thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Boy Scouts file for bankruptcy protection due to sex-abuse lawsuits

Barraged by hundreds of sex-abuse lawsuits , the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday in hopes of working out a potentially mammoth victim compensation plan that will allow the hallowed , 110-year-old organization to carry on .
The Chapter 11 filing in federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington , Delaware , sets in motion what could be one of the biggest , most complex bankruptcies ever seen .
Scores of lawyers are seeking settlements on behalf of several thousand men who say they were molested as scouts by scoutmasters or other leaders decades ago but are only now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their states ’ statute-of-limitations laws .
By going to bankruptcy court , the Scouts can put those lawsuits on hold for now .
But ultimately they could be forced to sell off some of their vast property holdings , including campgrounds and hiking trails , to raise money for a compensation fund that could surpass a billion dollars .
“ Scouting programs will continue throughout this process and for many years to come , ” said Evan Roberts , a spokesman for the Scouts .
” Local councils are not filing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distinct organizations.
” ” The Boy Scouts are just the latest major American institution to face a heavy price over sexual abuse .
Roman Catholic dioceses across the country and schools such as Penn State and Michigan State have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years .
The bankruptcy represents a painful turn for an organization that has been a pillar of American civic life for generations and a training ground for future leaders .
Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout has long been a proud accomplishment that politicians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their resumes and in their official biographies .
The Boy Scouts ’ finances have been strained in recent years by declining membership and sex-abuse settlements .
The number of youths taking part in scouting has dropped below 2 million , down from more than 4 million in peak years of the 1970s .
The organization has tried to counter the decline by admitting girls , but its membership rolls took a big hit Jan. 1 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — for decades a major sponsor of Boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 400,000 scouts in favor of programs of its own .
The financial outlook had worsened last year after New York , Arizona , New Jersey and California passed laws making it easier for victims of long-ago abuse to file claims .
Teams of lawyers across the U.S. have been signing up clients by the hundreds to sue the Boy Scouts .
Most of the newly surfacing cases date to the 1960s , ’ 70s and ’ 80s ; the organization says there were only five known abuse victims in 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an array of prevention policies adopted since the mid-1980s , including mandatory criminal background checks and abuse-prevention training for all staff and volunteers , and a rule that two or more adult leaders be present during all activities .
In many ways , the crisis parallels the one facing the Catholic Church in the U.S .
Both institutions boast of major progress over recent decades in combating abuse .
whether by priests or scout leaders , but both face many lawsuits alleging negligence and cover-ups , mostly decades ago .
Among the matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fate of the Boy Scouts ’ assets ; the extent to which the organization ’ s insurance will help cover compensation ; and whether assets of the Scouts ’ more than 260 local councils will be added to the fund .
“ There are a lot of very angry , resentful men out there who will not allow the Boy Scouts to get away without saying what all their assets are , ” said lawyer Paul Mones , who represents numerous clients suing the BSA .
“ They want no stone unturned.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Scouts recently mortgaged the major properties owned by the national leadership , including the headquarters in Irving , Texas , and the 140,000-acre Philmont Ranch in New Mexico , to help secure a line of credit .
Founded in 1910 , the Boy Scouts have kept confidential files since the 1920s listing staff and volunteers implicated in sexual abuse , for the avowed purpose of keeping predators away from youth .
According to a court deposition , the files as of January listed 7,819 suspected abusers and 12,254 victims .
Until last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never knowingly allowed a predator to work with youths .
But in May , The Associated Press reported that attorneys for abuse victims had identified multiple cases in which known predators were allowed to return to leadership posts .
The next day , Boy Scouts chief executive Mike Surbaugh wrote to a congressional committee , acknowledging the group ’ s previous claim was untrue .
James Kretschmer of Houston , among the many men suing for alleged abuse , says he was molested by a Scout leader over several months in the mid-1970s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Regarding the bankruptcy , he said , “ It is a shame because at its core and what it was supposed to be , the Boy Scouts is a beautiful organization.
” “ But you know , anything can be corrupted , ” he added .
“ And if they ’ re not going to protect the people that they ’ ve entrusted with the children , then shut it down and move on.
” Ahead of the Chapter 11 filing , lawyers said that because of the organization ’ s 50-state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to churches and civic groups that sponsor scout troops , a bankruptcy by the Boy Scouts would be unprecedented in its complexity .
It would be national in scope , unlike the various Catholic Church bankruptcy cases , which have unfolded diocese by diocese .
“ A Boy Scout bankruptcy would be bigger in scale than any other child abuse bankruptcy we ’ ve ever seen , ” said Seattle-based attorney Mike Pfau , whose firm is representing scores of men nationwide alleging they were abused as Boy Scouts .
Illustrating the depth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 sued six of its insurers for refusing to cover its sex abuse liabilities .
The insurers said their obligation was void because the Scouts refused to take effective preventive measures such as warning parents that boys might be abused .

Barraged by hundreds of sex-abuse lawsuits, the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday in hopes of working out a potentially mammoth victim compensation plan that will allow the hallowed, 110-year-old organization to carry on.
The Chapter 11 filing in federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Delaware, sets in motion what could be one of the biggest, most complex bankruptcies ever seen. Scores of lawyers are seeking settlements on behalf of several thousand men who say they were molested as scouts by scoutmasters or other leaders decades ago but are only now eligible to sue because of recent changes in their states’ statute-of-limitations laws.
By going to bankruptcy court, the Scouts can put those lawsuits on hold for now. But ultimately they could be forced to sell off some of their vast property holdings, including campgrounds and hiking trails, to raise money for a compensation fund that could surpass a billion dollars.
“Scouting programs will continue throughout this process and for many years to come,” said Evan Roberts, a spokesman for the Scouts. ”Local councils are not filing for bankruptcy because they are legally separate and distinct organizations.””
The Boy Scouts are just the latest major American institution to face a heavy price over sexual abuse. Roman Catholic dioceses across the country and schools such as Penn State and Michigan State have paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years.
The bankruptcy represents a painful turn for an organization that has been a pillar of American civic life for generations and a training ground for future leaders. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout has long been a proud accomplishment that politicians, business leaders, astronauts and others put on their resumes and in their official biographies.
The Boy Scouts’ finances have been strained in recent years by declining membership and sex-abuse settlements.
The number of youths taking part in scouting has dropped below 2 million, down from more than 4 million in peak years of the 1970s. The organization has tried to counter the decline by admitting girls, but its membership rolls took a big hit Jan. 1 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — for decades a major sponsor of Boy Scout units — cut ties and withdrew more than 400,000 scouts in favor of programs of its own.
The financial outlook had worsened last year after New York, Arizona, New Jersey and California passed laws making it easier for victims of long-ago abuse to file claims. Teams of lawyers across the U.S. have been signing up clients by the hundreds to sue the Boy Scouts.
Most of the newly surfacing cases date to the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s; the organization says there were only five known abuse victims in 2018. The Boy Scouts credit the change to an array of prevention policies adopted since the mid-1980s, including mandatory criminal background checks and abuse-prevention training for all staff and volunteers, and a rule that two or more adult leaders be present during all activities.
In many ways, the crisis parallels the one facing the Catholic Church in the U.S. Both institutions boast of major progress over recent decades in combating abuse. whether by priests or scout leaders, but both face many lawsuits alleging negligence and cover-ups, mostly decades ago.
Among the matters to be addressed in bankruptcy court: the fate of the Boy Scouts’ assets; the extent to which the organization’s insurance will help cover compensation; and whether assets of the Scouts’ more than 260 local councils will be added to the fund.
“There are a lot of very angry, resentful men out there who will not allow the Boy Scouts to get away without saying what all their assets are,” said lawyer Paul Mones, who represents numerous clients suing the BSA. “They want no stone unturned.”
Amid the crush of lawsuits, the Scouts recently mortgaged the major properties owned by the national leadership, including the headquarters in Irving, Texas, and the 140,000-acre Philmont Ranch in New Mexico, to help secure a line of credit.
Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts have kept confidential files since the 1920s listing staff and volunteers implicated in sexual abuse, for the avowed purpose of keeping predators away from youth. According to a court deposition, the files as of January listed 7,819 suspected abusers and 12,254 victims.
Until last spring, the organization had insisted it never knowingly allowed a predator to work with youths. But in May, The Associated Press reported that attorneys for abuse victims had identified multiple cases in which known predators were allowed to return to leadership posts. The next day, Boy Scouts chief executive Mike Surbaugh wrote to a congressional committee, acknowledging the group’s previous claim was untrue.
James Kretschmer of Houston, among the many men suing for alleged abuse, says he was molested by a Scout leader over several months in the mid-1970s in the Spokane, Washington, area. Regarding the bankruptcy, he said, “It is a shame because at its core and what it was supposed to be, the Boy Scouts is a beautiful organization.”
“But you know, anything can be corrupted,” he added. “And if they’re not going to protect the people that they’ve entrusted with the children, then shut it down and move on.”
Ahead of the Chapter 11 filing, lawyers said that because of the organization’s 50-state presence, as well as its ties to churches and civic groups that sponsor scout troops, a bankruptcy by the Boy Scouts would be unprecedented in its complexity. It would be national in scope, unlike the various Catholic Church bankruptcy cases, which have unfolded diocese by diocese.
“A Boy Scout bankruptcy would be bigger in scale than any other child abuse bankruptcy we’ve ever seen,” said Seattle-based attorney Mike Pfau, whose firm is representing scores of men nationwide alleging they were abused as Boy Scouts.
Illustrating the depth of its problems, the organization in 2018 sued six of its insurers for refusing to cover its sex abuse liabilities. The insurers said their obligation was void because the Scouts refused to take effective preventive measures such as warning parents that boys might be abused.
Associated Press video journalist John Mone in Houston contributed.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Colorado pastor accused of mismanaging more than $2 million, raiding teacher’s funds

A pastor who once ran a Catholic school in Denver is now at the center of a lawsuit , which @ @ @ @ @ mismanaging more than $ 2 million in school funds .
That figure includes $ 250,000 @ @ @ @ @ fund to help a teacher at the school pay for the education of her four @ @ @ @ @ passed away from cancer .
The lawsuit , first obtained by Denver7 , states Father @ @ @ @ @ de Paul Catholic Parish and School “ to accrue over 2 million dollars in losses.
@ @ @ @ @ frittered away $ 2.2 million worth of assets within two years .
The lawsuit goes @ @ @ @ @ tried to cover those losses by raiding restricted funds .
In one specific example highlighted @ @ @ @ @ is accused of using nearly $ 100,000 from a Teachers ’ Endowment Fund so that @ @ @ @ @ .

A pastor who once ran a Catholic school in Denver is now at the center of a lawsuit, which claims he is responsible for mismanaging more than $2 million in school funds.
That figure includes $250,000 which was stored in a fund to help a teacher at the school pay for the education of her four children after their father suddenly passed away from cancer.
The lawsuit, first obtained by Denver7, states Father Andrew Kemberling caused St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Parish and School “to accrue over 2 million dollars in losses.”
The lawsuit states Kemberling frittered away $2.2 million worth of assets within two years.
The lawsuit goes on to say that Kemberling tried to cover those losses by raiding restricted funds. In one specific example highlighted in the lawsuit, Kemberling is accused of using nearly $100,000 from a Teachers’ Endowment Fund so that the school could make payroll.
Read the full story here.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen to miss “weeks” with upper-body injury suffered in overtime loss to Light

Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen to miss “weeks” with upper-body injury suffered in overtime loss to Lightning

Forward Mikko Rantanen suffered an apparent shoulder injury Monday night in Colorado ’ s 3-2 overtime loss to the Lightning and is expected to miss “ weeks , ” coach Jared Bednar told reporters .
It resulted from a tripping penalty late in the second period on Tampa Bay defenseman Erik Cernak , sending Rantanen crashing into the boards .
Rantanen was in pain and clearly favored his left shoulder as he exited the Pepsi Center ice toward the tunnel for treatment .
Colorado designated it as an upper-body injury , and Rantanen was ruled out for a return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of injured Avalanche players : goalie Philipp Grubauer ( day to day ) , forward Matt Calvert ( week to week ) , forward Nazem Kadri ( week to week ) and forward Colin Wilson ( indefinite ) .
“ Other guys have to step up , ” Bednar said .
“ It ’ s a great opportunity .
We have to find a way to carve out wins like we did earlier in the year .
It ’ s going to get tougher and tougher , but hopefully , we can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our team as soon as possible .
Guys are going to get opportunities and call-ups .
… Guys that have been here and are wanting more ice time , we ’ ll see what they ’ ve got.
” Rantanen previously missed 16 games this season in October-November with an ankle injury .
He has recorded 41 points ( 19 goals ) over 42 games played this season .
On Monday night , Rantanen assisted on Colorado ’ s opening goal to forward Andre Burakovsky .
The Avalanche ( 33-18-7 ) host the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday to complete a five-game homestand .
Colorado is 1-3-0 over its prior four games .

The Avalanche injury problem is snowballing.
Forward Mikko Rantanen suffered an apparent shoulder injury Monday night in Colorado’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Lightning and is expected to miss “weeks,” coach Jared Bednar told reporters. It resulted from a tripping penalty late in the second period on Tampa Bay defenseman Erik Cernak, sending Rantanen crashing into the boards.
Rantanen was in pain and clearly favored his left shoulder as he exited the Pepsi Center ice toward the tunnel for treatment. Colorado designated it as an upper-body injury, and Rantanen was ruled out for a return to play.
Rantanen joins a growing list of injured Avalanche players: goalie Philipp Grubauer (day to day), forward Matt Calvert (week to week), forward Nazem Kadri (week to week) and forward Colin Wilson (indefinite).
“Other guys have to step up,” Bednar said. “It’s a great opportunity. We have to find a way to carve out wins like we did earlier in the year. It’s going to get tougher and tougher, but hopefully, we can get those guys healthy and back to joining our team as soon as possible. Guys are going to get opportunities and call-ups. … Guys that have been here and are wanting more ice time, we’ll see what they’ve got.”
Rantanen previously missed 16 games this season in October-November with an ankle injury. He has recorded 41 points (19 goals) over 42 games played this season. On Monday night, Rantanen assisted on Colorado’s opening goal to forward Andre Burakovsky.
The Avalanche (33-18-7) host the New York Islanders (33-19-6) on Wednesday to complete a five-game homestand. Colorado is 1-3-0 over its prior four games.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Tampa Bay extends win streak to 11 with overtime goal to beat Avalanche

Lightning struck twice at the Pepsi Center on Monday night .
First , Avalanche first-line winger Mikko Rantanen was tripped into the end boards in the second period and didn ’ t return .
Colorado ’ s highest-paid player be out “ weeks ” with a shoulder injury .
And then the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning got a slick breakaway goal from standout Nikita Kucherov 3:03 into overtime to extend its winning streak to 11 games , winning 4-3 in a game Colorado skated off with a well-earned point .
“ Their best player had a breakaway and I wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Avs goalie Pavel Francouz said .
“ We came back from 3-1 to 3-3 .
That ’ s the best part of the game .
Unfortunately , we lost in OT.
” The Avs climbed back from a 3-1 deficit behind goals from Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin .
Colorado , which was in position to tie St. Louis and Dallas with a Central Division/Western Conference-high 74 points with a victory , fell to 3-7 in overtime .
The Avs ( 33-18-7 , 73 points ) snapped a two-game points streak and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought we played hard start to finish , ” Avs coach Jared Bednar said .
“ I loved our dig-in , our sticktoitiveness to stay with it and grind , work , push back and take it to overtime.
” Colorado led 1-0 after the first period before allowing two goals within 16 seconds and another 10 minutes later to trail 3-1 late in the second .
MacKinnon scored his team-high 33rd goal of the season with 1:34 remaining in the middle frame to get the Avs back within one .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third period , when Cale Makar ‘ s long wrist shot caromed in off the chest of Nichushkin .
Rantanen left with a shoulder injury early in the second period when he was tripped into the end boards by Tampa Bay defenseman Erik Cernak .
Bending over , Rantanen skated directly to the bench and walked into the dressing room tunnel .
He did not return and Bednar said he will be out “ weeks.
” Cernak was penalized for tripping but , adding insult to injury , the Avs failed to convert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who assisted on Colorado ’ s first goal for his 41st point in 42 games , missed 16 games earlier this season with an ankle injury .
Tampa Bay , which had former Colorado College goalie Curtis McElhinney , collected points in its 13th straight games , going 12-0-1 .
The Lightning , which also had a 10-game winning streak from Dec. 23 to Jan. 11 , is now 23-2-1 in its last 26 games .
Francouz , stepping in for the injured Philipp Grubauer , had 23 saves for Colorado .
Grubauer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games but is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury after colliding with a teammate Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings .
Francouz got the win in Colorado ’ s 6-2 victory at Tampa Bay on Oct. 19 .
The Avs scored on their first power play to open the scoring 4:49 into the game .
From behind the net , Rantanen made a short pass to Andre Burakovsky from the doorstep and he buried a snap shot inside the far post .
Both teams finished with 10 shots in the opening 20 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the second and took the lead at 5:10 .
The goals came from winger Alex Killorn and defenseman Brendan Gaunce .
Killorn had an open net to shoot at on a back-door feed from Ondrej Palat and Gaunce ’ s slap shot from the blue line found its way in through traffic .
“ The opportunities they had — I think we ’ re giving it to them , ” Burakovsky said .
“ In OT , it ’ s 50-50 .
It can go either way .
And today wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kucherov .
Reigning Hart Trophy winner as league MVP had the game-winning overtime goal .
2 .
Nathan MacKinnon .
Avs superstar had two points , including a goal in a team-high 27:13 3 .
Victor Hedman .
Lightning defenseman and team captain logged a game-high 29:51 and was plus-2 .
Next up : New York Islanders , Wednesday at the Pepsi Center .
Footnotes .
The Avs played their fourth consecutive game without second-line center Nazem Kadri , who was expected to miss 4-6 weeks beginning Feb. 10 with a leg injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Calvert , who suffered a lower-body injury Saturday and is expected to miss several weeks .
… The Avs complete their five-game homestand Wednesday against the New York Islanders .

Lightning struck twice at the Pepsi Center on Monday night. First, Avalanche first-line winger Mikko Rantanen was tripped into the end boards in the second period and didn’t return. Colorado’s highest-paid player be out “weeks” with a shoulder injury.
And then the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning got a slick breakaway goal from standout Nikita Kucherov 3:03 into overtime to extend its winning streak to 11 games, winning 4-3 in a game Colorado skated off with a well-earned point.
“Their best player had a breakaway and I wasn’t able to stop it,” Avs goalie Pavel Francouz said. “We came back from 3-1 to 3-3. That’s the best part of the game. Unfortunately, we lost in OT.”
The Avs climbed back from a 3-1 deficit behind goals from Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin. Colorado, which was in position to tie St. Louis and Dallas with a Central Division/Western Conference-high 74 points with a victory, fell to 3-7 in overtime. The Avs (33-18-7, 73 points) snapped a two-game points streak and remain third in the division/conference.
“I thought we played hard start to finish,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “I loved our dig-in, our sticktoitiveness to stay with it and grind, work, push back and take it to overtime.”
Colorado led 1-0 after the first period before allowing two goals within 16 seconds and another 10 minutes later to trail 3-1 late in the second. MacKinnon scored his team-high 33rd goal of the season with 1:34 remaining in the middle frame to get the Avs back within one.
The Avs then tied it 12:43 into the third period, when Cale Makar‘s long wrist shot caromed in off the chest of Nichushkin.
Rantanen left with a shoulder injury early in the second period when he was tripped into the end boards by Tampa Bay defenseman Erik Cernak. Bending over, Rantanen skated directly to the bench and walked into the dressing room tunnel. He did not return and Bednar said he will be out “weeks.”
Cernak was penalized for tripping but, adding insult to injury, the Avs failed to convert on the power play. Rantanen, who assisted on Colorado’s first goal for his 41st point in 42 games, missed 16 games earlier this season with an ankle injury.
Tampa Bay, which had former Colorado College goalie Curtis McElhinney, collected points in its 13th straight games, going 12-0-1. The Lightning, which also had a 10-game winning streak from Dec. 23 to Jan. 11, is now 23-2-1 in its last 26 games.
Francouz, stepping in for the injured Philipp Grubauer, had 23 saves for Colorado. Grubauer had started seven of the last eight games but is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury after colliding with a teammate Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.
Francouz got the win in Colorado’s 6-2 victory at Tampa Bay on Oct. 19.
The Avs scored on their first power play to open the scoring 4:49 into the game. From behind the net, Rantanen made a short pass to Andre Burakovsky from the doorstep and he buried a snap shot inside the far post. Both teams finished with 10 shots in the opening 20 minutes.
But the Lightning tied it 4:54 into the second and took the lead at 5:10. The goals came from winger Alex Killorn and defenseman Brendan Gaunce. Killorn had an open net to shoot at on a back-door feed from Ondrej Palat and Gaunce’s slap shot from the blue line found its way in through traffic.
“The opportunities they had — I think we’re giving it to them,” Burakovsky said. “In OT, it’s 50-50. It can go either way. And today wasn’t our way.”
Denver Post three stars:
1. Nikita Kucherov. Reigning Hart Trophy winner as league MVP had the game-winning overtime goal.
2. Nathan MacKinnon. Avs superstar had two points, including a goal in a team-high 27:13
3. Victor Hedman. Lightning defenseman and team captain logged a game-high 29:51 and was plus-2.
Next up: New York Islanders, Wednesday at the Pepsi Center.
Footnotes. The Avs played their fourth consecutive game without second-line center Nazem Kadri, who was expected to miss 4-6 weeks beginning Feb. 10 with a leg injury. Colorado also played without versatile winger Matt Calvert, who suffered a lower-body injury Saturday and is expected to miss several weeks. … The Avs complete their five-game homestand Wednesday against the New York Islanders.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Kiszla: With loss of Avs star Mikko Rantanen to serious injury, the pressure’s on Joe Sakic to make

Kiszla: With loss of Avs star Mikko Rantanen to serious injury, the pressure’s on Joe Sakic to make trade deadline deal

Now we find out if the Avalanche is really serious about being a Stanley Cup contender , or if general manager Joe Sakic is content to play for next year .
The NHL trade deadline is Feb. 24 .
As currently constructed , the Avs are just good enough to break your heart in the playoffs .
His action ( or inaction ) will speak louder than words about what Sakic really thinks about this team .
Anybody who watched the fireworks in Tampa Bay ’ s 4-3 overtime victory against Colorado Monday night at the Pepsi Center could see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goaltender who can carry them to a championship .
While Philipp Grubauer ( currently injured ) and Pavel Francouz are competent pros , either man would rank closer to the bottom than the top in a ranking of netminders in this year ’ s postseason field .
And this is gon na hurt : Mikko Rantanen will be out for multiple weeks after taking a nasty fall into the boards during the second period , with what appeared to be a serious injury to his collarbone or shoulder .
The pressure is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can keep the Avs in contention for a top playoff seed in the highly competitive Western Conference .
With seats in the arena reserved for scouts from Montreal , Los Angeles and Detroit , all teams that figure to be sellers at the deadline , I dreamed of the Avs adding a goaltender .
But with a salary cap hit in excess of $ 10 million from now until the middle of this decade , 32-year-old Canadiens goalie Carey Price falls well beyond a reasonable price range for Sakic or any other general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Henrik Lundqvist isn ’ t walking through those doors in the Avalanche dressing room any time soon , it appears Colorado will have to run and gun its way through the playoff bracket .
On this cold February night , it didn ’ t require an active imagination to fantasize about one hot Stanley Cup Final , featuring the Avalanche and Lightning .
The mountains .
The beach .
And two of the game ’ s most dangerous scoring lines on the ice .
Would that be any fun ?
Tampa Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2004 , is definitely in win-now mode .
The Lightning paid a pretty penny , essentially surrendering two first-round draft choices , in order to acquire New Jersey forward Blake Coleman , who scored 21 goals for the Devils this season .
If Sakic wasn ’ t in on the bidding , he should have been .
Avalanche fans who weren ’ t stuck in traffic at Air Force Academy on Saturday were wowed by the hat trick of Kings forward Tyler Toffoli during Los Angeles ’ 3-1 victory against Colorado .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great wearing burgundy and blue ?
Well , never mind .
Toffoli was traded Monday to Vancouver , shortly before the puck dropped in the Pepsi Center .
With Nazem Kadri and Matt Calvert both hurt , plus Rantanen ’ s playing status in doubt for the remainder of the regular season , the Avs are missing firepower and grit from the lineup .
At a time of a season when the slim margin between winning and losing in the tightly bunched Central Division can be as huge as the difference between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seed and hitting the road for the opening round of the playoffs , Sakic must determine whether adding scoring punch is worth inflated prices at the deadline .
I don ’ t deal in trade rumors .
But I can do the math of a hockey deal .
So it ’ s obvious acquiring the firepower of somebody with the talent of Tomas Tatar , who has produced 21 goals and 32 assists for the Canadiens , could require Sakic to push so many chips to the middle of the table that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s future .
Calling his old friend Steve Yzerman in Detroit to inquire about a deal for a veteran forward as good in the room as Luke Glendening or as scrappy as Darren Helm , might be more palatable for Sakic .
Trading out of desperation is a good way to get fleeced .
But making a smart move would send a strong message to the Avs dressing room that Sakic believes this team ’ s time to win is now .

Now we find out if the Avalanche is really serious about being a Stanley Cup contender, or if general manager Joe Sakic is content to play for next year.
The NHL trade deadline is Feb. 24. As currently constructed, the Avs are just good enough to break your heart in the playoffs.
His action (or inaction) will speak louder than words about what Sakic really thinks about this team.
Anybody who watched the fireworks in Tampa Bay’s 4-3 overtime victory against Colorado Monday night at the Pepsi Center could see the Avs don’t have a goaltender who can carry them to a championship. While Philipp Grubauer (currently injured) and Pavel Francouz are competent pros, either man would rank closer to the bottom than the top in a ranking of netminders in this year’s postseason field.
And this is gonna hurt: Mikko Rantanen will be out for multiple weeks after taking a nasty fall into the boards during the second period, with what appeared to be a serious injury to his collarbone or shoulder.
The pressure is now on Sakic to make a deal that can keep the Avs in contention for a top playoff seed in the highly competitive Western Conference.
With seats in the arena reserved for scouts from Montreal, Los Angeles and Detroit, all teams that figure to be sellers at the deadline, I dreamed of the Avs adding a goaltender. But with a salary cap hit in excess of $10 million from now until the middle of this decade, 32-year-old Canadiens goalie Carey Price falls well beyond a reasonable price range for Sakic or any other general manager of a contending team.
So if Henrik Lundqvist isn’t walking through those doors in the Avalanche dressing room any time soon, it appears Colorado will have to run and gun its way through the playoff bracket.
On this cold February night, it didn’t require an active imagination to fantasize about one hot Stanley Cup Final, featuring the Avalanche and Lightning. The mountains. The beach. And two of the game’s most dangerous scoring lines on the ice. Would that be any fun?
Tampa Bay, which last hoisted the Cup in 2004, is definitely in win-now mode. The Lightning paid a pretty penny, essentially surrendering two first-round draft choices, in order to acquire New Jersey forward Blake Coleman, who scored 21 goals for the Devils this season. If Sakic wasn’t in on the bidding, he should have been.
Avalanche fans who weren’t stuck in traffic at Air Force Academy on Saturday were wowed by the hat trick of Kings forward Tyler Toffoli during Los Angeles’ 3-1 victory against Colorado. How many of you thought he would look great wearing burgundy and blue? Well, never mind. Toffoli was traded Monday to Vancouver, shortly before the puck dropped in the Pepsi Center.
With Nazem Kadri and Matt Calvert both hurt, plus Rantanen’s playing status in doubt for the remainder of the regular season, the Avs are missing firepower and grit from the lineup. At a time of a season when the slim margin between winning and losing in the tightly bunched Central Division can be as huge as the difference between the conference’s No. 1 overall seed and hitting the road for the opening round of the playoffs, Sakic must determine whether adding scoring punch is worth inflated prices at the deadline.
I don’t deal in trade rumors. But I can do the math of a hockey deal.
So it’s obvious acquiring the firepower of somebody with the talent of Tomas Tatar, who has produced 21 goals and 32 assists for the Canadiens, could require Sakic to push so many chips to the middle of the table that he would have to mortgage a piece of Colorado’s future. Calling his old friend Steve Yzerman in Detroit to inquire about a deal for a veteran forward as good in the room as Luke Glendening or as scrappy as Darren Helm, might be more palatable for Sakic.
Trading out of desperation is a good way to get fleeced. But making a smart move would send a strong message to the Avs dressing room that Sakic believes this team’s time to win is now.
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thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Broomfield aims to reduce public smoking, vaping with new ordinances

Regulations aimed at reducing smoking and vaping , particularly among teenagers and children , are rolling out in Broomfield and public health officials say education is a priority over enforcement .
No smoking signs are still being placed around Broomfield parks and open spaces , restaurants and sporting centers thanks to an ordinance that went into effect Jan. 1 .
Frozen grounds are slowing down the process , but signs are up at County Commons North , Interlocken East Park and the Girl Scout Shelter in Midway Park .
Others are at Northmoor Park , McKay Lake Park and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be installed as temperatures warm .
The ordinance covers smoking of traditional tobacco products and e-cigarettes .
Sara Mauch , public health communications specialist with Broomfield Health and Human Services , said the office has been reaching out to businesses for months to educate them on the change .
Alison Long , public health promotions administrator , said letters about the new law and no-smoking stickers have been sent to nearly 220 Broomfield restaurants for them to help share the message with patrons who are used to smoking on patios .
All restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
There have been no citations that Long is aware of , and the the hope is that education will negate the need for tickets .
Violators could be fined up to $ 500 .
Health and Human Services has spent less than $ 200,000 on outreach , education and advertisements on bus shelters , which also are considered public spaces and are now smoke-free , too .
Residents can report violations of the ordinance to Broomfield police at 303-438-6400 .
Under the Colorado Clean Air Act , people are required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to smoke , which is a 5-foot increase over the city ’ s previous 20-foot requirement .
Sidewalks and parking lots are not specifically mentioned in the city ’ s updated ordinance , which along with regulations increasing the minimum age to purchase tobacco and requiring sellers to acquire a license , was approved Oct. 22 .
“ What City Council was intending to do was to prohibit smoking and vaping in areas where families frequent , ” Long said .
The ordinance requiring retailers who sell tobacco products to be licensed goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , Broomfield will also enforce raising the minimum age of sale to 21 .
Direct outreach is planned for businesses in March and April , Long said , to inform them again and give them information on how to apply for a license .
The annual fee that goes with that license has yet to be determined , but could be finalized by the end of the month .
That fee will go toward the administrative costs of the licensing process and compliance , which will be handled by police .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that money will be used to cover staff time and resources .
There are about 50 retailers in Broomfield who sell tobacco or vaping products , Long said , but part of the problem is the county does not have an official count because retailers don ’ t have to report that they sell tobacco .
State officials inspect retailers every other year , she said , and there are few consequences for violations , usually only a letter of reprimand .
“ It was part of the reason Council felt it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspect and enforce compliance , ” Long said , which will be handled similarly to how police inspect licensed liquor retailers .
Officers usually inspect twice a year , she said , which includes making sure there is proper signage .
They also use teenagers to try and purchase alcohol , or in this case tobacco or vaping products , to make sure clerks are following the law .
Fines for retailers will be up to Broomfield ’ s Local Licensing Authority , but can not exceed $ 5,000 per violation .
Once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they notify the city clerk , who notifies the Local Licensing Authority .
Members of that board could fine retailers or suspend or revoke a license .
The board also could establish conditions that must be met before retailers could reapply for a license , said Deb Federspiel , assistant director of Broomfield Public Health and Environment .
Other communities , including Denver , have passed similar licensing regulations , Long said .
There are no state or federal licensing requirements .
In December , the federal government passed a law increasing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which went into effect immediately .
It has yet to be enforced , Long said , but that should happen this year .
“ We want them to know that stores are going to be held accountable and to make sure they don ’ t sell to underage youth , ” Long said .
“ The goal is that smoking and vaping will be less visible , so youth won ’ t be influenced by that as a norm.
” Broomfield Health and Human Services in fall 2018 conducted community surveys about policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these anti-smoking policies , Long said .
Only 12.5 % of Broomfield adults smoke , according to county data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for 2016 to 2018 .
More than a third of Broomfield and Boulder County high school students use e-cigarettes and nearly half , or 48.7 % , have tried them compared to the state averages of 27 % and 44.2 % , respectively , according to the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey .

Regulations aimed at reducing smoking and vaping, particularly among teenagers and children, are rolling out in Broomfield and public health officials say education is a priority over enforcement.
No smoking signs are still being placed around Broomfield parks and open spaces, restaurants and sporting centers thanks to an ordinance that went into effect Jan. 1.
Frozen grounds are slowing down the process, but signs are up at County Commons North, Interlocken East Park and the Girl Scout Shelter in Midway Park. Others are at Northmoor Park, McKay Lake Park and its nearby bicycle park. More signs will be installed as temperatures warm.
The ordinance covers smoking of traditional tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
Sara Mauch, public health communications specialist with Broomfield Health and Human Services, said the office has been reaching out to businesses for months to educate them on the change.
Alison Long, public health promotions administrator, said letters about the new law and no-smoking stickers have been sent to nearly 220 Broomfield restaurants for them to help share the message with patrons who are used to smoking on patios. All restaurant spaces indoors were already smoke-free by state law.
There have been no citations that Long is aware of, and the the hope is that education will negate the need for tickets. Violators could be fined up to $500.
Health and Human Services has spent less than $200,000 on outreach, education and advertisements on bus shelters, which also are considered public spaces and are now smoke-free, too.
Residents can report violations of the ordinance to Broomfield police at 303-438-6400.
Under the Colorado Clean Air Act, people are required to stand 25 feet from all public entrances to smoke, which is a 5-foot increase over the city’s previous 20-foot requirement.
Sidewalks and parking lots are not specifically mentioned in the city’s updated ordinance, which along with regulations increasing the minimum age to purchase tobacco and requiring sellers to acquire a license, was approved Oct. 22.
“What City Council was intending to do was to prohibit smoking and vaping in areas where families frequent,” Long said.
The ordinance requiring retailers who sell tobacco products to be licensed goes into affect May 1. At that time, Broomfield will also enforce raising the minimum age of sale to 21.
Direct outreach is planned for businesses in March and April, Long said, to inform them again and give them information on how to apply for a license. The annual fee that goes with that license has yet to be determined, but could be finalized by the end of the month.
That fee will go toward the administrative costs of the licensing process and compliance, which will be handled by police. No additional staff will be hired, but that money will be used to cover staff time and resources.
There are about 50 retailers in Broomfield who sell tobacco or vaping products, Long said, but part of the problem is the county does not have an official count because retailers don’t have to report that they sell tobacco. State officials inspect retailers every other year, she said, and there are few consequences for violations, usually only a letter of reprimand.
“It was part of the reason Council felt it was important to have a local way to inspect and enforce compliance,” Long said, which will be handled similarly to how police inspect licensed liquor retailers.
Officers usually inspect twice a year, she said, which includes making sure there is proper signage. They also use teenagers to try and purchase alcohol, or in this case tobacco or vaping products, to make sure clerks are following the law.
Fines for retailers will be up to Broomfield’s Local Licensing Authority, but cannot exceed $5,000 per violation.
Once police determine there is a violation, they notify the city clerk, who notifies the Local Licensing Authority. Members of that board could fine retailers or suspend or revoke a license. The board also could establish conditions that must be met before retailers could reapply for a license, said Deb Federspiel, assistant director of Broomfield Public Health and Environment.
Other communities, including Denver, have passed similar licensing regulations, Long said. There are no state or federal licensing requirements.
In December, the federal government passed a law increasing the age to purchase tobacco to 21, which went into effect immediately. It has yet to be enforced, Long said, but that should happen this year.
“We want them to know that stores are going to be held accountable and to make sure they don’t sell to underage youth,” Long said. “The goal is that smoking and vaping will be less visible, so youth won’t be influenced by that as a norm.”
Broomfield Health and Human Services in fall 2018 conducted community surveys about policies, and residents “overwhelmingly” supported these anti-smoking policies, Long said.
Only 12.5% of Broomfield adults smoke, according to county data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for 2016 to 2018.
More than a third of Broomfield and Boulder County high school students use e-cigarettes and nearly half, or 48.7%, have tried them compared to the state averages of 27% and 44.2%, respectively, according to the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Driver is pulled from icy water by emergency responders in Fort Collins after car plunges into pond

A driver was pulled from a pond by firefighters in Fort Collins on Monday after the car plunged into cold @ @ @ @ @ at about 5:15 p.m. in the 4500 block of Weitzel Street , according to the @ @ @ @ @ driver was taken to a local hospital .
After the water rescue , firefighters remained @ @ @ @ @ boat crew and tools to search the water around the vehicle .
A Larimer County @ @ @ @ @ searched the water in Gateway Pond .
No other people were found .
Firefighters attached @ @ @ @ @ so it could be towed out of the pond .
The cause of the crash @ @ @ @

A driver was pulled from a pond by firefighters in Fort Collins on Monday after the car plunged into cold water.
The incident happened at about 5:15 p.m. in the 4500 block of Weitzel Street, according to the Poudre Fire Authority.
Final Update: No other patients were found. Units are beginning to clear the scene. The Engine 10 crew is roped to the car helping to keep it secure and will remain to assist the tow. Thank you to all agencies involved. #WaterRescue https://t.co/L82qTqBMno pic.twitter.com/pMh0y2UVFs — Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) (@poudrefire) February 18, 2020
The driver was taken to a local hospital. After the water rescue, firefighters remained on scene and used a boat crew and tools to search the water around the vehicle. A Larimer County Dive and Rescue team also searched the water in Gateway Pond. No other people were found.
Firefighters attached a rope to the car so it could be towed out of the pond. The cause of the crash is under investigation.


thedenverpost--2020-02-19--Larimer County Sheriff’s Office closes investigation into Shambhala Mountain Center

The Larimer County Sheriff ’ s Office has closed its investigation into alleged sexual misconduct at the Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes without filing any charges .
In a newsletter published Sunday evening , Shambhala Mountain Center ’ s executive director , Michael Gayner , announced that the investigation had been closed .
Sheriff ’ s Office spokesman David Moore confirmed to the Reporter-Herald that the statement was accurate .
Shambhala Mountain Center is one of two major land centers in the U.S. connected to Shambhala International , a Buddhist organization founded in Boulder in the 1970s by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The organization was rocked in 2018 by a report created by a longtime Shambhala member called Buddhist Project Sunshine , which alleged that the organization ’ s current leader , Trungpa ’ s son Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and other high-ranking leaders in Shambhala had committed sexual misconduct .
In response to the allegations , Mipham announced that he would be “ stepping back ” from a leadership role in Shambhala and would not be teaching or leading retreats .
Shambhala ’ s governing board also resigned en masse and was replaced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheriff ’ s Office opened the investigation in 2018 into “ possible criminal activity ” at the Shambhala Mountain Center but declined to comment further at the time .
“ LCSO has received information about possible criminal activity involving the Shambhala Mountain Center , ” Moore told The Denver Post in 2018 .
“ Investigators are sorting through that information to see where it leads.
” In February 2019 , Boulder police arrested former Boulder Shambhala meditation instructor William Karelis on suspicion of sexually assaulting a girl he was mentoring in the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested another former Boulder Shambhala member , Michael Smith , on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child whom he met through the Buddhist community .
Both of the cases are ongoing in 20th Judicial District Court in Boulder .
Smith is scheduled to go on trial in April and Karelis in June .
In the newsletter , Gayner also said Shambhala Mountain Center would not be inviting Mipham to teach at the center this summer .
Traditionally , Mipham led retreats for senior Shambhala practitioners at the major land centers over the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In December 2019 , Shambhala ’ s governing board announced that it had granted a request from Dechen Choling , a Shambhala land center in France , to allow Mipham to teach a program for senior practitioners this summer that only he is qualified to give .
The decision sparked anger within the Shambhala community , with many members saying that it was a violation of Mipham ’ s promises to the community and that they did not believe he had made sufficient amends for the harm he had caused in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Buddhist monk and internationally recognized author and speaker , stepped down from her position as a senior teacher in Shambhala in protest .
In an open letter to the Shambhala community , Chodron said the governing board ’ s allowing Mipham to return to teaching without going through a greater accountability process felt disrespectful .
“ I find it discouraging that the bravery of those who had the courage to speak out does not seem to be effecting more significant change in the path forward , ” she wrote .
In July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement supporting the women who had come forward with allegations of misconduct and expressing hope that Mipham would engage in “ a genuine process of accountability.
” In Gayner ’ s newsletter , he said that that has yet to happen .
“ In keeping with these commitments , we can not invite the Sakyong to teach at SMC at this time , ” Gayner said in the newsletter .
“ We believe we must ask the Sakyong to meet the same standards we would ask of any other teacher.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means “ Earth protector ” in Tibetan .
Mipham ’ s birth name is Ösel Rangdröl Mukpo .
Shambhala Mountain Center published a code of ethics in January that must be signed by every teacher and participant who comes to the center .
The code prohibits teachers from having sexual relationships with students or with staff members during events where teachers are in positions of authority .
Mipham was last at the Mountain Center for the funeral of his mother in June 2019 .
In December , the student broadcast outlet of Chapman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , published a report that Chapman students on a winter term trip to the Shambhala Mountain Center last year had been sexually harassed by an instructor there .
The Sheriff ’ s Office was not contacted regarding the incident .
The broadcast also reported that students had not been told about the Sheriff ’ s Office ’ s investigation into the center , and the staff members they raised the subject with were dismissive of the allegations .
As a result of the report , Chapman University suspended its scheduled winter term trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In response to a request for comment , Gayner directed the Reporter-Herald to a statement he made to Buddhist publication Lion ’ s Roar .
The teacher in the Chapman University case has been permanently banned from teaching at Shambhala Mountain Center , Gayner told Lion ’ s Roar .
He apologized for the teacher ’ s behavior toward the students and said there should have been better procedures in place for reporting misconduct .
“ We acknowledge that SMC should have had a better grievance procedure in place by which these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our attention , ” he said .

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has closed its investigation into alleged sexual misconduct at the Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes without filing any charges.
In a newsletter published Sunday evening, Shambhala Mountain Center’s executive director, Michael Gayner, announced that the investigation had been closed. Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Moore confirmed to the Reporter-Herald that the statement was accurate.
Shambhala Mountain Center is one of two major land centers in the U.S. connected to Shambhala International, a Buddhist organization founded in Boulder in the 1970s by exiled Tibetan religious leader Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
The organization was rocked in 2018 by a report created by a longtime Shambhala member called Buddhist Project Sunshine, which alleged that the organization’s current leader, Trungpa’s son Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and other high-ranking leaders in Shambhala had committed sexual misconduct.
In response to the allegations, Mipham announced that he would be “stepping back” from a leadership role in Shambhala and would not be teaching or leading retreats. Shambhala’s governing board also resigned en masse and was replaced by a new board.
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office opened the investigation in 2018 into “possible criminal activity” at the Shambhala Mountain Center but declined to comment further at the time.
“LCSO has received information about possible criminal activity involving the Shambhala Mountain Center,” Moore told The Denver Post in 2018. “Investigators are sorting through that information to see where it leads.”
In February 2019, Boulder police arrested former Boulder Shambhala meditation instructor William Karelis on suspicion of sexually assaulting a girl he was mentoring in the early 2000s. In June, Boulder police arrested another former Boulder Shambhala member, Michael Smith, on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child whom he met through the Buddhist community.
Both of the cases are ongoing in 20th Judicial District Court in Boulder. Smith is scheduled to go on trial in April and Karelis in June.
In the newsletter, Gayner also said Shambhala Mountain Center would not be inviting Mipham to teach at the center this summer. Traditionally, Mipham led retreats for senior Shambhala practitioners at the major land centers over the summer, but he stopped in 2018.
In December 2019, Shambhala’s governing board announced that it had granted a request from Dechen Choling, a Shambhala land center in France, to allow Mipham to teach a program for senior practitioners this summer that only he is qualified to give.
The decision sparked anger within the Shambhala community, with many members saying that it was a violation of Mipham’s promises to the community and that they did not believe he had made sufficient amends for the harm he had caused in order to return to teaching.
Pema Chodron, a Buddhist monk and internationally recognized author and speaker, stepped down from her position as a senior teacher in Shambhala in protest.
In an open letter to the Shambhala community, Chodron said the governing board’s allowing Mipham to return to teaching without going through a greater accountability process felt disrespectful.
“I find it discouraging that the bravery of those who had the courage to speak out does not seem to be effecting more significant change in the path forward,” she wrote.
In July of 2018, the Mountain Center published a statement supporting the women who had come forward with allegations of misconduct and expressing hope that Mipham would engage in “a genuine process of accountability.” In Gayner’s newsletter, he said that that has yet to happen.
“In keeping with these commitments, we cannot invite the Sakyong to teach at SMC at this time,” Gayner said in the newsletter. “We believe we must ask the Sakyong to meet the same standards we would ask of any other teacher.”
“Sakyong” is an honorific title that means “Earth protector” in Tibetan. Mipham’s birth name is Ösel Rangdröl Mukpo.
Shambhala Mountain Center published a code of ethics in January that must be signed by every teacher and participant who comes to the center. The code prohibits teachers from having sexual relationships with students or with staff members during events where teachers are in positions of authority.
Mipham was last at the Mountain Center for the funeral of his mother in June 2019.
In December, the student broadcast outlet of Chapman University, a private school in California, published a report that Chapman students on a winter term trip to the Shambhala Mountain Center last year had been sexually harassed by an instructor there. The Sheriff’s Office was not contacted regarding the incident.
The broadcast also reported that students had not been told about the Sheriff’s Office’s investigation into the center, and the staff members they raised the subject with were dismissive of the allegations.
As a result of the report, Chapman University suspended its scheduled winter term trip to the Shambhala Mountain Center this year.
In response to a request for comment, Gayner directed the Reporter-Herald to a statement he made to Buddhist publication Lion’s Roar.
The teacher in the Chapman University case has been permanently banned from teaching at Shambhala Mountain Center, Gayner told Lion’s Roar. He apologized for the teacher’s behavior toward the students and said there should have been better procedures in place for reporting misconduct.
“We acknowledge that SMC should have had a better grievance procedure in place by which these red flags could have been safely brought to our attention,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Nearly one in four Colorado taxpayers owed Uncle Sam money in 2017

About one in five U.S. tax filers owed the federal government money on their 2017 returns , but in Colorado , that ratio is closer to one in four , according to a study from SmartAsset .
“ In 2017 , 24.2 % of Colorado tax returns had underpayments , ” said Casey Luneva , a spokeswoman for the New York-based personal finance technology company .
Using IRS data , SmartAsset counted 656,960 Colorado tax returns with underfunded federal obligations .
Those taxpayers owed $ 4.1 billion , which worked out to an average obligation of $ 6,232 versus an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the 14th highest underpayment average .
The state with the highest average unpaid tax obligation , at $ 8,077 , was Wyoming .
West Virginia has the smallest average underpayment at $ 4,239 .
Last year ’ s study , based on 2016 returns , counted 602,080 Colorado taxpayers who underpaid federal taxes to the tune of $ 3.5 billion .
That worked out to an average of $ 5,770 each for those who owed .
Some financial advisers view overpaying taxes akin to giving Uncle Sam an interest-free loan .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardship for filers who don ’ t have the money to catch up , and a larger number of people in the state likely found themselves in that predicament .

About one in five U.S. tax filers owed the federal government money on their 2017 returns, but in Colorado, that ratio is closer to one in four, according to a study from SmartAsset.
“In 2017, 24.2% of Colorado tax returns had underpayments,” said Casey Luneva, a spokeswoman for the New York-based personal finance technology company.
Using IRS data, SmartAsset counted 656,960 Colorado tax returns with underfunded federal obligations. Those taxpayers owed $4.1 billion, which worked out to an average obligation of $6,232 versus an average of $5,510 nationally.
Colorado had the 14th highest underpayment average. The state with the highest average unpaid tax obligation, at $8,077, was Wyoming. West Virginia has the smallest average underpayment at $4,239.
Last year’s study, based on 2016 returns, counted 602,080 Colorado taxpayers who underpaid federal taxes to the tune of $3.5 billion. That worked out to an average of $5,770 each for those who owed.
Some financial advisers view overpaying taxes akin to giving Uncle Sam an interest-free loan. That said, owing federal taxes can create hardship for filers who don’t have the money to catch up, and a larger number of people in the state likely found themselves in that predicament.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--PHOTOS: Colorado Rockies open spring training at Salt River Fields in Arizona

Christy Loy is all smiles as she gets an autograph from Daniel Murphy ( 9 ) for her grandson during @ @ @ @ @ Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Feb. 18 , 2020 in Scottsdale @ @ @

RJ Sangosti has worked as a photojournalist at The Denver Post since 2004. In 2020, he became a member of the Ted Scripps Fellowships in Environmental Journalism program at CU Boulder.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Third child dies of flu in Colorado; hospitalizations top 2,000

A third child has died of flu complications in Colorado , and about half of the flu season still remains .
The most recent reported death was a school-aged child from a mountain community .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported another school-aged child and a preschool-aged child died earlier this year from flu complications .
The department hasn ’ t released additional information , to protect families ’ privacy .
State officials haven ’ t released the number of adult deaths .
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to flu complications , as are children younger than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chronic health conditions .
The state health department reported 2,430 people had been hospitalized due to influenza as of Saturday , including 139 people hospitalized in the past week .
The department started tracking cases at the end of September and will continue through mid-May .
Jessica Bralish , spokeswoman for CDPHE , said that it ’ s difficult to tell if the flu season has peaked this year .
Often , there ’ s a distinct high point and infections drop rapidly , but that hasn ’ t happened so far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have had six to seven continuous weeks of elevated activity since the end of December , indicating that influenza continues to be circulating widely in Colorado , ” she said .
Emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms are at about the same level as they were last season , coming down from a spike that ran from late December through early February .
So far , the number of hospitalizations and deaths from flu and pneumonia this year is about average , Bralish said .
Pneumonia is one of the more serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two together for reporting , though other viruses and bacteria also can cause pneumonia .
The flu vaccine doesn ’ t prevent all cases , but people who were vaccinated tend to have less severe symptoms even if they do get sick .
Washing your hands frequently and avoiding sick people also can reduce your odds of getting the flu .

A third child has died of flu complications in Colorado, and about half of the flu season still remains.
The most recent reported death was a school-aged child from a mountain community. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported another school-aged child and a preschool-aged child died earlier this year from flu complications. The department hasn’t released additional information, to protect families’ privacy.
State officials haven’t released the number of adult deaths. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to flu complications, as are children younger than 5, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions.
The state health department reported 2,430 people had been hospitalized due to influenza as of Saturday, including 139 people hospitalized in the past week. The department started tracking cases at the end of September and will continue through mid-May.
Jessica Bralish, spokeswoman for CDPHE, said that it’s difficult to tell if the flu season has peaked this year. Often, there’s a distinct high point and infections drop rapidly, but that hasn’t happened so far, she said.
“This year, we have had six to seven continuous weeks of elevated activity since the end of December, indicating that influenza continues to be circulating widely in Colorado,” she said.
Emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms are at about the same level as they were last season, coming down from a spike that ran from late December through early February. So far, the number of hospitalizations and deaths from flu and pneumonia this year is about average, Bralish said. Pneumonia is one of the more serious complications of flu, and CDPHE groups the two together for reporting, though other viruses and bacteria also can cause pneumonia.
The flu vaccine doesn’t prevent all cases, but people who were vaccinated tend to have less severe symptoms even if they do get sick. Washing your hands frequently and avoiding sick people also can reduce your odds of getting the flu.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Gannon Stauch case: More than 8,400 hours of search time has been logged

More than 8,400 hours in search time has been logged in the case of an 11-year-old boy from Colorado Springs who ’ s been missing since Jan. 27 , according to the El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office .
The sheriff ’ s office , as of Tuesday , has received 637 tips on the disappearance of Gannon Stauch and more than 7,000 hours of investigative work has been carried out , according to a news release .
“ The absence of information provided to the public does not mean the investigation has slowed down , ” the release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale searches in addition to small , specific searches.
” Recently , search efforts focused on roughly 35 acres of private and public land in southern Douglas County .
The sheriff ’ s office has not commented on why search efforts lead to the area near Larkspur .
The FBI is teaming with the sheriff ’ s office and other partners including the U.S. Army ( volunteers ) and multiple federal , state and local law enforcement agencies .
Search efforts have included people on horseback and the use of dogs and drones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or on Gannon ’ s whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff ’ s office at 719-520-6666 or send an email to tips @ elpasoco.com .

More than 8,400 hours in search time has been logged in the case of an 11-year-old boy from Colorado Springs who’s been missing since Jan. 27, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office, as of Tuesday, has received 637 tips on the disappearance of Gannon Stauch and more than 7,000 hours of investigative work has been carried out, according to a news release.
“The absence of information provided to the public does not mean the investigation has slowed down,” the release said. “This has included large scale searches in addition to small, specific searches.”
Recently, search efforts focused on roughly 35 acres of private and public land in southern Douglas County. The sheriff’s office has not commented on why search efforts lead to the area near Larkspur.
The FBI is teaming with the sheriff’s office and other partners including the U.S. Army (volunteers) and multiple federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Search efforts have included people on horseback and the use of dogs and drones.
Anyone with information on the case or on Gannon’s whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 719-520-6666 or send an email to tips@elpasoco.com.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Bloomberg would sell business interests if elected president

SACRAMENTO , Calif. — Mike Bloomberg would sell the financial data and media company he created in the 1980s — which bears his name and made him a multibillionaire — if he is elected U.S. president , a top adviser said Tuesday .
Bloomberg would put Bloomberg LP into a blind trust , and the trustee would then sell the company , adviser Tim O ’ Brien said .
Proceeds from the sale would go to Bloomberg Philanthropies , the charitable giving arm that funds causes from climate change to public health and grants for American cities .
The only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that it not be sold to a foreign buyer or a private equity company , O ’ Brien said .
Bloomberg , a Democrat , is currently chief executive of the company .
“ We want to be 180 degrees apart from Donald Trump around financial conflicts of interest , ” O ’ Brien told The Associated Press .
“ We think it ’ s one of the biggest stains on the presidency , and Trump ’ s record is his refusal to disengage himself in his own financial interests .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean and clear with voters about where Mike is on these things.
” Indeed , as one of the world ’ s wealthiest people , Bloomberg would have an extraordinarily complicated financial picture to untangle if he wins the presidency .
His commitment to selling the company stands in stark contrast to the Republican Trump , who refused to fully divest from his business , instead putting his assets in a trust controlled by his two adult sons and a senior company executive .
He has continued to make money from his properties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was considering a presidential run , that he would consider selling his business if elected .
The company is not currently for sale .
He retained ownership in the company when he served as New York City mayor from 2002 to 2013 , but gave up his title of chief executive .
O ’ Brien ’ s comment comes amid increasing scrutiny of Bloomberg ’ s wealth and business holdings from his rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination .
He ’ ll face them on the debate stage for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he won the White House , the exact timeline for a sale isn ’ t clear , O ’ Brien said .
There ’ s also been no decision on what would happen to Bloomberg Philanthropies .
Bloomberg created his own company in 1981 , after he was fired from the investment bank Salomon Brothers with a $ 10 million severance payment .
His new venture created the Bloomberg Terminal , a dedicated computer with proprietary software that allowed Wall Street traders , buyers and sellers to see financial transaction data in real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must-have product around the financial world and has been used by entities including the World Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank .
Bloomberg then grew the business to include a financial news arm , which has morphed into a major news wire service .
The outlet has faced criticism for allowing its reporters to cover the campaign but blocking them from reporting in-depth investigations into Bloomberg or his Democratic rivals .
Newsroom leaders didn ’ t impose similar restrictions on reporting regarding Trump .
Bloomberg has also faced renewed scrutiny over lawsuits filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or hostile treatment .
Bloomberg has said he won ’ t release women from any nondisclosure agreements they ’ ve signed with the company .
Bloomberg entered the presidential race in November and has been steadily climbing in national polls , buoyed by $ 400 million in advertising .
Worth an estimated $ 60 billion , he is entirely self-funding his campaign .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Mike Bloomberg would sell the financial data and media company he created in the 1980s — which bears his name and made him a multibillionaire — if he is elected U.S. president, a top adviser said Tuesday.
Bloomberg would put Bloomberg LP into a blind trust, and the trustee would then sell the company, adviser Tim O’Brien said. Proceeds from the sale would go to Bloomberg Philanthropies, the charitable giving arm that funds causes from climate change to public health and grants for American cities.
The only restriction Bloomberg would put on the sale is that it not be sold to a foreign buyer or a private equity company, O’Brien said. Bloomberg, a Democrat, is currently chief executive of the company.
“We want to be 180 degrees apart from Donald Trump around financial conflicts of interest,” O’Brien told The Associated Press. “We think it’s one of the biggest stains on the presidency, and Trump’s record is his refusal to disengage himself in his own financial interests. And we want to be very transparent and clean and clear with voters about where Mike is on these things.”
Indeed, as one of the world’s wealthiest people, Bloomberg would have an extraordinarily complicated financial picture to untangle if he wins the presidency. His commitment to selling the company stands in stark contrast to the Republican Trump, who refused to fully divest from his business, instead putting his assets in a trust controlled by his two adult sons and a senior company executive. He has continued to make money from his properties.
Bloomberg said in 2018, when he was considering a presidential run, that he would consider selling his business if elected. The company is not currently for sale. He retained ownership in the company when he served as New York City mayor from 2002 to 2013, but gave up his title of chief executive.
O’Brien’s comment comes amid increasing scrutiny of Bloomberg’s wealth and business holdings from his rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination. He’ll face them on the debate stage for the first time on Wednesday in Las Vegas.
If he won the White House, the exact timeline for a sale isn’t clear, O’Brien said. There’s also been no decision on what would happen to Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Bloomberg created his own company in 1981, after he was fired from the investment bank Salomon Brothers with a $10 million severance payment. His new venture created the Bloomberg Terminal, a dedicated computer with proprietary software that allowed Wall Street traders, buyers and sellers to see financial transaction data in real time. The terminal quickly became a must-have product around the financial world and has been used by entities including the World Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank.
Bloomberg then grew the business to include a financial news arm, which has morphed into a major news wire service. The outlet has faced criticism for allowing its reporters to cover the campaign but blocking them from reporting in-depth investigations into Bloomberg or his Democratic rivals. Newsroom leaders didn’t impose similar restrictions on reporting regarding Trump.
Bloomberg has also faced renewed scrutiny over lawsuits filed by women at his company alleging discrimination or hostile treatment. Bloomberg has said he won’t release women from any nondisclosure agreements they’ve signed with the company.
Bloomberg entered the presidential race in November and has been steadily climbing in national polls, buoyed by $400 million in advertising. Worth an estimated $60 billion, he is entirely self-funding his campaign.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--NCAA moves toward immediate eligibility for all transfers

The NCAA is moving toward allowing all Division I athletes to transfer one time without sitting out a season of competition .
A plan to change the waiver process is expected to be presented to the Division I Council in April .
If adopted , new criteria would go into effect for the 2020-21 academic year .
The NCAA ’ s announcement Tuesday comes a day after the Atlantic Coast Conference became the second Power Five conference to publicly support the so-called on-time exception for all transfers .
Currently , football , men ’ s and women ’ s basketball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players must sit out one season after transferring .
Other NCAA Division I athletes are permitted a one-time exception to be immediately eligible for competition after transferring .
The NCAA adjusted waiver criteria two years ago to give more athletes the chance to become immediately eligible , but that has led to complaints about inconsistency in the process .
“ The current system is unsustainable .
Working group members believe it ’ s time to bring our transfer rules more in line with today ’ s college landscape , ” said Mid-American Conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of the transfer working group .
“ This concept provides a uniform approach that is understandable , predictable and objective .
Most importantly , it benefits students.
” If the transfer working group ’ s latest concept is adopted , any athlete would be granted immediate eligibility after a transfer if four criteria are met : • NCAA Tournament bubble teams : SEC stacked with squads on the cusp • Chambers : Trevor Moore , like most former Pioneers , proud to have been coached by Jim Montgomery • Mel Tucker or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buffs football not “ a stepping-stone job ” • Keeler : CU Buffs football needs to find its Tad Boyle — Maintain academic progress at the new school .

The NCAA is moving toward allowing all Division I athletes to transfer one time without sitting out a season of competition.
A plan to change the waiver process is expected to be presented to the Division I Council in April. If adopted, new criteria would go into effect for the 2020-21 academic year.
The NCAA’s announcement Tuesday comes a day after the Atlantic Coast Conference became the second Power Five conference to publicly support the so-called on-time exception for all transfers.
Currently, football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s hockey and baseball players must sit out one season after transferring. Other NCAA Division I athletes are permitted a one-time exception to be immediately eligible for competition after transferring.
The NCAA adjusted waiver criteria two years ago to give more athletes the chance to become immediately eligible, but that has led to complaints about inconsistency in the process.
“The current system is unsustainable. Working group members believe it’s time to bring our transfer rules more in line with today’s college landscape,” said Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher, who is the chairman of the transfer working group. “This concept provides a uniform approach that is understandable, predictable and objective. Most importantly, it benefits students.”
If the transfer working group’s latest concept is adopted, any athlete would be granted immediate eligibility after a transfer if four criteria are met:
— Receive a transfer release from the previous school.
— Leave the previous school academically eligible.
— Maintain academic progress at the new school.
— Leave under no disciplinary suspension.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Season to Share to give $1.4 million in grants in 2020

Grants totaling $ 1.4 million will be given to 55 nonprofit organizations this year , thanks to donors who gave @ @ @ @ @ To Share fundraising campaign .
Winners of the grants will be announced in March but @ @ @ @ @ organizations whose work is focused in four areas : children and youth , health and @ @ @ @ @ .
There were 3,900 donations during the campaign , which runs through the holiday season @ @ @ @ @ Richmond American Homes Foundation .
Denver Active 20-30 Children ’ s Foundation provided a major @ @ @ @ @ to Share ’ s presenting sponsor .
“ Denver Active 20-30 is proud to join @ @ @ @ @ , the thousands of generous supporters across our community , and the dedicated organizations we @ @ @ @ @ a shared commitment to making the Mile-High City a better place for all its residents @ @ @ @ @ , president of Denver Active 20-30 .
“ On behalf of all our members , @ @ @ @ @ make an impact every day .
”

Grants totaling $1.4 million will be given to 55 nonprofit organizations this year, thanks to donors who gave to The Denver Post Season To Share fundraising campaign.
Winners of the grants will be announced in March but the grants all go to organizations whose work is focused in four areas: children and youth, health and wellness, homelessness and hunger. There were 3,900 donations during the campaign, which runs through the holiday season, the largest from MDC Richmond American Homes Foundation.
Denver Active 20-30 Children’s Foundation provided a major matching grant and is Season to Share’s presenting sponsor.
“Denver Active 20-30 is proud to join The Denver Post Community Foundation, the thousands of generous supporters across our community, and the dedicated organizations we are supporting today, in a shared commitment to making the Mile-High City a better place for all its residents,” said Cameron Richards, president of Denver Active 20-30. “On behalf of all our members, thank you to all who make an impact every day.”


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Police seek information in cold case murder of Aurora bartender who was killed trying to help victim

AURORA — In the early morning hours of Feb. 18 , 2017 , a 29-year-old man was trying to do @ @ @ @ @ was intervening in an assault at an Aurora apartment complex .
But the good Samaritan @ @ @ @ @ his efforts .
Three years after the murder of Kelly Acosta , Aurora police are @ @ @ @ @ killer .
But a $ 37,000 reward being offered appears to show that police and @ @ @ @ @ moved away from seeking justice .
Anyone with information on the robbery or shooting is @ @ @ @ @ Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 .

AURORA — In the early morning hours of Feb. 18, 2017, a 29-year-old man was trying to do the right thing – he was intervening in an assault at an Aurora apartment complex. But the good Samaritan was shot and killed for his efforts.
Three years after the murder of Kelly Acosta, Aurora police are no closer to finding his killer. But a $37,000 reward being offered appears to show that police and his family haven’t moved away from seeking justice.
Anyone with information on the robbery or shooting is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
#ColdCase CAN YOU HELP US SOLVE THIS HOMICIDE? Kelly Acosta was murdered when he intervened in an assault as a good samaritan 3 yrs ago. He leaves behind many loved ones. Plz help us solve this homicide & bring justice for Kelly. ☎720913STOP w/tips for💰reward. @CrimeStoppersCO pic.twitter.com/g99DawQWAk — Aurora Police Dept. 🚔👮🏼♀👮🏾♂ (@AuroraPD) February 18, 2020
Read the full story at thedenverchannel.com.


thedenverpost--2020-02-18--Why some of the city’s top dining destinations don’t participate in Denver Restaurant Week

Here ’ s what organizers want you to know about Denver Restaurant Week : The 10-day-long promotion of Denver restaurants offers fixed-priced menus for as little as $ 25 .
It ’ s a celebration of Denver dining and a chance to eat at some of the nicest restaurants in town for a steal , comparatively .
It ’ s a way for local businesses to get a spike during one of the slowest times of the year , and it creates some positive press for our local dining scene .
Now here ’ s what organizers don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week : Some of the best places to dine out locally don ’ t actually participate .
Restaurant Week has a reputation for generating reservation-book and dining-room madness for the 10 days ( Feb. 21-March 1 this year ) that it lasts .
Some owners say it can be hard on a business ’ bottom line and on employee morale .
To make a lower price point work for their business , chefs and owners might have to slash food costs and serve a less representative product , or else they could swallow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payoff .
For the 16 years that Denver ’ s signature dining event has been gaining traction and growing to more than 250 participating venues , a quiet but obvious bunch of destinations has opted out altogether .
RELATED : Denver Restaurant Week has gone from 83 eateries to 238 since it started .
“ I think Restaurant Week is great for the city as a whole , but it ’ s tough on the individual operator , ” said Jeff Osaka , chef and owner of 12 at Madison , Osaka Ramen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Especially when you ’ re a single store , because you don ’ t have others to fall back on… We want to offer it , but it doesn ’ t really offer us a return , or anything at all.
” The main reason Osaka chooses not to participate in Denver Restaurant Week is that it would sacrifice his “ guests ’ experience , ” he said .
“ Everybody puts lower-priced ( ingredients on menus ) … and I didn ’ t really want to compromise .
To be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to make a lot of compromises.
” While each of Osaka ’ s restaurants has a different price point , he said it wouldn ’ t make sense to sell conveyor-belt sushi or ramen bowls , for example , for a set menu price of $ 25 , $ 35 or $ 45 per person .
“ Ramen and sushi , they ’ re too cheap , and then 12 ( at Madison ) is tough , ” Osaka said .
At 12 at Madison , the group ’ s finer dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plates for “ grazing , ” with starters and mains priced from $ 9- $ 20 , while desserts cost $ 9- $ 12 .
“ You can probably eat just as cheaply at 12 for any Restaurant Week offer I can give , ” he said .
“ I think we are just as busy , at full prices , and there are regular customers who thank me for not doing Restaurant Week , you know , because they can come in and get a table.
” Some restaurant groups elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants but not another .
Still others say they always participate and have figured out the formula for success .
A sampling of other Denver restaurants not participating in 2020 Restaurant Week : Acorn , Annette , Barolo Grill , Cart-Driver , Dio Mio , Fruition , Hop Alley , Mercantile , Olivia , Q House , Rioja , Sunday Vinyl , Sushi Den , Tavernetta , To The Wind , Uchi and Uncle .
At the new Restaurant Olivia on Downing Street , owners Austin Carson , Heather Morrison and Ty Leon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Restaurant Week in their first year of business .
“ For us , it ’ s economic , ” Carson said .
Since Olivia opened in January , the 35-seat restaurant has been filling steadily as Carson and crew welcome first-time customers and build regulars in what would normally be a slow season .
And why would they interrupt that early momentum to fill seats with Restaurant Week diners at a fraction of the ticket cost ?
“ In a perfect world , you would impress them and wow them and bring them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carson says that hasn ’ t been his experience .
“ Plus , it ’ s deleterious to staff morale.
” Justin Brunson , who owns Old Major in Lower Highland , didn ’ t participate in Denver Restaurant Week for years , but he started to in 2017 when the set menu price changed from $ 52.80 per couple to $ 25- $ 45 per head .
Now , he said , he and his staff love it .
“ It ’ s awesome to see your restaurant buzzing on a Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Saturday night , ” Brunson said .
And it ’ s not uncommon for Restaurant Week diners to add on to their discounted meal by splurging on more menu items , like a “ 2 1/2-pound ribeye for the table to share , ” he said .
“ Because they ’ re saving so much money , they can do that.
” Set menu add-ons , reasonably priced drink pairings , coupons for future visits — these are all ways to ensure Restaurant Week is a success for diners , employees and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COO of Secret Sauce .
Her restaurant group includes Vesta , Steuben ’ s and Ace Eat Serve , which all participate in Denver Restaurant Week .
Where do Restaurant Week profits go ?
To participate in Denver Restaurant Week , restaurants pay $ 350 if they are Visit Denver partners , $ 400 if they ’ re members of the Colorado Restaurant Association and $ 450 otherwise .
That money goes toward Visit Denver ’ s promotion of the event .
Proceeds from all Restaurant Week meals go to the restaurants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Restaurant Week does not officially donate to a food bank or other charity .
“ We talked about it several years , but the restaurants tell us they have their own programs with charities , food banks , what have you , and we didn ’ t want to come in over top of that , ” said Justin Bresler , Visit Denver ’ s vice president of marketing .
Each location offers a different special to fit the business ’ and diners ’ needs , Biederman said .
At Vesta , customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for each course , from beef bolognese to roasted red snapper and halva chocolate mousse , all for $ 35 .
At Steuben ’ s , diners get a Maine lobster roll , clam chowder and butterscotch pudding all for $ 25 — less than the standard cost of the lobster .
“ At Steuben ’ s , we hold on to what is best for the guest most tightly , ” Biederman said .
“ While this is not necessarily great for the bottom line , if it attracts more guests into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been wanting to try it , and who hopefully will come back for a burger or mac and cheese , then again , we ’ re doing it right .
“ We want diners to walk out saying , ‘ Wow , that was great , and I can ’ t wait to come back and pay full price , ’ ” she added .
Aside from Restaurant Week diners , Biederman has to take care of her staff during what “ can be a grind , ” she said .
To do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands on deck to avoid over-scheduling any employee , she ’ ll bring in special “ family meals ” for the team and “ other little things to keep morale high.
” Visit Denver , which puts on Restaurant Week each year , even offers a “ Restaurant Week Boot Camp ” for participating businesses , because “ the operations for restaurants really are different for those 10 days , ” said Justin Bresler , Visit Denver ’ s vice president of marketing .
When it comes to business and morale , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a way to manage.
” “ It really is a chance for restaurants to put their best foot forward , ” he said .
After all , back when Restaurant Week first started in Denver 16 years ago , the city was hardly known for its restaurants .
But the idea of a week dedicated to restaurants was a way to give a local dining scene its own recognizable brand , one that ’ s bigger than just Denver , Colorado and the West .
“ We believed that when locals bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would make it easier for us to sell that reputation around the country and around the world , ” Bresler said .
Subscribe to our new food newsletter , Stuffed , to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox .

Here’s what organizers want you to know about Denver Restaurant Week: The 10-day-long promotion of Denver restaurants offers fixed-priced menus for as little as $25. It’s a celebration of Denver dining and a chance to eat at some of the nicest restaurants in town for a steal, comparatively. It’s a way for local businesses to get a spike during one of the slowest times of the year, and it creates some positive press for our local dining scene.
Now here’s what organizers don’t want you to know about Denver Restaurant Week: Some of the best places to dine out locally don’t actually participate.
If you go Denver Restaurant Week, Feb. 21-March 1 at participating restaurants. Find details at denver.org/denver-restaurant-week.
Restaurant Week has a reputation for generating reservation-book and dining-room madness for the 10 days (Feb. 21-March 1 this year) that it lasts. Some owners say it can be hard on a business’ bottom line and on employee morale. To make a lower price point work for their business, chefs and owners might have to slash food costs and serve a less representative product, or else they could swallow the cost and hope for a longterm payoff.
For the 16 years that Denver’s signature dining event has been gaining traction and growing to more than 250 participating venues, a quiet but obvious bunch of destinations has opted out altogether.
RELATED: Denver Restaurant Week has gone from 83 eateries to 238 since it started.
“I think Restaurant Week is great for the city as a whole, but it’s tough on the individual operator,” said Jeff Osaka, chef and owner of 12 at Madison, Osaka Ramen and Sushi-Rama restaurants in Denver. “Especially when you’re a single store, because you don’t have others to fall back on… We want to offer it, but it doesn’t really offer us a return, or anything at all.”
The main reason Osaka chooses not to participate in Denver Restaurant Week is that it would sacrifice his “guests’ experience,” he said. “Everybody puts lower-priced (ingredients on menus)… and I didn’t really want to compromise. To be able to afford Restaurant Week, I think you have to make a lot of compromises.”
While each of Osaka’s restaurants has a different price point, he said it wouldn’t make sense to sell conveyor-belt sushi or ramen bowls, for example, for a set menu price of $25, $35 or $45 per person.
“Ramen and sushi, they’re too cheap, and then 12 (at Madison) is tough,” Osaka said. At 12 at Madison, the group’s finer dining flagship, a compact dinner menu consists of plates for “grazing,” with starters and mains priced from $9-$20, while desserts cost $9-$12.
“You can probably eat just as cheaply at 12 for any Restaurant Week offer I can give,” he said. “I think we are just as busy, at full prices, and there are regular customers who thank me for not doing Restaurant Week, you know, because they can come in and get a table.”
Some restaurant groups elect to take part at one of their restaurants but not another. Still others say they always participate and have figured out the formula for success.
A sampling of other Denver restaurants not participating in 2020 Restaurant Week: Acorn, Annette, Barolo Grill, Cart-Driver, Dio Mio, Fruition, Hop Alley, Mercantile, Olivia, Q House, Rioja, Sunday Vinyl, Sushi Den, Tavernetta, To The Wind, Uchi and Uncle.
At the new Restaurant Olivia on Downing Street, owners Austin Carson, Heather Morrison and Ty Leon offered similar reasons for not participating in Restaurant Week in their first year of business.
“For us, it’s economic,” Carson said. Since Olivia opened in January, the 35-seat restaurant has been filling steadily as Carson and crew welcome first-time customers and build regulars in what would normally be a slow season. And why would they interrupt that early momentum to fill seats with Restaurant Week diners at a fraction of the ticket cost?
“In a perfect world, you would impress them and wow them and bring them back,” he said. But Carson says that hasn’t been his experience. “Plus, it’s deleterious to staff morale.”
Justin Brunson, who owns Old Major in Lower Highland, didn’t participate in Denver Restaurant Week for years, but he started to in 2017 when the set menu price changed from $52.80 per couple to $25-$45 per head. Now, he said, he and his staff love it.
“It’s awesome to see your restaurant buzzing on a Wednesday night like it’s a Friday or Saturday night,” Brunson said. And it’s not uncommon for Restaurant Week diners to add on to their discounted meal by splurging on more menu items, like a “2 1/2-pound ribeye for the table to share,” he said. “Because they’re saving so much money, they can do that.”
Set menu add-ons, reasonably priced drink pairings, coupons for future visits — these are all ways to ensure Restaurant Week is a success for diners, employees and businesses, according to Emily Biederman, COO of Secret Sauce. Her restaurant group includes Vesta, Steuben’s and Ace Eat Serve, which all participate in Denver Restaurant Week.
Where do Restaurant Week profits go? To participate in Denver Restaurant Week, restaurants pay $350 if they are Visit Denver partners, $400 if they’re members of the Colorado Restaurant Association and $450 otherwise. That money goes toward Visit Denver’s promotion of the event. Proceeds from all Restaurant Week meals go to the restaurants. Unlike in some other cities, Denver Restaurant Week does not officially donate to a food bank or other charity. “We talked about it several years, but the restaurants tell us they have their own programs with charities, food banks, what have you, and we didn’t want to come in over top of that,” said Justin Bresler, Visit Denver’s vice president of marketing.
Each location offers a different special to fit the business’ and diners’ needs, Biederman said. At Vesta, customers can choose from three or four options for each course, from beef bolognese to roasted red snapper and halva chocolate mousse, all for $35. At Steuben’s, diners get a Maine lobster roll, clam chowder and butterscotch pudding all for $25 — less than the standard cost of the lobster.
“At Steuben’s, we hold on to what is best for the guest most tightly,” Biederman said. “While this is not necessarily great for the bottom line, if it attracts more guests into Steuben’s, who maybe had been wanting to try it, and who hopefully will come back for a burger or mac and cheese, then again, we’re doing it right.
“We want diners to walk out saying, ‘Wow, that was great, and I can’t wait to come back and pay full price,’ ” she added.
Aside from Restaurant Week diners, Biederman has to take care of her staff during what “can be a grind,” she said. To do this, she’ll keep all hands on deck to avoid over-scheduling any employee, she’ll bring in special “family meals” for the team and “other little things to keep morale high.”
Visit Denver, which puts on Restaurant Week each year, even offers a “Restaurant Week Boot Camp” for participating businesses, because “the operations for restaurants really are different for those 10 days,” said Justin Bresler, Visit Denver’s vice president of marketing.
When it comes to business and morale, in the end, he said restaurants “find a way to manage.”
“It really is a chance for restaurants to put their best foot forward,” he said.
After all, back when Restaurant Week first started in Denver 16 years ago, the city was hardly known for its restaurants. But the idea of a week dedicated to restaurants was a way to give a local dining scene its own recognizable brand, one that’s bigger than just Denver, Colorado and the West.
“We believed that when locals bought into the quality of our restaurant scene, it would make it easier for us to sell that reputation around the country and around the world,” Bresler said.
Subscribe to our new food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.