederick G. Bonfils, “There is no hope for the satisfied man.”
I guess I can say that The Post is presenting both sides, but the Bonfils quote is on the op/ed page every day.
Rob Crumpley, Broomfield
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.