thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Arizona House GOP rams through transgender sports ban bill

PHOENIX — Republicans in the Arizona House on Tuesday rammed through a contentious proposal that would ban transgender student athletes from participating on the team that aligns with their gender identity over unified opposition from minority Democrats .
The proposal from Republican Rep. Nancy Barto laid bare deep philosophical differences between the parties over transgender rights and the rights of athletes to engage in sports .
The Arizona measure is one of several making their way through GOP-controlled state legislatures this year backed by the Scottsdale-based Alliance Defending Freedom , a conservative religious freedom group .
They are intended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compete against biological males .
The Arizona measure backed by Barto would apply to K-12 schools , community colleges and state universities but only to female teams .
She said after introducing the measure in January that most people view the issue as one of basic fairness , saying the future of women ’ s athletics was at risk .
Democrats and advocates for transgender youth called a news conference before the start of an hours-long debate to denounce the measure .
They failed to persuade any of the 31 House Republicans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats .
During an hourslong debate that lasted into the late evening .
Barto laid out the basic reasons for her proposal , and for an amendment that removed two of three tests athletes could undergo to show they were playing on the appropriate team .
The only test that remains is a genetic test .
Democrats had dubbed the proposal the “ show me your genitals ” bill because one of the now-deleted tests would have required a physical exam .
“ Nobody wants to have too much of a heavy hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in explaining the revision .
“ What we want to make sure is done is that we clarify that men are not allowed to play on women ’ s teams and that there ’ s a way to determine their sex.
” Democrats questioned the very reason for the test , calling it an attack on transgender girls and noting it was opposed by many businesses , “ My caucus knows that trans girls are girls , ” Rep. Athena Salman said .
Barto argues that when transgender girls are allowed to compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female participation in athletics and could even result in women and girls being denied educational opportunities .
Her proposal would allow any athlete to question the biological sex of a competitor , who would be required to prove their gender .
It also allows lawsuits by students who believe they have missed opportunities because a transgender person is on a school team .
Before the scheduled floor debate , Democratic Rep. Isela Blanc called the measure “ completely inappropriate ” and wondered if Republicans had the votes needed to pass it .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Gov .
Doug Ducey declined to comment on it .
“ I mean , if they want to debate genitals , I guess we ’ ll see , ” Blanc said .
“ We ’ re talking about kids in sports that range in athletic ability , height , weight , age .
And it ’ s all to go after transgender girls .
It makes no sense .
It ’ s completely wrong , inhumane , unkind , inappropriate and just mean-spirited.
” The Arizona Interscholastic Association , which governs school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams consistent with their gender identity , regardless of the gender assigned at birth .
The athlete must write a letter including “ a description of the student ’ s gender story , ” including the age at which they first became aware that their gender identity differed from their assigned sex and where the student is in the gender transition process .
The athlete also must provide a letter of support from a parent , a school administration and a health care provider .
The request triggers a review by a committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it finds it ’ s appropriate , not motivated by an “ improper purpose ” and that there are no adverse health risks to the athlete .
Over the past four years , about six transgender girls have gone through the process to play on girls sports teams , said David Hines , the AIA ’ s executive director .
About four transgender boys have been approved to play with male athletes .
“ This is a very touchy subject , however , the kids that have been approved to compete as transgender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a competitive standpoint , ” Hines said in an email .
“ The screening process takes into consideration many factors and is not taken lightly .
Our Sports Medicine Committee takes great pride in monitoring each individual case .
These kids are really struggling.
” Similar legislation has been proposed in Idaho , Alabama , Georgia , Indiana , Missouri , New Hampshire , Tennessee and Washington state , according to the American Civil Liberties Union .
Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper contributed to this report .

PHOENIX — Republicans in the Arizona House on Tuesday rammed through a contentious proposal that would ban transgender student athletes from participating on the team that aligns with their gender identity over unified opposition from minority Democrats.
The proposal from Republican Rep. Nancy Barto laid bare deep philosophical differences between the parties over transgender rights and the rights of athletes to engage in sports. The Arizona measure is one of several making their way through GOP-controlled state legislatures this year backed by the Scottsdale-based Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative religious freedom group.
They are intended to prevent female athletes from being forced to compete against biological males. The Arizona measure backed by Barto would apply to K-12 schools, community colleges and state universities but only to female teams.
She said after introducing the measure in January that most people view the issue as one of basic fairness, saying the future of women’s athletics was at risk.
Democrats and advocates for transgender youth called a news conference before the start of an hours-long debate to denounce the measure. They failed to persuade any of the 31 House Republicans to oppose it. Democrats hold 29 House seats.
During an hourslong debate that lasted into the late evening. Barto laid out the basic reasons for her proposal, and for an amendment that removed two of three tests athletes could undergo to show they were playing on the appropriate team.
The only test that remains is a genetic test. Democrats had dubbed the proposal the “show me your genitals” bill because one of the now-deleted tests would have required a physical exam.
“Nobody wants to have too much of a heavy hand from the state,” Barto said in explaining the revision. “What we want to make sure is done is that we clarify that men are not allowed to play on women’s teams and that there’s a way to determine their sex.”
Democrats questioned the very reason for the test, calling it an attack on transgender girls and noting it was opposed by many businesses, “My caucus knows that trans girls are girls,” Rep. Athena Salman said.
Barto argues that when transgender girls are allowed to compete on girls’ teams, it discourages female participation in athletics and could even result in women and girls being denied educational opportunities.
Her proposal would allow any athlete to question the biological sex of a competitor, who would be required to prove their gender. It also allows lawsuits by students who believe they have missed opportunities because a transgender person is on a school team.
Before the scheduled floor debate, Democratic Rep. Isela Blanc called the measure “completely inappropriate” and wondered if Republicans had the votes needed to pass it. The measure now goes to the Senate. Republican Gov. Doug Ducey declined to comment on it.
“I mean, if they want to debate genitals, I guess we’ll see,” Blanc said. “We’re talking about kids in sports that range in athletic ability, height, weight, age. And it’s all to go after transgender girls. It makes no sense. It’s completely wrong, inhumane, unkind, inappropriate and just mean-spirited.”
The Arizona Interscholastic Association, which governs school athletics, allows athletes to play on teams consistent with their gender identity, regardless of the gender assigned at birth. The athlete must write a letter including “a description of the student’s gender story,” including the age at which they first became aware that their gender identity differed from their assigned sex and where the student is in the gender transition process.
The athlete also must provide a letter of support from a parent, a school administration and a health care provider. The request triggers a review by a committee, which will support the request if it finds it’s appropriate, not motivated by an “improper purpose” and that there are no adverse health risks to the athlete.
Over the past four years, about six transgender girls have gone through the process to play on girls sports teams, said David Hines, the AIA’s executive director. About four transgender boys have been approved to play with male athletes.
“This is a very touchy subject, however, the kids that have been approved to compete as transgender athletes are not making a difference from a competitive standpoint,” Hines said in an email. “The screening process takes into consideration many factors and is not taken lightly. Our Sports Medicine Committee takes great pride in monitoring each individual case. These kids are really struggling.”
Similar legislation has been proposed in Idaho, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Washington state, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.
____
Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Pedestrian dies when hit by RTD bus in Denver

A pedestrian was killed Tuesday night in northeast Denver when he was hit by an RTD bus , police said @ @ @ @ @ the busy intersection of Green Valley Ranch Boulevard and Chambers Road .
The man died @ @ @ @

A pedestrian was killed Tuesday night in northeast Denver when he was hit by an RTD bus, police said.
#DPD Officers on scene at Green Valley Ranch Blvd & N Chambers Rd on a Bus Vs Pedestrian crash. An adult male was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation continues and information will be provided by Twitter feed. pic.twitter.com/KhqYdrEdqU — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) March 4, 2020
The incident happened near the busy intersection of Green Valley Ranch Boulevard and Chambers Road. The man died at the scene.
An investigation is ongoing.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--PHOTOS: Denver Nuggets host Golden State Warriors, March 3, 2020

Since it 's opening in 1995 , DIA has become a hub of national and international travel .
In 2019 @ @ @ @ @ nearly 70 million passengers passing through the airport .

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets looks for an offensive foul call after being bumped by Andrew Wiggins (22) of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--No. 1 Valor Christian rolls past Rangeview to advance to Great 8

HIGHLANDS RANCH – The Eagles have landed in the Great 8 .
Playing on its home court , Valor Christian ( 24-1 ) dispatched Rangeview ( 18-7 ) 73-40 to advance in the Class 5A girls basketball state playoffs Tuesday night .
“ Rangeview is so scrappy and plays so hard , ” Valor head coach Jessika Caldwell said .
“ I knew we would have to match their intensity without getting to a place where we were out of control .
There were a couple moments , but we stayed in control and I ’ m really proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead early in the first quarter , but a 10-0 run by the Eagles erased the deficit and flipped it to 14-7 in favor of the hosts .
Valor would lead the rest of the way , building a commanding 44-22 advantage by halftime .
Junior guards Kindyll Wetta and Jenna Siebert paced Valor with 16 points apiece .
Siebert was dangerous from long range , hitting 4 of 5 3-point attempts .
“ Kindyll is such a dynamic player , ” Caldwell said .
“ She can get to rim , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s such a dynamic passer .
She can see things that even I don ’ t typically see .
She does a little bit of everything.
” Early foul trouble compounded the Raiders ’ issues in the first half .
Rangeview sent Valor to the line on six separate occasions , and the Eagles capitalized with eight points off free throws .
“ We put up a decent fight but they ’ re the number one team , ” Rangeview head coach LaMonte Weddle said .
“ What more can you say.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ matchup , No .
8 Fossil Ridge advanced with a 65-43 win over No .
9 Vista Peak .
Valor and Fossil Ridge ( 21-4 ) will meet Friday at the Denver Coliseum .
The Eagles won the previous matchup 80-53 at Fossil Ridge two weeks ago .
“ For us it ’ s a familiar opponent so we ’ ll have change some things up , ” Caldwell said .
“ They ’ ll probably do the same .
”

HIGHLANDS RANCH – The Eagles have landed in the Great 8.
Playing on its home court, Valor Christian (24-1) dispatched Rangeview (18-7) 73-40 to advance in the Class 5A girls basketball state playoffs Tuesday night.
“Rangeview is so scrappy and plays so hard,” Valor head coach Jessika Caldwell said. “I knew we would have to match their intensity without getting to a place where we were out of control. There were a couple moments, but we stayed in control and I’m really proud of our team.”
Rangeview took a 7-4 lead early in the first quarter, but a 10-0 run by the Eagles erased the deficit and flipped it to 14-7 in favor of the hosts. Valor would lead the rest of the way, building a commanding 44-22 advantage by halftime.
Junior guards Kindyll Wetta and Jenna Siebert paced Valor with 16 points apiece. Siebert was dangerous from long range, hitting 4 of 5 3-point attempts.
“Kindyll is such a dynamic player,” Caldwell said. “She can get to rim, she can shoot from the outside and she’s such a dynamic passer. She can see things that even I don’t typically see. She does a little bit of everything.”
Early foul trouble compounded the Raiders’ issues in the first half. Rangeview sent Valor to the line on six separate occasions, and the Eagles capitalized with eight points off free throws.
“We put up a decent fight but they’re the number one team,” Rangeview head coach LaMonte Weddle said. “What more can you say.”
In the other Kaye Garms regional matchup, No. 8 Fossil Ridge advanced with a 65-43 win over No. 9 Vista Peak. Valor and Fossil Ridge (21-4) will meet Friday at the Denver Coliseum.
The Eagles won the previous matchup 80-53 at Fossil Ridge two weeks ago.
“For us it’s a familiar opponent so we’ll have change some things up,” Caldwell said. “They’ll probably do the same.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Bernie Sanders wins Colorado’s presidential primary

Colorado delivered again for Bernie Sanders on Tuesday , giving him a repeat win in a presidential primary that drew far wider participation than the caucuses he dominated four years ago .
The liberal U.S. senator from Vermont appeared poised to win by double digits as vote-counting continued late Tuesday evening .
The real battle was for second place — between self-funding billionaire Mike Bloomberg and Joe Biden , the former vice president who has surged in recent days as he has collected endorsements from moderate former rivals .
As of 11:54 p.m. , with 732,992 Democratic ballots counted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vote , followed by Biden at 23 % ; Bloomberg , a former New York City mayor , at 21 % ; U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 17 % ; and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at 1 % .
The rest of the vote was split among candidates who have dropped out of the race in recent days .
Coloradans joined millions of voters across 14 other states and territories on Super Tuesday , the largest day of primaries that will help decide the Democratic nominee to take on President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About a third of delegates to the party ’ s convention were at stake , including 67 Colorado delegates that will be divvied up by the state party in coming days based on the results .
The Associated Press projected Sanders ’ victory in Colorado right after voting ended at 7 p.m .
Inside Sanders ’ state campaign office on East Colfax Avenue in Denver , many of the 200 or so supporters and volunteers broke into cheers .
Sanders had entered Tuesday as the polling leader .
But Biden was gaining momentum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina on Saturday and the exits from the race of former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota in the last two days .
Both endorsed him Monday .
Coloradans ’ earlier mail-ballot votes for Buttigieg and Klobuchar weren ’ t counted , since they formally withdrew their candidacies here .
Across Denver on West 38th Avenue , a comparatively low-key gathering for the Biden campaign drew a few dozen supporters to The Bar at Plaza38 .
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock , who endorsed Biden on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s performance , despite his lagging result in Colorado .
“ The story tonight is the national story , ” Hancock said , pointing to Biden ’ s wins in several other states .
“ In 72 hours we ’ ve seen such unprecedented shifts.
” The race narrowed from eight major candidates to five just since Saturday , when billionaire activist Tom Steyer ended his campaign .
Nationally , the race largely has become a battle for the soul of the party between the party ’ s left flank — represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose standard-bearers are now Biden and Bloomberg , a former mayor of New York City .
Though Warren has struggled in the race , Colorado delivered one of her strongest performances .
Her steady total suggests she will earn some delegates from the state .
Shifts in support as results come in Hundreds of thousands of ballots that came in Tuesday remain to be counted .
Large numbers of Colorado Democrats and unaffiliated voters appeared to hold onto their ballots longer than usual as they watched changes in the race .
Some counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry over at least into Wednesday .
On the Republican side , Trump faced five lesser-known challengers who qualified for the state ’ s primary ballot .
With 630,854 GOP ballots counted , he was winning nearly 93 % of the vote at 11:54 p.m. , followed by former Massachusetts Gov .
Bill Weld , at 3 % .
Sanders won the Colorado caucuses in 2016 , beating Hillary Clinton by nearly 19 percentage points .
Participation then was limited to registered Democrats , however , and about 124,000 Coloradans participated .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with just two paid staffers in the state .
Key were his network of an estimated 15,000 volunteers — which the campaign put to work making phone calls and knocking on doors — and enthusiasm for him here that never died down .
Colorado Democrats get their say Voters interviewed Tuesday as they dropped off ballots or visited voting centers said they weighed the candidates ’ differences as well as their perceived chances against Trump .
“ I ’ m not that politically aware , but this year I want to see some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 , a Sanders supporter in Denver who took advantage of the fact that Coloradans can register and vote on the same day .
“ I don ’ t like what ’ s happening now .
… Things like climate change are really important to me .
I ’ m a little bit older now , and I ’ m realizing that things aren ’ t going to change unless everyone participates.
” Ben Rippe , 37 , a Denver Democrat , said he struggled to decide on his vote as he looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been kicking back and forth between Bernie and Biden for the past week , but in the last two days I decided to go with Biden , ” he said .
“ When it ’ s going to come down to it , he ’ s going to be the one that more independents and Republicans can switch to ” from Trump .
“ We ’ ve got to come back to some normalcy in this country.
” Susan Yetter , 69 , said she followed Buttigieg ’ s endorsement and voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I think they may be a good combo , so I had no problem with Joe because he ’ s ‘ Grandpa Joe , ' ” the Denver Democrat said .
“ But I think Pete demonstrated that being a good person diffuses a lot of the anger and darkness .
I support a lot of Bernie ’ s agendas , but I don ’ t think he ’ s the right guy at this moment .
He ’ s another angry , old white guy and I don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dhalia Gomez , 23 , said Sanders ’ focus on expanding access to health care under a universal government-run program drew her in , even if she is uncertain about Sanders ’ chances if he wins the nomination : “ I think it ’ s a toss-up between him and Trump , because there ’ s so much support on either side .
It would be nice to have someone that ’ s for the people ( and ) that doesn ’ t propagate hatred.
” Ted Lassen , 65 , a retired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg , seeing his more moderate stances as better positioned to win in the fall .
“ The last thing we need is another ideologue , which is why I don ’ t like Sanders , ” Lassen said .
“ ( Bloomberg ) was mayor of New York City for 12 years , and I heard stuff ( about him ) here and there — so as soon as I heard he ’ s running , I said , ‘ That ’ s my man . '
” For any of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 67 “ pledged ” delegates , they must meet a 15 % support threshold statewide or within at least one of the state ’ s seven congressional districts .
Twenty-three delegates will be assigned proportionately statewide , and 44 will be assigned based on results within congressional districts .
Colorado has another dozen “ automatic ” delegates , including Democratic National Committee members and elected officials , who are not bound by election results .
But they no longer are able to participate in the first ballot at the convention if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writers Alex Burness and Linnea Lipson contributed to this story .

Colorado delivered again for Bernie Sanders on Tuesday, giving him a repeat win in a presidential primary that drew far wider participation than the caucuses he dominated four years ago.
The liberal U.S. senator from Vermont appeared poised to win by double digits as vote-counting continued late Tuesday evening. The real battle was for second place — between self-funding billionaire Mike Bloomberg and Joe Biden, the former vice president who has surged in recent days as he has collected endorsements from moderate former rivals.
As of 11:54 p.m., with 732,992 Democratic ballots counted, Sanders was leading with 36% of the vote, followed by Biden at 23%; Bloomberg, a former New York City mayor, at 21%; U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 17%; and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at 1%. The rest of the vote was split among candidates who have dropped out of the race in recent days.
Coloradans joined millions of voters across 14 other states and territories on Super Tuesday, the largest day of primaries that will help decide the Democratic nominee to take on President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 general election. About a third of delegates to the party’s convention were at stake, including 67 Colorado delegates that will be divvied up by the state party in coming days based on the results.
Live Colorado election results
For detailed Colorado primary results, including detailed county results, go to our live election page.
The Associated Press projected Sanders’ victory in Colorado right after voting ended at 7 p.m.
Inside Sanders’ state campaign office on East Colfax Avenue in Denver, many of the 200 or so supporters and volunteers broke into cheers.
“President Sanders! President Sanders!” they chanted.
Sanders had entered Tuesday as the polling leader. But Biden was gaining momentum here following his big win in South Carolina on Saturday and the exits from the race of former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota in the last two days. Both endorsed him Monday.
Coloradans’ earlier mail-ballot votes for Buttigieg and Klobuchar weren’t counted, since they formally withdrew their candidacies here.
Across Denver on West 38th Avenue, a comparatively low-key gathering for the Biden campaign drew a few dozen supporters to The Bar at Plaza38. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, who endorsed Biden on Monday, told attendees he was proud of Biden’s performance, despite his lagging result in Colorado.
“The story tonight is the national story,” Hancock said, pointing to Biden’s wins in several other states. “In 72 hours we’ve seen such unprecedented shifts.”
The race narrowed from eight major candidates to five just since Saturday, when billionaire activist Tom Steyer ended his campaign.
Nationally, the race largely has become a battle for the soul of the party between the party’s left flank — represented by Sanders and Warren — and moderates whose standard-bearers are now Biden and Bloomberg, a former mayor of New York City.
Though Warren has struggled in the race, Colorado delivered one of her strongest performances. Her steady total suggests she will earn some delegates from the state.
Shifts in support as results come in
Hundreds of thousands of ballots that came in Tuesday remain to be counted. Large numbers of Colorado Democrats and unaffiliated voters appeared to hold onto their ballots longer than usual as they watched changes in the race.
Jubilation at Bernie’s Colorado HQ as news breaks that he’s the projected winner here. pic.twitter.com/XN0SeF65M3 — Alex Burness (@alex_burness) March 4, 2020
Some counties, including Denver, anticipated ballot-counting to carry over at least into Wednesday.
On the Republican side, Trump faced five lesser-known challengers who qualified for the state’s primary ballot. With 630,854 GOP ballots counted, he was winning nearly 93% of the vote at 11:54 p.m., followed by former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, at 3%.
Sanders won the Colorado caucuses in 2016, beating Hillary Clinton by nearly 19 percentage points. Participation then was limited to registered Democrats, however, and about 124,000 Coloradans participated.
This time, Sanders won the reinstated primary with just two paid staffers in the state. Key were his network of an estimated 15,000 volunteers — which the campaign put to work making phone calls and knocking on doors — and enthusiasm for him here that never died down.
Colorado Democrats get their say
Voters interviewed Tuesday as they dropped off ballots or visited voting centers said they weighed the candidates’ differences as well as their perceived chances against Trump.
“I’m not that politically aware, but this year I want to see some change,” said Allie Filmanowicz, 26, a Sanders supporter in Denver who took advantage of the fact that Coloradans can register and vote on the same day. “I don’t like what’s happening now. … Things like climate change are really important to me. I’m a little bit older now, and I’m realizing that things aren’t going to change unless everyone participates.”
Ben Rippe, 37, a Denver Democrat, said he struggled to decide on his vote as he looked ahead to November.
“I’ve been kicking back and forth between Bernie and Biden for the past week, but in the last two days I decided to go with Biden,” he said. “When it’s going to come down to it, he’s going to be the one that more independents and Republicans can switch to” from Trump. “We’ve got to come back to some normalcy in this country.”
Susan Yetter, 69, said she followed Buttigieg’s endorsement and voted for Biden.
“I love Pete and I think they may be a good combo, so I had no problem with Joe because he’s ‘Grandpa Joe,'” the Denver Democrat said. “But I think Pete demonstrated that being a good person diffuses a lot of the anger and darkness. I support a lot of Bernie’s agendas, but I don’t think he’s the right guy at this moment. He’s another angry, old white guy and I don’t think we need more anger right now.”
Dhalia Gomez, 23, said Sanders’ focus on expanding access to health care under a universal government-run program drew her in, even if she is uncertain about Sanders’ chances if he wins the nomination: “I think it’s a toss-up between him and Trump, because there’s so much support on either side. It would be nice to have someone that’s for the people (and) that doesn’t propagate hatred.”
Ted Lassen, 65, a retired teacher in Denver, was drawn to Bloomberg, seeing his more moderate stances as better positioned to win in the fall.
“The last thing we need is another ideologue, which is why I don’t like Sanders,” Lassen said. “(Bloomberg) was mayor of New York City for 12 years, and I heard stuff (about him) here and there — so as soon as I heard he’s running, I said, ‘That’s my man.'”
For any of the Democratic candidates to win some of Colorado’s 67 “pledged” delegates, they must meet a 15% support threshold statewide or within at least one of the state’s seven congressional districts. Twenty-three delegates will be assigned proportionately statewide, and 44 will be assigned based on results within congressional districts.
Colorado has another dozen “automatic” delegates, including Democratic National Committee members and elected officials, who are not bound by election results. But they no longer are able to participate in the first ballot at the convention if the nomination is still contested.
Staff writers Alex Burness and Linnea Lipson contributed to this story.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--RTD oversight bill moves out of Senate committee but measure not ready for prime time

A bill that would place the beleaguered Regional Transportation District under a bigger microscope moved out of a Senate committee Tuesday , but much work needs to be done on the measure before it makes it to the floor of the legislature for a final vote .
“ You ’ re going to have to find the middle ground of consensus at the next committee , ” said Sen. Kerry Donovan , D-Vail , addressing a long list of witnesses who testified in favor and against Senate Bill 151 in front of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee , where lawmakers will sort through a thorny thicket of legal issues that are embedded in the legislation .
“ Sometimes with these hard bills , it takes some work , ” bill co-sponsor Sen. Robert Rodriguez , D-Denver , said Tuesday .
One of the more contentious elements of the bill addresses RTD ’ s level of service to the disabled community and the legislation ’ s attempt to give those with complaints more opportunity to sue the agency for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act — not just in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
RTD counters that opening an additional venue of litigation will result in an avalanche of lawsuits that would divert scarce money from transit operations to lawyers .
The agency says it already fully complies with federal disability regulations .
“ It doesn ’ t put wheels on roads , it doesn ’ t put trains on tracks , it doesn ’ t put wrenches in ( mechanics ’ ) hands , ” said RTD board director Troy Whitmore in opposition to SB 151 .
New RTD interim general manager Paul Ballard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of another transit agency in the country that operates under “ duplicative oversight ” as proposed in the bill .
Senate Bill 151 would create two oversight bodies for RTD — an Americans with Disabilities Advisory Council to deal specifically with those issues and a blue-ribbon control board with members appointed by the legislature and the governor to examine everything from RTD ’ s financial management to its system of governance to its adherence to climate change goals .
The bill also calls for a higher level of transparency at RTD , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 41 and giving whistle-blower protection to employees filing complaints .
Jordan Sibayan , a disability rights activists with the group Atlantis ADAPT , said it ’ s time to “ get RTD back on track ” when it comes to serving the disabled community .
“ We need public transit — we need public transit for everyone , ” Sibayan said .
“ The system works best when accessibility is built into it.
” Krystin Trustman , who has been using RTD ’ s Access-a-Ride service since 2013 , testified that it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and discrimination of not being properly secured and not making it to medical appointments.
” “ Don ’ t just listen to us and walk away , ” she told the committee from her wheelchair Tuesday .
Some of the original elements of SB 151 have been tempered since the bill was introduced in January .
Two ex-officio members — from the Colorado Department of Transportation and treasury department — that would have been added to RTD ’ s 15-member elected board of directors have been struck from the bill .
And two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with advocating for disadvantaged communities and riders with disabilities will no longer have voting power .
RTD has been dogged by bad headlines of late , as the agency faces a driver shortage and potential cuts to service .

A bill that would place the beleaguered Regional Transportation District under a bigger microscope moved out of a Senate committee Tuesday, but much work needs to be done on the measure before it makes it to the floor of the legislature for a final vote.
“You’re going to have to find the middle ground of consensus at the next committee,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, addressing a long list of witnesses who testified in favor and against Senate Bill 151 in front of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee.
The bill next heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where lawmakers will sort through a thorny thicket of legal issues that are embedded in the legislation.
“Sometimes with these hard bills, it takes some work,” bill co-sponsor Sen. Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, said Tuesday.
One of the more contentious elements of the bill addresses RTD’s level of service to the disabled community and the legislation’s attempt to give those with complaints more opportunity to sue the agency for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act — not just in federal court but in state court, too.
RTD counters that opening an additional venue of litigation will result in an avalanche of lawsuits that would divert scarce money from transit operations to lawyers. The agency says it already fully complies with federal disability regulations.
“It doesn’t put wheels on roads, it doesn’t put trains on tracks, it doesn’t put wrenches in (mechanics’) hands,” said RTD board director Troy Whitmore in opposition to SB 151.
New RTD interim general manager Paul Ballard testified that he wasn’t aware of another transit agency in the country that operates under “duplicative oversight” as proposed in the bill.
Senate Bill 151 would create two oversight bodies for RTD — an Americans with Disabilities Advisory Council to deal specifically with those issues and a blue-ribbon control board with members appointed by the legislature and the governor to examine everything from RTD’s financial management to its system of governance to its adherence to climate change goals.
The bill also calls for a higher level of transparency at RTD, including placing directors under the constraints of Amendment 41 and giving whistle-blower protection to employees filing complaints.
Jordan Sibayan, a disability rights activists with the group Atlantis ADAPT, said it’s time to “get RTD back on track” when it comes to serving the disabled community.
“We need public transit — we need public transit for everyone,” Sibayan said. “The system works best when accessibility is built into it.”
Krystin Trustman, who has been using RTD’s Access-a-Ride service since 2013, testified that it has amounted to “six years of frustration and discrimination of not being properly secured and not making it to medical appointments.”
“Don’t just listen to us and walk away,” she told the committee from her wheelchair Tuesday.
Some of the original elements of SB 151 have been tempered since the bill was introduced in January. Two ex-officio members — from the Colorado Department of Transportation and treasury department — that would have been added to RTD’s 15-member elected board of directors have been struck from the bill.
And two appointed board members who would be tasked with advocating for disadvantaged communities and riders with disabilities will no longer have voting power.
RTD has been dogged by bad headlines of late, as the agency faces a driver shortage and potential cuts to service.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Smoky Hill junior Jalen Weaver “won’t let anything get in his way”

AURORA – From a young age , Smoky Hill ’ s Jalen Weaver learned all about responsibility .
It started at home , where his older sister , Sadé , has faced a lifelong battle with epilepsy , a neurological disorder that causes seizures and many other symptoms .
It ’ s a condition that makes everyday activities a challenge .
And Jalen has had to be there to help make life a little easier for his sister — whether it ’ s tying her shoes or heating up a meal .
“ Early on in life , I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would always need special attention , ” their mother , Linda , said .
“ He understood .
Jalen has always been keen on that .
We ’ ve dealt with some adversity , but it shows his true character.
” That character also comes through on the basketball court , where Weaver has long been someone his coaches and teammates can count on .
As Smoky Hill ( 18-6 ) navigates its way through the Class 5A state basketball tournament , the 6-foot-4 , 180-pound junior guard has been outstanding .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine rebounds against Fossil Ridge in Saturday ’ s 105-75 second-round win .
One game before that , he had 25 points and 10 rebounds against Cherry Creek in Smoky Hill ’ s regular-season finale .
“ He gives us athleticism , shooting and a high basketball I.Q.
, ” Smoky Hill head coach Anthony Hardin said .
“ He ’ s one of the best scorers in the state and he ’ s probably the best player in the Class of 2021.
” With time divided between basketball , home life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle for a 17-year-old .
But Jalen ’ s work ethic is apparent to all who know him .
As Coach Hardin tells it , he ’ s had to kick Jalen out of the gym in order for the coaching staff to run freshman practices .
Even then , the junior will ask to stick around to run sprints with the younger players .
He credits his parents for instilling in him the value of hard work .
Linda is a social worker and his father , Jamykal , works as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long hours in the gym pale in comparison to the sacrifices his parents have made for him .
“ I see my mom waking up everyday to go to work , get me to school and invest her time and money to get me shoes and get me to practice , ” Jalen said .
“ That motivates me to work harder.
” Weaver ’ s play has already garnered attention from colleges .
Scholarships offers from UMass and Montana State are on the table .
Schools such as Colorado , Colorado State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also shown interest .
Working in tandem with senior point guard Quinten Rock , Weaver is an essential cog in Smoky Hill ’ s fast-paced offense .
He ’ s averaging 18.6 points , 3.0 assists and a team-high 5.0 rebounds per game .
“ There are other schools in our league and around the state who play slow , stall and hold the ball , ” said Hardin .
“ We want to play fast .
We want to maximize possessions .
We want to press you in the full court .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” For Weaver , it ’ s a system that provides options , whether it involves driving to the basket or looking for a wide-open shot , as well as fine-tuning his game .
“ I ’ ve been working on getting stronger , because when you ’ re running the gauntlet ( in college ) , there ’ s going to be 7-footers in the paint , ” he said .
“ I want to continue to work on getting to the basket and having a tighter handle .
I also know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time , so I ’ ve got to create for myself.
” He also wants to win a state championship — or two .
For someone that ’ s been so reliable for others , he ’ ll have more than a few folks rooting for him .
“ Jalen is in control of his own destiny , ” Linda said .
“ If he wants to go get it , he won ’ t let anything get in his way .
”

AURORA – From a young age, Smoky Hill’s Jalen Weaver learned all about responsibility.
It started at home, where his older sister, Sadé, has faced a lifelong battle with epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes seizures and many other symptoms. It’s a condition that makes everyday activities a challenge. And Jalen has had to be there to help make life a little easier for his sister — whether it’s tying her shoes or heating up a meal.
“Early on in life, I had to explain to Jalen that his sister would always need special attention,” their mother, Linda, said. “He understood. Jalen has always been keen on that. We’ve dealt with some adversity, but it shows his true character.”
That character also comes through on the basketball court, where Weaver has long been someone his coaches and teammates can count on.
As Smoky Hill (18-6) navigates its way through the Class 5A state basketball tournament, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound junior guard has been outstanding. He put up a team-high 23 points and nine rebounds against Fossil Ridge in Saturday’s 105-75 second-round win. One game before that, he had 25 points and 10 rebounds against Cherry Creek in Smoky Hill’s regular-season finale.
“He gives us athleticism, shooting and a high basketball I.Q.,” Smoky Hill head coach Anthony Hardin said. “He’s one of the best scorers in the state and he’s probably the best player in the Class of 2021.”
With time divided between basketball, home life and school, it’s a lot to handle for a 17-year-old. But Jalen’s work ethic is apparent to all who know him.
As Coach Hardin tells it, he’s had to kick Jalen out of the gym in order for the coaching staff to run freshman practices. Even then, the junior will ask to stick around to run sprints with the younger players.
He credits his parents for instilling in him the value of hard work. Linda is a social worker and his father, Jamykal, works as an EMT. For their son, long hours in the gym pale in comparison to the sacrifices his parents have made for him.
“I see my mom waking up everyday to go to work, get me to school and invest her time and money to get me shoes and get me to practice,” Jalen said. “That motivates me to work harder.”
Weaver’s play has already garnered attention from colleges. Scholarships offers from UMass and Montana State are on the table. Schools such as Colorado, Colorado State, Denver, Arizona and Loyola-Chicago have also shown interest.
Working in tandem with senior point guard Quinten Rock, Weaver is an essential cog in Smoky Hill’s fast-paced offense. He’s averaging 18.6 points, 3.0 assists and a team-high 5.0 rebounds per game.
“There are other schools in our league and around the state who play slow, stall and hold the ball,” said Hardin. “We want to play fast. We want to maximize possessions. We want to press you in the full court. We want to speed the game up.”
For Weaver, it’s a system that provides options, whether it involves driving to the basket or looking for a wide-open shot, as well as fine-tuning his game.
“I’ve been working on getting stronger, because when you’re running the gauntlet (in college), there’s going to be 7-footers in the paint,” he said. “I want to continue to work on getting to the basket and having a tighter handle. I also know I can’t get open all the time, so I’ve got to create for myself.”
He also wants to win a state championship — or two. For someone that’s been so reliable for others, he’ll have more than a few folks rooting for him.
“Jalen is in control of his own destiny,” Linda said. “If he wants to go get it, he won’t let anything get in his way.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-05--Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk gets 90 stitches after taking skate to face

NEW YORK — New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk needed 90 stitches to his eyelid after being hit in the face with a skate but suffered no damage to his eye , president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said Wednesday .
Boychuk was cut Tuesday night when he was hit by Artturi Lehkonen ’ s skate as the Montreal Canadiens left wing fell forward .
“ Johnny Boychuk is OK.
There ’ s been no damage to his eye , ” Lamoriello told reporters .
“ He felt the skate blade get his eye , but fortunately , it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stitches to fix ; a plastic surgeon took care of it .
I don ’ t want to exaggerate with the stitches because they do very small stitches , but there were 90 of them.
” Both players were in front of the Islanders ’ net during the third period when Lehkonen fell , causing his legs to go into the air and his right skate to connect with Boychuk under the visor .
Boychuk was down on the ice briefly before he got up and skated off the ice with his hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll be fine , ” Lamoriello said .
“ It ’ s just a matter of time with the eye opening up and him feeling good.
” There is no timetable on his return .
Boychuk previously took a skate to the neck in a Feb. 28 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs last season .
He returned later that game .

NEW YORK — New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk needed 90 stitches to his eyelid after being hit in the face with a skate but suffered no damage to his eye, president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said Wednesday.
Boychuk was cut Tuesday night when he was hit by Artturi Lehkonen’s skate as the Montreal Canadiens left wing fell forward.
“Johnny Boychuk is OK. There’s been no damage to his eye,” Lamoriello told reporters. “He felt the skate blade get his eye, but fortunately, it just got the eyelid. It took 90 stitches to fix; a plastic surgeon took care of it. I don’t want to exaggerate with the stitches because they do very small stitches, but there were 90 of them.”
Both players were in front of the Islanders’ net during the third period when Lehkonen fell, causing his legs to go into the air and his right skate to connect with Boychuk under the visor. Boychuk was down on the ice briefly before he got up and skated off the ice with his hand covering his face.
“He’ll be fine,” Lamoriello said. “It’s just a matter of time with the eye opening up and him feeling good.”
There is no timetable on his return.
Boychuk previously took a skate to the neck in a Feb. 28 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. He returned later that game.
The Canadiens won Tuesday’s game 6-2.


thedenverpost--2020-03-05--Denver police officer suspended for 2 weeks after conviction for off-duty drunk driving

A Denver police officer served two weeks suspension without pay after he pleaded guilty to driving drunk while off duty .
Officer Ryan Barnes ’ blood-alcohol content was .163 — more than twice the legal limit — when he was stopped on June 14 by a Jefferson County sheriff ’ s deputy , according to a disciplinary letter from the Denver Department of Public Safety obtained by The Denver Post through an open-records request .
The deputy stopped Barnes ’ vehicle after he saw it weave and fail to use a turn signal .
The deputy arrested Barnes because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slurred when he spoke , the letters states .
Barnes pleaded guilty on Oct. 29 to driving while impaired and was sentenced to 14 months of probation , which requires that he attend an alcohol education program .
Although Barnes enrolled himself in alcohol education classes before his sentence , he faced a higher level of discipline because his blood-alcohol content was so high .
“ Officer Barnes committed a serious offense of driving while ability impaired , ” Deputy Director of Safety Mary Dulacki wrote in the disciplinary letter .
“ However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his misconduct as evidence by the steps he took on his own , prior to appearing in court to address it , he has evidenced his commitment to receiving help and preventing a reoccurrence .
”

A Denver police officer served two weeks suspension without pay after he pleaded guilty to driving drunk while off duty.
Officer Ryan Barnes’ blood-alcohol content was .163 — more than twice the legal limit — when he was stopped on June 14 by a Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy, according to a disciplinary letter from the Denver Department of Public Safety obtained by The Denver Post through an open-records request.
The deputy stopped Barnes’ vehicle after he saw it weave and fail to use a turn signal. The deputy arrested Barnes because he smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred when he spoke, the letters states.
Barnes pleaded guilty on Oct. 29 to driving while impaired and was sentenced to 14 months of probation, which requires that he attend an alcohol education program.
Although Barnes enrolled himself in alcohol education classes before his sentence, he faced a higher level of discipline because his blood-alcohol content was so high.
“Officer Barnes committed a serious offense of driving while ability impaired,” Deputy Director of Safety Mary Dulacki wrote in the disciplinary letter. “However, because Officer Barnes accepted responsibility for his misconduct as evidence by the steps he took on his own, prior to appearing in court to address it, he has evidenced his commitment to receiving help and preventing a reoccurrence.”
Barnes served his suspension in February.


thedenverpost--2020-03-05--Denver police officers keep jobs after fatally shooting incorrectly identified man

Two Denver police officers will serve 90 days of unpaid suspension for killing a man and injuring another after erroneously identifying one of the men as an attempted homicide suspect .
Officers Susan Mercado and Austin Barela avoided being fired — the presumptive penalty for a policy violation that could result in serious injury or death — because the Denver Department of Public Safety found the officers shot at a man they reasonably believed to be an escaped inmate who was considered dangerous and suspected of attempted murder .
Instead of shooting at the escapee , they were firing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nguyen and 24-year-old Rafael Landeros Jr .
The two men fled from police who were surveilling a residence they thought the escaped inmate , Mauricio Venzor-Gonzalez , might return to .
The officers killed Nguyen and wounded Landeros during the March 19 , 2018 , incident .
“ While Officer Barela ’ s belief that he was in a situation that permitted him to use deadly force was not reasonable , his belief that he was engaging a violent , dangerous felon was , ” Deputy Director of Public Safety Mary Dulacki wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained by The Denver Post through an open-records request .
“ This belief , taken in the context of a rapidly evolving situation , warrants a penalty in the mitigated range.
” The March 19 incident began when Venzor-Gonzalez escaped from Denver sheriff ’ s deputies who were transporting him to a medical appointment .
Venzor-Gonzalez had not been handcuffed and when he exited the sheriff ’ s van , he climbed over a gate and ran away .
Later that day , officers were watching the home of Venzor-Gonzalez ’ s girlfriend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mercado ’ s and Barela ’ s disciplinary letters .
About 6:20 p.m. , an SUV with two men in the front seat circled the home several times .
The passenger covered his face with his sweatshirt , according to the letters .
When Venzor-Gonzalez ’ s girlfriend left the house and drove away , the suspect car followed closely behind her .
Two detectives in the fugitive unit relayed that they believed the passenger was Venzor-Gonzalez .
Officers from Denver and Aurora followed the SUV and attempted to stop the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Park Hill neighborhood .
Multiple police cars pursued the SUV .
During the pursuit , Barela believed he saw the passenger in the SUV throw a gun out the window .
The object was later determined to be a box containing methamphetamine .
The SUV soon ran off the road and stopped near the Park Hill Golf Club and Barela exited his patrol car , demanding that the passenger show his hands .
Barela later told investigators that he saw the passenger door open briefly .
Barela opened fire because he believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While he fired , the vehicle started rolling down a hill toward a drainage ditch .
Barela continued to fire and later told investigators that fired until he saw the men inside stop moving .
Barela fired an entire magazine of rounds , reloaded , and fired another magazine of rounds until he didn ’ t see any more movement in the SUV .
Another officer , William Bohm , also opened fire after hearing Barela ’ s gunshots and believed they were being fired upon .
Investigators later found that Barela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
Mercado arrived on scene after the two officers began firing .
She exited her car and ran toward the SUV and fired twice as it slid down the hill .
She said in a later interview that she fired because she feared the suspect would escape and that she believed the suspect was shooting .
Two other officers , when they arrived on scene , did not fire their weapons and instead took cover behind their cars .
When officers approached the vehicle at the bottom of the drainage ditch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passenger .
Nguyen , who had been driving the SUV , died at the scene of three gunshot wounds .
Landeros , in the passenger seat , had a graze wound on his abdomen .
Officers found a loaded handgun in the door of the SUV but there was no evidence it had been fired during the incident , according to the disciplinary letters .
In a later interview with police , Landeros said he knew Venzor-Gonzalez but that they had nothing to do with his escape .
He said he and Nguyen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were driving a stolen car .
The Department of Public Safety found that both Barela and Mercado violated department policy that strictly limits shooting at moving vehicles and that their use of deadly force was “ neither reasonable or necessary , ” the officers ’ disciplinary letters state .
Neither were confronted with an imminent use of deadly force , Dulacki wrote , and Barela never sought cover before advancing , which placed him in a “ vulnerable position that may have contributed to the fear that factored in his decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the time to assess the situation before firing , Dulacki wrote .
“ An ordinary and prudent police officer facing similar circumstances would not act or think in a similar way , ” Dulacki wrote in Barela ’ s letter , citing the two other officers who arrived on scene who did not fire their guns .
But Barela and Mercado were not fired because the department found that their belief they were pursuing an escaped inmate suspected of firing at police was reasonable .
Mercado joined the department in 2008 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third officer who fired that day , has not yet been disciplined in connection to the case .
Denver District Attorney Beth McCann in 2018 cleared the three officers of criminal wrongdoing , but urged the department to review whether the cops violated department policy .
Venzor-Gonzalez was arrested five months after his escape and later sentenced to a total of 36 years in prison for escape and attempted murder .

Two Denver police officers will serve 90 days of unpaid suspension for killing a man and injuring another after erroneously identifying one of the men as an attempted homicide suspect.
Officers Susan Mercado and Austin Barela avoided being fired — the presumptive penalty for a policy violation that could result in serious injury or death — because the Denver Department of Public Safety found the officers shot at a man they reasonably believed to be an escaped inmate who was considered dangerous and suspected of attempted murder.
Instead of shooting at the escapee, they were firing at two other men, 27-year-old Steven Lee Nguyen and 24-year-old Rafael Landeros Jr. The two men fled from police who were surveilling a residence they thought the escaped inmate, Mauricio Venzor-Gonzalez, might return to. The officers killed Nguyen and wounded Landeros during the March 19, 2018, incident.
“While Officer Barela’s belief that he was in a situation that permitted him to use deadly force was not reasonable, his belief that he was engaging a violent, dangerous felon was,” Deputy Director of Public Safety Mary Dulacki wrote in Barela’s disciplinary letter, obtained by The Denver Post through an open-records request. “This belief, taken in the context of a rapidly evolving situation, warrants a penalty in the mitigated range.”
The March 19 incident began when Venzor-Gonzalez escaped from Denver sheriff’s deputies who were transporting him to a medical appointment. Venzor-Gonzalez had not been handcuffed and when he exited the sheriff’s van, he climbed over a gate and ran away.
Later that day, officers were watching the home of Venzor-Gonzalez’s girlfriend in case he came there, according to Mercado’s and Barela’s disciplinary letters. About 6:20 p.m., an SUV with two men in the front seat circled the home several times. The passenger covered his face with his sweatshirt, according to the letters. When Venzor-Gonzalez’s girlfriend left the house and drove away, the suspect car followed closely behind her.
Two detectives in the fugitive unit relayed that they believed the passenger was Venzor-Gonzalez. Officers from Denver and Aurora followed the SUV and attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled into the North East Park Hill neighborhood.
Multiple police cars pursued the SUV. During the pursuit, Barela believed he saw the passenger in the SUV throw a gun out the window. The object was later determined to be a box containing methamphetamine.
The SUV soon ran off the road and stopped near the Park Hill Golf Club and Barela exited his patrol car, demanding that the passenger show his hands. Barela later told investigators that he saw the passenger door open briefly. Barela opened fire because he believed the passenger might start shooting at officers. While he fired, the vehicle started rolling down a hill toward a drainage ditch. Barela continued to fire and later told investigators that fired until he saw the men inside stop moving.
Barela fired an entire magazine of rounds, reloaded, and fired another magazine of rounds until he didn’t see any more movement in the SUV. Another officer, William Bohm, also opened fire after hearing Barela’s gunshots and believed they were being fired upon. Investigators later found that Barela fired 34 rounds and Bohm fired 12 times.
Mercado arrived on scene after the two officers began firing. She exited her car and ran toward the SUV and fired twice as it slid down the hill. She said in a later interview that she fired because she feared the suspect would escape and that she believed the suspect was shooting.
Two other officers, when they arrived on scene, did not fire their weapons and instead took cover behind their cars.
When officers approached the vehicle at the bottom of the drainage ditch, they realized they had mistakenly identified the passenger. Nguyen, who had been driving the SUV, died at the scene of three gunshot wounds. Landeros, in the passenger seat, had a graze wound on his abdomen.
Officers found a loaded handgun in the door of the SUV but there was no evidence it had been fired during the incident, according to the disciplinary letters.
In a later interview with police, Landeros said he knew Venzor-Gonzalez but that they had nothing to do with his escape. He said he and Nguyen fled police because they both had warrants and were driving a stolen car.
The Department of Public Safety found that both Barela and Mercado violated department policy that strictly limits shooting at moving vehicles and that their use of deadly force was “neither reasonable or necessary,” the officers’ disciplinary letters state.
Neither were confronted with an imminent use of deadly force, Dulacki wrote, and Barela never sought cover before advancing, which placed him in a “vulnerable position that may have contributed to the fear that factored in his decision to fire his weapon.” Mercado failed to take the time to assess the situation before firing, Dulacki wrote.
“An ordinary and prudent police officer facing similar circumstances would not act or think in a similar way,” Dulacki wrote in Barela’s letter, citing the two other officers who arrived on scene who did not fire their guns.
But Barela and Mercado were not fired because the department found that their belief they were pursuing an escaped inmate suspected of firing at police was reasonable. Mercado joined the department in 2008 and Barela joined in 2014.
Bohm, the third officer who fired that day, was found to have followed the department’s policies. He did not face discipline.
Denver District Attorney Beth McCann in 2018 cleared the three officers of criminal wrongdoing, but urged the department to review whether the cops violated department policy.
Venzor-Gonzalez was arrested five months after his escape and later sentenced to a total of 36 years in prison for escape and attempted murder.
This story was updated at 10:35 a.m., March 5 to correct the Denver Police Department’s disciplinary decision for Officer William Bohm. He did not receive discipline for his actions in the shooting.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Rockies Recap: Antonio Senzatela, Jeff Hoffman sharp in loss to Rangers

On the mound : It was a good day for rotation candidates Antonio Senzatela and Jeff Hoffman , both of whom threw two scoreless innings .
Hoffman ’ s curveball was especially effective .
… Closer Wade Davis tossed a spotless fifth inning with one strikeout .
He ’ s unscored upon in two Cactus League appearances .
At the plate : Outfielder Raimel Tapia led off the game with a homer and added a single in the third … Veteran Chris Owings , making a strong bid to be the utility infielder , went 3 for 3 and hiked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sam Hilliard , battling to make the 26-man roster , had a tough day , striking out three times as his averaged dipped to .167 .
He has nine strikeouts in 24 at-bats .
Worth noting : Right-hander Daniel Bard , pitching for the first time in two years , struggled in one-third of an inning .
He was charged with six runs on four hits and two walks .
Up next ( split-squad ) : Rockies ( 6-5 ) at White Sox ( 6-5 ) , 1:05 p.m. , Camelback Ranch Rockies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wes Parsons , RHP Joe Harvey , LHP Phillip Diehl , RHP Tommy Doyle , RHP Alexander Guillen White Sox pitchers : RHP Drew Anderson , RHP Carson Fulmer , RHP Alex Colomé , RHP Zack Burdi , RHP Matt Foster , RHP José Ruiz

Rangers 7, Rockies 4
At Surprise Stadium, Surprise, Ariz.
On the mound: It was a good day for rotation candidates Antonio Senzatela and Jeff Hoffman, both of whom threw two scoreless innings. Hoffman’s curveball was especially effective. … Closer Wade Davis tossed a spotless fifth inning with one strikeout. He’s unscored upon in two Cactus League appearances.
At the plate: Outfielder Raimel Tapia led off the game with a homer and added a single in the third … Veteran Chris Owings, making a strong bid to be the utility infielder, went 3 for 3 and hiked his average to .364. … Outfielder Sam Hilliard, battling to make the 26-man roster, had a tough day, striking out three times as his averaged dipped to .167. He has nine strikeouts in 24 at-bats.
Worth noting: Right-hander Daniel Bard, pitching for the first time in two years, struggled in one-third of an inning. He was charged with six runs on four hits and two walks.
Up next (split-squad):
Rockies (6-5) at White Sox (6-5), 1:05 p.m., Camelback Ranch
Rockies pitchers: RHP Peter Lambert, RHP Wes Parsons, RHP Joe Harvey, LHP Phillip Diehl, RHP Tommy Doyle, RHP Alexander Guillen
White Sox pitchers: RHP Drew Anderson, RHP Carson Fulmer, RHP Alex Colomé, RHP
Zack Burdi, RHP Matt Foster, RHP José Ruiz
Royals (6-6) at Rockies (6-5), 1:10 p.m., Salt River Fields
Royals pitchers: RHP Brad Keller, RHP Tyler Zuber, LHP Gabe Speier, RHP Glenn Sparkman, LHP Jake Kalish, LHP Foster Griffin, RHP Kevin McCarthy, RHP Chance Adams, RHP Conner Greene, RHP Brady Singer
Rockies pitchers: RHP Chi Chi González, RHP Antonio Santos, LHP Tim Collins, RHP Carlos Estévez, RHP Tyler Kinley, RHP Jesus Tinoco


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--U.S. House passes $8.3B bill to battle coronavirus; Ken Buck casts 1 of 2 votes against it

WASHINGTON — The Democratic-controlled House passed an $ 8.3 billion measure Wednesday to battle the coronavirus outbreak that ’ s spreading rapidly and threatening a major shock to the economy and disruptions to everyday life in the U.S .
The swift and sweeping bipartisan vote was a relative rarity in a polarized Washington and came just nine days after the president outlined a $ 2.5 billion plan that both Trump ’ s GOP allies and Democratic critics said was insufficient .
The 415-2 vote came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi beat a tactical retreat on vaccine price guarantees and followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes .
“ The government ’ s greatest responsibility is to keep Americans safe , ” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey , D-N.Y. “ This emergency supplemental addresses the coronavirus and takes critical steps to protect the American people from this deadly and expanding outbreak.
” Rep. Ken Buck , a Greeley Republican and chairman of the Colorado GOP , cast one of the two votes against the measure .
“ Since day 1 , Democrats have politicized the coronavirus , ” Buck tweeted Wednesday .
“ The president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughtful proposal to address our coronavirus response needs.
” The Senate is likely to pass the measure Thursday and send it to the White House for Trump ’ s signature .
The legislation came together in little more than a week — and more than triples Trump ’ s request — sped along by fears of the outbreak ’ s growing threat .
Trump is sure to sign the measure , which has the blessing of top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , and top House Republican Kevin McCarthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for collaboration and unity , ” McConnell said .
“ It ’ s time to give our public health experts and healthcare professionals the surge resources they need at this challenging time.
” The agreement came together after Pelosi , D-Calif. , dropped a demand , opposed by Republicans and the drug industry , to guarantee that any vaccines and drug treatments developed with government-backed research — but manufactured by drug companies — be offered at “ affordable ” prices .
Pelosi opted to avoid a confrontation that could have delayed the legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than $ 3 billion would be dedicated to research and development on vaccines , medicines for treatment , and diagnostic tests , including $ 300 million for the government to purchase such drugs from manufacturers at “ fair and reasonable ” prices to distribute them to those who need it — which is the standard applied in earlier crises like the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak .
It also would provide more than $ 2 billion to help federal , state and local governments prepare for and respond to the coronavirus threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s rapid response fund .
Another $ 1.3 billion would be used to help fight the virus overseas .
Almost $ 1 billion would provide medical supplies and other preparedness steps : $ 350 million to aggressively go after the virus in “ hot spots ” like Washington state ; $ 500 million to buy drugs , masks and other medical supplies for states , local governments and hospitals ; and $ 100 million for community health centers .
It would devote $ 500 million to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would permit sick people to get treatment without visiting a doctor .
“ This robust , bipartisan agreement goes far above the President ’ s totally inadequate request to actually meet the needs we are hearing from our states and will help ensure tests and vaccines are available to everyone who needs them , ” said Sen. Patty Murray , D-Wash .
The legislation comes as the outbreak in the U.S. appears increasingly likely to affect workers who would be instructed to stay home , immigrants who may fear seeking treatment because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and homeless people .
Widespread school closures are possible as well .
“ The American people are apprehensive about the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. and abroad .
Global financial markets are on edge , ” said Sen. Richard Shelby , R-Ala. , chairman of the Appropriations Committee .
“ Both are resilient , but vigorous action is needed to calm nerves , stabilize the situation , and get our arms around this crisis.
” Vice President Mike Pence , who is coordinating the administration ’ s response , returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Democrats and Republicans , winning praise from both sides .
“ The vice president is trying to be as calming as he can and frankly his comments for the most part … his comments seem to be pretty well aligned with where we are on this , ” said Ren Dan Kildee , D-Mich. Also Wednesday , top congressional leaders met to discuss what additional steps may be needed to ensure the safety of the Capitol complex — for lawmakers and staff , as well as the annual influx of visitors this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a “ good , positive meeting about unity , and how we want to protect the Capitol and have continuity of operations for the Congress.
” Asked whether the Capitol and its visitors center and galleries will remain open , Pelosi said , “ Yes , at this time yes.
” Wednesday ’ s developments also included a move by the Department of Health and Human Services to provide and initial $ 35 million in aid to 28 states and localities to help their public health departments respond to the outbreak and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington state , which has seen 10 deaths , will get $ 2.75 million , while California will get $ 4.5 million .
The money should be available to the states by early next week , federal officials said , and comes from more than $ 135 million that HHS Secretary Alex Azar transferred from other department accounts to help with the coronavirus response .

WASHINGTON — The Democratic-controlled House passed an $8.3 billion measure Wednesday to battle the coronavirus outbreak that’s spreading rapidly and threatening a major shock to the economy and disruptions to everyday life in the U.S.
The swift and sweeping bipartisan vote was a relative rarity in a polarized Washington and came just nine days after the president outlined a $2.5 billion plan that both Trump’s GOP allies and Democratic critics said was insufficient.
The 415-2 vote came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi beat a tactical retreat on vaccine price guarantees and followed a debate that lasted only a few minutes.
“The government’s greatest responsibility is to keep Americans safe,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y. “This emergency supplemental addresses the coronavirus and takes critical steps to protect the American people from this deadly and expanding outbreak.”
Rep. Ken Buck, a Windsor Republican and chairman of the Colorado GOP, cast one of the two votes against the measure.
“Since day 1, Democrats have politicized the coronavirus,” Buck tweeted Wednesday. “The president’s initial $2.5 billion request was a thoughtful proposal to address our coronavirus response needs.”
The Senate is likely to pass the measure Thursday and send it to the White House for Trump’s signature. The legislation came together in little more than a week — and more than triples Trump’s request — sped along by fears of the outbreak’s growing threat.
Trump is sure to sign the measure, which has the blessing of top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and top House Republican Kevin McCarthy of California.
“This moment calls for collaboration and unity,” McConnell said. “It’s time to give our public health experts and healthcare professionals the surge resources they need at this challenging time.”
The agreement came together after Pelosi, D-Calif., dropped a demand, opposed by Republicans and the drug industry, to guarantee that any vaccines and drug treatments developed with government-backed research — but manufactured by drug companies — be offered at “affordable” prices. Pelosi opted to avoid a confrontation that could have delayed the legislation’s path through Congress.
Instead, more than $3 billion would be dedicated to research and development on vaccines, medicines for treatment, and diagnostic tests, including $300 million for the government to purchase such drugs from manufacturers at “fair and reasonable” prices to distribute them to those who need it — which is the standard applied in earlier crises like the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak.
It also would provide more than $2 billion to help federal, state and local governments prepare for and respond to the coronavirus threat, including $300 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s rapid response fund. Another $1.3 billion would be used to help fight the virus overseas.
Almost $1 billion would provide medical supplies and other preparedness steps: $350 million to aggressively go after the virus in “hot spots” like Washington state; $500 million to buy drugs, masks and other medical supplies for states, local governments and hospitals; and $100 million for community health centers. It would devote $500 million to Medicare for remote “telehealth” consultations that would permit sick people to get treatment without visiting a doctor.
“This robust, bipartisan agreement goes far above the President’s totally inadequate request to actually meet the needs we are hearing from our states and will help ensure tests and vaccines are available to everyone who needs them,” said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
The legislation comes as the outbreak in the U.S. appears increasingly likely to affect workers who would be instructed to stay home, immigrants who may fear seeking treatment because they are in the U.S. illegally, and homeless people. Widespread school closures are possible as well.
“The American people are apprehensive about the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. and abroad. Global financial markets are on edge,” said Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., chairman of the Appropriations Committee. “Both are resilient, but vigorous action is needed to calm nerves, stabilize the situation, and get our arms around this crisis.”
Vice President Mike Pence, who is coordinating the administration’s response, returned to the Capitol Wednesday afternoon to separately brief House Democrats and Republicans, winning praise from both sides.
“The vice president is trying to be as calming as he can and frankly his comments for the most part … his comments seem to be pretty well aligned with where we are on this,” said Ren Dan Kildee, D-Mich.
Also Wednesday, top congressional leaders met to discuss what additional steps may be needed to ensure the safety of the Capitol complex — for lawmakers and staff, as well as the annual influx of visitors this spring.
Afterward, Pelosi said it was a “good, positive meeting about unity, and how we want to protect the Capitol and have continuity of operations for the Congress.” Asked whether the Capitol and its visitors center and galleries will remain open, Pelosi said, “Yes, at this time yes.”
Wednesday’s developments also included a move by the Department of Health and Human Services to provide and initial $35 million in aid to 28 states and localities to help their public health departments respond to the outbreak and increase their surveillance for the virus.
Washington state, which has seen 10 deaths, will get $2.75 million, while California will get $4.5 million. The money should be available to the states by early next week, federal officials said, and comes from more than $135 million that HHS Secretary Alex Azar transferred from other department accounts to help with the coronavirus response.
The Denver Post contributed.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Nuggets to sign shooting guard Troy Daniels, source confirms

CHARLOTTE — The Denver Nuggets are finalizing a deal with veteran guard Troy Daniels , a league source confirmed to @ @ @ @ @ , who was recently waived by the Lakers , averaged 4.2 points in 11.1 minutes @ @ @ @ @ .
He was also shooting nearly 36 % from 3-point range over 41 games .
@ @ @ @ @ in the NBA , including stints with Houston , Charlotte , Minnesota , Memphis and @ @ @ @ @ likely Daniels understands the Nuggets ’ depth and is aware that minutes could be scarce @ @ @ @ @ McRae earlier this week after he was unable to develop a role with the team @ @ @ @ @ .
The Nuggets ’ roster now stands at 16 , including a pair of two-way @ @ @ @ @ spot available .
Coming off Tuesday ’ s loss to Golden State , the Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ Charlotte on Wednesday ahead of a Thursday night matchup .
Nine of their next 11 @ @ @ @ @ .

CHARLOTTE — The Denver Nuggets are finalizing a deal with veteran guard Troy Daniels, a league source confirmed to The Denver Post.
Daniels, who was recently waived by the Lakers, averaged 4.2 points in 11.1 minutes for Los Angeles this season. He was also shooting nearly 36% from 3-point range over 41 games. This is his seventh season in the NBA, including stints with Houston, Charlotte, Minnesota, Memphis and Phoenix.
It’s likely Daniels understands the Nuggets’ depth and is aware that minutes could be scarce. Denver released guard Jordan McRae earlier this week after he was unable to develop a role with the team following his trade from Washington.
The Nuggets’ roster now stands at 16, including a pair of two-way players, with one potential spot available.
Coming off Tuesday’s loss to Golden State, the Nuggets (41-20) traveled to Charlotte on Wednesday ahead of a Thursday night matchup. Nine of their next 11 games are on the road.
ESPN first reported the news.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Signatures turned in for Colorado abortion ban ballot measure

Two of the organizers of the “ Due Too Late ” campaign embraced each other and began to cry Wednesday afternoon after submitting 29 boxes of signatures from Colorado voters for a statewide ballot measure to ban late-term abortions .
Volunteers collected about 138,500 signatures , according to the group .
To get the question on the November ballot , 124,632 of them must be valid .
The campaign estimated that more than 11 % of signers are Democrats and more than 26 % unaffiliated , saying it was a grassroots effort that drew people of various political and religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Office has 30 days to figure out how many of those signatures are valid , after which the campaign will have 15 days to get new signatures if needed .
“ We are here just being the voice for those who don ’ t have a voice , ” co-sponsor Giuliana Day said .
The signature deadline comes on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in June Medical Services v. Cusso , a case that abortion rights activists fear could overturn Roe v. Wade .
Colorado doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates aren ’ t worried about access in the state .
But they worry about the effect it will have nationally , making it more difficult for people who can ’ t afford to travel to get abortions .
Day , however , called unrestricted access to abortions “ too extreme ” and group spokesperson Lauren Castillo said the attention nationally has created momentum to “ protect life at all stages.
” Initiative 120 calls for banning abortions after 22 weeks in a woman ’ s pregnancy in Colorado .
Medical providers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal penalties .
The initiative makes an exception to save a woman ’ s life but not for cases of rape and incest .
It has received support from various pro-life groups , including the Archdiocese of Denver , though some argue it doesn ’ t go far enough .
Organizers are confident they have enough signatures , but they have a plan for collecting more if needed in the 15-day cure period .
Abortion rights activists , however , cast doubt on that , noting that similar initiatives to place restriction on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ validity rates between 70-80 % , much lower than the percentage Due Too Late would need for its signatures collected so far to qualify the measure for the ballot .

Two of the organizers of the “Due Date Too Late” campaign embraced each other and began to cry Wednesday afternoon after submitting 29 boxes of signatures from Colorado voters for a statewide ballot measure to ban late-term abortions.
Volunteers collected about 138,500 signatures, according to the group. To get the question on the November ballot, 124,632 of them must be valid. The campaign estimated that more than 11% of signers are Democrats and more than 26% unaffiliated, saying it was a grassroots effort that drew people of various political and religious affiliations.
The Secretary of State’s Office has 30 days to figure out how many of those signatures are valid, after which the campaign will have 15 days to get new signatures if needed.
“We are here just being the voice for those who don’t have a voice,” co-sponsor Giuliana Day said.
The signature deadline comes on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in June Medical Services v. Cusso, a case that abortion rights activists fear could overturn Roe v. Wade. Colorado doesn’t have any restrictions on abortions, so advocates aren’t worried about access in the state. But they worry about the effect it will have nationally, making it more difficult for people who can’t afford to travel to get abortions.
Day, however, called unrestricted access to abortions “too extreme” and group spokesperson Lauren Castillo said the attention nationally has created momentum to “protect life at all stages.”
Initiative 120 calls for banning abortions after 22 weeks in a woman’s pregnancy in Colorado. Medical providers who perform procedures after that time could face criminal penalties. The initiative makes an exception to save a woman’s life but not for cases of rape and incest. It has received support from various pro-life groups, including the Archdiocese of Denver, though some argue it doesn’t go far enough.
Organizers are confident they have enough signatures, but they have a plan for collecting more if needed in the 15-day cure period.
Abortion rights activists, however, cast doubt on that, noting that similar initiatives to place restriction on abortions in Colorado in previous years had validity rates between 70-80%, much lower than the percentage Due Date Too Late would need for its signatures collected so far to qualify the measure for the ballot.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Josh Fuentes impressing Rockies this spring, including cousin Nolan Arenado

SURPRISE , Ariz. — Just a year ago , Josh Fuentes had the temerity to utter these words : “ I will die saying this : I think I ’ m better than Nolan.
” Nolan , of course , is Nolan Arenado , Fuentes ’ older cousin , perennial all-star and seven-time Gold Glove winner .
Only Fuentes knows how much he truly believed his brash statement or whether he just wanted to get under his cousin ’ s skin .
This spring , Fuentes , 27 , is letting his play speak for him .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite going 0-for-3 in Wednesday ’ s game against the Texas Rangers .
That performance , combined with his budding versatility in the infield , has him pushing for a spot on the 26-man roster .
He could provide a right-handed bat off the bench , occasionally spell lefty Daniel Murphy at first base and even fill in for his cousin at third base on those rare days Arenado needs a break .
Fuentes has been working extensively in the morning with infield coach Stu Cole to become a better first baseman .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more mature baseball player .
“ It ’ s a 180-degree difference from last year … I feel like I belong , ” Fuentes said .
“ I worked so hard this offseason , and I worked with Nolan a lot , and that helped a lot .
And I ’ m getting a lot of playing time , so , obviously , that helps .
I ’ m starting every other game , so that ’ s been huge .
Plus , I think I ’ ve earned the confidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cousin ’ s respect .
“ I ’ ve never seen Josh work like he did this winter , he was so committed , ” Arenado said .
“ He ’ s really good on defense and he can play anywhere .
Of course , I ’ m biased because he ’ s my cousin , but I would love him on our team .
I truly believe he can help our team win.
” Arenado pointed to a Cactus League at-bat Tuesday as proof of Fuente ’ s development .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never easy , and he drove in a run with a sac fly , ” Arenado said .
“ That ’ s exactly the kind of at-bat that helps you win games.
” Said Fuentes : “ That was huge for me .
I know that before it kind of seemed like I was getting overwhelmed in those situations .
Maybe I would get a little tight up there and try to do too much — hit a homer or whatever.
” Last year , shortly after he took a dig at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his left hand and missed the rest of spring training .
He received his first major-league call-up in early April and batted 2-for-18 in nine games before being optioned back to Triple-A Albuquerque .
When he returned to the Rockies in September , he slashed .270/.289/.541 with three home runs and seven RBIs in 15 games .
This spring , the Rockies are intent on giving Fuentes a long look .
His track record demands it .
A non-drafted free agent out of Missouri Baptist University in 2014 , he was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he slashed .327/.354/.517 with 14 home runs and 95 RBIs in 135 games .
“ Josh , not unlike Nolan , is a baseball rat , ” manager Bud Black said .
“ He loves to get in the cage , he loves to do the work , he loves to talk baseball .
You can see the joy when he plays and that ’ s what I want to see .
There was a little bit of pressure last year when he came up .
But this year , so far @ @ @ @ @

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Just a year ago, Josh Fuentes had the temerity to utter these words: “I will die saying this: I think I’m better than Nolan.”
Nolan, of course, is Nolan Arenado, Fuentes’ older cousin, perennial all-star and seven-time Gold Glove winner. Only Fuentes knows how much he truly believed his brash statement or whether he just wanted to get under his cousin’s skin.
This spring, Fuentes, 27, is letting his play speak for him. He’s batting .400 in Cactus League play, despite going 0-for-3 in Wednesday’s game against the Texas Rangers.
That performance, combined with his budding versatility in the infield, has him pushing for a spot on the 26-man roster. He could provide a right-handed bat off the bench, occasionally spell lefty Daniel Murphy at first base and even fill in for his cousin at third base on those rare days Arenado needs a break. Fuentes has been working extensively in the morning with infield coach Stu Cole to become a better first baseman.
One thing is certain: Fuentes is a more mature baseball player.
“It’s a 180-degree difference from last year … I feel like I belong,” Fuentes said. “I worked so hard this offseason, and I worked with Nolan a lot, and that helped a lot. And I’m getting a lot of playing time, so, obviously, that helps. I’m starting every other game, so that’s been huge. Plus, I think I’ve earned the confidence of my teammates.”
He certainly has his cousin’s respect.
“I’ve never seen Josh work like he did this winter, he was so committed,” Arenado said. “He’s really good on defense and he can play anywhere. Of course, I’m biased because he’s my cousin, but I would love him on our team. I truly believe he can help our team win.”
Arenado pointed to a Cactus League at-bat Tuesday as proof of Fuente’s development.
“He came off the bench, which is never easy, and he drove in a run with a sac fly,” Arenado said. “That’s exactly the kind of at-bat that helps you win games.”
Said Fuentes: “That was huge for me. I know that before it kind of seemed like I was getting overwhelmed in those situations. Maybe I would get a little tight up there and try to do too much — hit a homer or whatever.”
Last year, shortly after he took a dig at his cousin, Fuentes broke the hamate bone in his left hand and missed the rest of spring training. He received his first major-league call-up in early April and batted 2-for-18 in nine games before being optioned back to Triple-A Albuquerque. When he returned to the Rockies in September, he slashed .270/.289/.541 with three home runs and seven RBIs in 15 games.
This spring, the Rockies are intent on giving Fuentes a long look. His track record demands it. A non-drafted free agent out of Missouri Baptist University in 2014, he was the Triple-A Pacific Coast League MMP in 2018 when he slashed .327/.354/.517 with 14 home runs and 95 RBIs in 135 games.
“Josh, not unlike Nolan, is a baseball rat,” manager Bud Black said. “He loves to get in the cage, he loves to do the work, he loves to talk baseball. You can see the joy when he plays and that’s what I want to see. There was a little bit of pressure last year when he came up. But this year, so far, so good.”


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Tim Howard, former Rapids goalkeeper, ends retirement to play for second-tier Memphis

MEMPHIS , Tenn. — Retirement did not last long for former U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard , who will play for the United Soccer League team that he co-owns .
The 40-year-old former Everton standout announced Wednesday that he will be on the field this season for Memphis in the second-tier USL League Championship , pending league and U.S. Soccer Federation approval .
He retired last October at the end of the MLS season , his last with the Colorado Rapids .
“ Since my retirement in October , my obsession for football has grown , ” Howard said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win continues to drive me .
I love to play , and I love to compete .
This gives me the opportunity to do both.
” In addition to being a non-controlling owner , Howard already was sporting director .
Howard has played 21 years in professional soccer , including 13 seasons in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Everton .
He was Premier League goalkeeper of the year in 2004 while with Manchester United .
He played the past four seasons with Colorado in MLS and was with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2003 .
He made 121 appearances with the U.S. national team and was in goal at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups .

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Retirement did not last long for former U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, who will play for the United Soccer League team that he co-owns.
The 40-year-old former Everton standout announced Wednesday that he will be on the field this season for Memphis in the second-tier USL League Championship, pending league and U.S. Soccer Federation approval. He retired last October at the end of the MLS season, his last with the Colorado Rapids.
“Since my retirement in October, my obsession for football has grown,” Howard said in a statement. “The desire to win continues to drive me. I love to play, and I love to compete. This gives me the opportunity to do both.”
In addition to being a non-controlling owner, Howard already was sporting director.
Howard has played 21 years in professional soccer, including 13 seasons in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Everton. He was Premier League goalkeeper of the year in 2004 while with Manchester United. He played the past four seasons with Colorado in MLS and was with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars between 1998 and 2003.
He made 121 appearances with the U.S. national team and was in goal at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.


thedenverpost--2020-03-04--Rapids to sign keeper William Yarbrough from León out of top Mexican league, source says

The Colorado Rapids are expected to sign goalkeeper William Yarbrough , a league source confirmed .
The 30-year-old Mexican-American announced @ @ @ @ @ during a news conference Wednesday .
The 6-foot-2 keeper has been with León in LIGA @ @ @ @ @ is expected to join the Rapids Friday after signing a one-year deal on loan from @ @ @ @ @ The Rapids will control his MLS rights .
A former member of the USMNT , @ @ @ @ @ for his club since 2018 when they acquired Rodolfo Cota .
He has made 168 @ @ @ @ @ .
He has recorded 48 shutouts in his time with León .
The Rapids currently @ @ @ @ @ starting in net , but the source says Yarbrough is expected to compete with Irwin @ @ @ @ @ Irwin was the backup last year for Tim Howard , who left Colorado at season @ @ @ @ @ Rapids did a lot to reinforce their defense in the offseason and it already paid @ @ @ @ @ with a 2-1 road win in Washington D.C .

The Colorado Rapids are expected to sign goalkeeper William Yarbrough, a league source confirmed. The 30-year-old Mexican-American announced his impending move to Colorado during a news conference Wednesday.
The 6-foot-2 keeper has been with León in LIGA MX since 2012. He is expected to join the Rapids on Friday after signing a one-year deal on loan from the top-tier Mexican club. The Rapids will control his MLS rights.
A former member of the USMNT, Yarbrough has been the backup for his club since 2018 when they acquired Rodolfo Cota. He has made 168 appearances for the Guanajuato-based club. He has recorded 48 shutouts in his time with León.
The Rapids currently have MLS veteran Clint Irwin starting in net, but the source says Yarbrough is expected to compete with Irwin for the top job. Irwin was the backup last year for Tim Howard, who left Colorado at season’s end.
The Rapids did a lot to reinforce their defense in the offseason and it already paid off in their first game with a 2-1 road win in Washington D.C.