thedenverpost--2020-12-07--Colorado may not recover jobs lost this year until 2023, CU forecasters predict

Colorado is on track to lose nearly 149,000 jobs in 2020 , and digging out of that that pandemic-induced hole will take a couple of years , even with the promising vaccines rolling out in the weeks ahead , according to the 2021 Colorado Business Economic Outlook .
“ We are looking at 2023 or later before we really get back to par .
We don ’ t think it will be 2022 , ” said Brian Lewandowski , executive director of the Leeds Business Research Division at CU Boulder , which prepares the Outlook every year with the help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecast calls for employers in the state to add 40,500 nonfarm jobs next year , which won ’ t be enough to plug the deficit from the loss of 148,800 jobs this year .
Every sector lost jobs in 2020 , with natural resources , leisure and hospitality , and other services among the hardest-hit areas on a percentage-basis .
Colorado ’ s unemployment rate started the year at 2.5 % and peaked out at 12.2 % in April .
After restrictions eased , the unemployment rate fell sharply , reaching 6.4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is calling for the state unemployment rate to average 6.7 % next year .
In 2019 , unemployment averaged 86,700 people in Colorado .
This year , the average will be closer to 221,600 , and next year it will only fall to 210,500 , even with the addition of 40,500 more jobs , according to the Outlook .
On the surface , that might look like an economy that is stuck or even slipping .
But Lewandowski said that isn ’ t the case .
For one , workers who dropped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns will likely return as conditions improve .
To be considered unemployed , a person must be actively looking for work .
Richard Wobbekind , senior economist and faculty director at Leeds , adds that working women , who have been especially hard hit by job losses during the downturn , will benefit as schools return to in-person teaching and childcare becomes easier to arrange .
“ The increase in the labor force as things start to improve will mute any improvement in the unemployment rate as we go through that transition back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Lewandowski .
The Outlook , the most comprehensive forecast available for Colorado ’ s economy , is in its 56th year and each year brings different challenges .
But Wobbekind said trying to predict what would happen in 2021 was hard on a whole other level .
“ This is a really difficult environment to do an economic forecast .
We are dealing with several unknowns , ” he said on a call with reporters Thursday .
There are unknowns about how bad the current wave of COVID-19 infections will get and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn the tide and for people to get comfortable again .
And it is unknown what changes in behavior this year will be temporary , permanent or somewhere in between .
For example , will consumers continue to give preference to online retailers , and can independent businesses regain the market share they lost to large corporations during the shutdown ?
A key trend to watch is whether employers continue to favor remote work arrangements into 2021 and beyond .
If they can hire anyone from anywhere , that will have implications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth and housing demand , not to mention all that office space sitting unused right now .
Despite all the talk of quarantine babies , births in the state are expected to fall next year after a slight uptick in 2020 .
Net migration into Colorado , which totaled 43,300 in 2019 , is expected to drop to 35,100 this year and only 30,000 in 2021 , according to the Outlook .
And in a grim marker , the state is expected to record 3,900 more deaths this year than last , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pestilence passes .

Colorado is on track to lose nearly 149,000 jobs in 2020, and digging out of that that pandemic-induced hole will take a couple of years, even with the promising vaccines rolling out in the weeks ahead, according to the 2021 Colorado Business Economic Outlook.
“We are looking at 2023 or later before we really get back to par. We don’t think it will be 2022,” said Brian Lewandowski, executive director of the Leeds Business Research Division at CU Boulder, which prepares the Outlook every year with the help of more than 100 experts.
The forecast calls for employers in the state to add 40,500 nonfarm jobs next year, which won’t be enough to plug the deficit from the loss of 148,800 jobs this year. Every sector lost jobs in 2020, with natural resources, leisure and hospitality, and other services among the hardest-hit areas on a percentage-basis.
Colorado’s unemployment rate started the year at 2.5% and peaked out at 12.2% in April. After restrictions eased, the unemployment rate fell sharply, reaching 6.4% in September and October.
The Outlook is calling for the state unemployment rate to average 6.7% next year. In 2019, unemployment averaged 86,700 people in Colorado. This year, the average will be closer to 221,600, and next year it will only fall to 210,500, even with the addition of 40,500 more jobs, according to the Outlook.
On the surface, that might look like an economy that is stuck or even slipping. But Lewandowski said that isn’t the case. For one, workers who dropped out of the labor force because of health concerns will likely return as conditions improve. To be considered unemployed, a person must be actively looking for work.
Richard Wobbekind, senior economist and faculty director at Leeds, adds that working women, who have been especially hard hit by job losses during the downturn, will benefit as schools return to in-person teaching and childcare becomes easier to arrange.
“The increase in the labor force as things start to improve will mute any improvement in the unemployment rate as we go through that transition back to a better employment environment,” said Lewandowski.
The Outlook, the most comprehensive forecast available for Colorado’s economy, is in its 56th year and each year brings different challenges. But Wobbekind said trying to predict what would happen in 2021 was hard on a whole other level.
“This is a really difficult environment to do an economic forecast. We are dealing with several unknowns,” he said on a call with reporters Thursday. There are unknowns about how bad the current wave of COVID-19 infections will get and how long it will take for vaccines to turn the tide and for people to get comfortable again.
And it is unknown what changes in behavior this year will be temporary, permanent or somewhere in between. For example, will consumers continue to give preference to online retailers, and can independent businesses regain the market share they lost to large corporations during the shutdown?
A key trend to watch is whether employers continue to favor remote work arrangements into 2021 and beyond. If they can hire anyone from anywhere, that will have implications for migration into the state, population growth and housing demand, not to mention all that office space sitting unused right now.
Despite all the talk of quarantine babies, births in the state are expected to fall next year after a slight uptick in 2020. Net migration into Colorado, which totaled 43,300 in 2019, is expected to drop to 35,100 this year and only 30,000 in 2021, according to the Outlook.
And in a grim marker, the state is expected to record 3,900 more deaths this year than last, with deaths falling by 3,200 in 2021 as the pestilence passes.


thedenverpost--2020-12-07--2020 Year in Photos, Part I: Before COVID

Motivated .
Bonded .
Dedicated .
Exuberant .
These words and others describe a group of hikers called the AdAmAn Club , whose history is intertwined with that of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak , the prominent fourteener visible from across the city .
The club was formed in 1922 when brothers Ed and Fred Morath organized a New Year ’ s Eve watch party , climbing the peak with three others , including Fred Barr , who constructed the still-used trail to the summit .
They set off fireworks and flares to mark the start of a new year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by men and women since .
Club member Ted Lindeman has made the New Year ’ s Eve trek 50 times since 1973 .
I am so proud of the breadth of work that Denver Post photojournalists produced this year , risking their own health and safety to document our communities as we confront these extraordinary times together .
We believe that our mission is more critical now than ever : to each day document the important events going on around us and to reflect the diverse , intersecting communities that make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stories whenever possible .
It ’ s been a hard year and there are hard pictures contained in these pages .
On top of the coronavirus pandemic that has affected so many parts of our daily lives , Coloradans faced massive wildfires , a divisive election season and a reckoning over racial justice .
I firmly believe that as citizens , when we are confronted with challenges , we are best served by facing them head on with open minds , looking directly at whatever is in front of us .
Photojournalism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face to face with the most consequential events of the day , connecting people across distance and time .
As photojournalists , we strive to bring you , our readers , an honest and thoughtful view of the world .
It ’ s not always comfortable .
As you make your way through the pictures presented here , you will see a visual memorial to the year , one that I hope will be cathartic .
And thankfully , in a year so often preoccupied with bearing witness to exceptional tragedy and tumult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage to shine through .
In addition to the photographers , both staff and freelance , who are credited throughout these pages , I want to give a special thanks to the people who worked behind the scenes to bring this special presentation to life : Matt Swaney , Katie Rausch , Donovan Henderson , Maureen Burnett , Dena Rosenberry , Chris Paul and George Tanner .
It is our honor to present the Year in Photos to the readers of The Denver Post .
We can all agree that 2020 has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , homelessness , unemployment , racial tensions and protests in the streets , the contentious election , and the reality of a divided country have each left their mark on this year .
These events have led me to reflect on the importance of journalism to a free and fair society .
Journalism is often referred to as the Fourth Estate , a term that speaks to the essential service journalism provides to our democracy as the fourth , if informal , branch of government .
More than 200 years ago , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press by enshrining our right to it in the First Amendment .
But despite the essential nature of journalism , this year has also seen a ramp-up of assaults on both the institution and individual journalists .
Reporters and photographers have been verbally and physically assaulted in the field , belittled , called names , threatened and vilified online .
This has been challenging and downright scary for those in the industry .
As a photojournalist at The Denver Post for 28 years , I pride myself on being dedicated , fair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding and open to new voices , ways of thinking and seeing our world .
Local journalism allows community members to read , hear , learn , understand and to contemplate diverse ideas and issues .
It keeps us informed on what is happening at city council , and with the local fire and police departments .
It informs us on environmental issues , on land and water use , on education , on business , on emergencies such as wildfires , floods and drought , and on the arts and entertainment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ important or influential in our community .
And it ’ s done every single day .
Serbians have immigrated to Colorado since the 19th century , first toiling in the mines and on the railroads and later in the steel mill in Pueblo .
After holding services in other Orthodox churches in the region for many years , St. John the Baptist bought a small building in need of remodeling in 2009 in Lakewood and held its first church service in the building the following year .
Parishioners pooled their skills , time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was consecrated in 2016 , officially recognized as the first Serbian Orthodox Church in Colorado .
The church serves the spiritual , cultural and social needs of the state ’ s Serbian Orthodox community .
Coloradan Michael Bennet ended his bid for the White House on Feb. 11 after a disappointing showing in New Hampshire ’ s first-in-the-nation primary .
“ Tonight is not going to be our night , ” the Democratic U.S. senator told supporters .
“ But let me say to New Hampshire — you may see me once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s fitting that we end the campaign tonight.
” He added , “ I feel nothing but joy tonight as we conclude this particular campaign and this particular chapter.
” Olaf was named Grand Champion steer and Bruce and Marcy Benson were celebrated as Citizens of the West at the 114th annual National Western Stock Show in January .
The Denver tradition showcases the legacy of the West , with rodeos , livestock auctions , Native American and Mexican dancers and more .
Its home at the National Western Complex is in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250 acres , a massive undertaking that will include construction of a 10,000-seat arena .
Spring training is special to players and fans for many reasons- it signals a change in seasons and the annual return of a beloved sport .
There ’ s a hopefulness in the air- and for Coloradans visiting Arizona , warmth , palm trees and cacti to enjoy .
“ My background from art school has an influence on my work .
I enjoy using an artful eye to tell stories in a different way.
” – Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we divided our Year in Photos into four parts .
Click here to see Part 2 : Outbreak , Part 3 : Racial Justice and Part 4 : Uncertain times .

Motivated. Bonded. Dedicated. Exuberant. These words and others describe a group of hikers called the AdAmAn Club, whose history is intertwined with that of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak, the prominent fourteener visible from across the city. The club was formed in 1922 when brothers Ed and Fred Morath organized a New Year’s Eve watch party, climbing the peak with three others, including Fred Barr, who constructed the still-used trail to the summit. They set off fireworks and flares to mark the start of a new year — and kicked off a tradition maintained by men and women since. Club member Ted Lindeman has made the New Year’s Eve trek 50 times since 1973.
Editor’s Note
I am so proud of the breadth of work that Denver Post photojournalists produced this year, risking their own health and safety to document our communities as we confront these extraordinary times together.
SIGN UP NOW Sign up now to receive more quality photojournalism through our newsletter, Infocus
We believe that our mission is more critical now than ever: to each day document the important events going on around us and to reflect the diverse, intersecting communities that make up our state, putting a human face to stories whenever possible.
It’s been a hard year and there are hard pictures contained in these pages. On top of the coronavirus pandemic that has affected so many parts of our daily lives, Coloradans faced massive wildfires, a divisive election season and a reckoning over racial justice. I firmly believe that as citizens, when we are confronted with challenges, we are best served by facing them head on with open minds, looking directly at whatever is in front of us.
Photojournalism has a unique power to put us face to face with the most consequential events of the day, connecting people across distance and time. As photojournalists, we strive to bring you, our readers, an honest and thoughtful view of the world. It’s not always comfortable. As you make your way through the pictures presented here, you will see a visual memorial to the year, one that I hope will be cathartic. And thankfully, in a year so often preoccupied with bearing witness to exceptional tragedy and tumult, moments of joy and wonder still manage to shine through.
In addition to the photographers, both staff and freelance, who are credited throughout these pages, I want to give a special thanks to the people who worked behind the scenes to bring this special presentation to life: Matt Swaney, Katie Rausch, Donovan Henderson, Maureen Burnett, Dena Rosenberry, Chris Paul and George Tanner. It is our honor to present the Year in Photos to the readers of The Denver Post.
— Patrick Traylor, Senior Editor for Photography & Multimedia
Foreword
We can all agree that 2020 has been an exceptional year. Coronavirus, shutdowns, homelessness, unemployment, racial tensions and protests in the streets, the contentious election, and the reality of a divided country have each left their mark on this year.
These events have led me to reflect on the importance of journalism to a free and fair society. Journalism is often referred to as the Fourth Estate, a term that speaks to the essential service journalism provides to our democracy as the fourth, if informal, branch of government.
More than 200 years ago, our founders recognized the importance of a free press by enshrining our right to it in the First Amendment.
But despite the essential nature of journalism, this year has also seen a ramp-up of assaults on both the institution and individual journalists. Reporters and photographers have been verbally and physically assaulted in the field, belittled, called names, threatened and vilified online.
This has been challenging and downright scary for those in the industry. As a photojournalist at The Denver Post for 28 years, I pride myself on being dedicated, fair and objective. I value being empathetic, understanding and open to new voices, ways of thinking and seeing our world.
Local journalism allows community members to read, hear, learn, understand and to contemplate diverse ideas and issues. It keeps us informed on what is happening at city council, and with the local fire and police departments. It informs us on environmental issues, on land and water use, on education, on business, on emergencies such as wildfires, floods and drought, and on the arts and entertainment. It tells stories of those who are important or influential in our community. And it’s done every single day.
— Helen H. Richardson, Denver Post photojournalist
Serbians have immigrated to Colorado since the 19th century, first toiling in the mines and on the railroads and later in the steel mill in Pueblo. After holding services in other Orthodox churches in the region for many years, St. John the Baptist bought a small building in need of remodeling in 2009 in Lakewood and held its first church service in the building the following year. Parishioners pooled their skills, time and effort to expand the church and it was consecrated in 2016, officially recognized as the first Serbian Orthodox Church in Colorado. The church serves the spiritual, cultural and social needs of the state’s Serbian Orthodox community.
Coloradan Michael Bennet ended his bid for the White House on Feb. 11 after a disappointing showing in New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary. “Tonight is not going to be our night,” the Democratic U.S. senator told supporters. “But let me say to New Hampshire — you may see me once again. … I think it’s fitting that we end the campaign tonight.” He added, “I feel nothing but joy tonight as we conclude this particular campaign and this particular chapter.”
Olaf was named Grand Champion steer and Bruce and Marcy Benson were celebrated as Citizens of the West at the 114th annual National Western Stock Show in January. The Denver tradition showcases the legacy of the West, with rodeos, livestock auctions, Native American and Mexican dancers and more. Its home at the National Western Complex is in the midst of expansion from 110 acres to 250 acres, a massive undertaking that will include construction of a 10,000-seat arena.
Spring training is special to players and fans for many reasons- it signals a change in seasons and the annual return of a beloved sport. There’s a hopefulness in the air- and for Coloradans visiting Arizona, warmth, palm trees and cacti to enjoy. “My background from art school has an influence on my work. I enjoy using an artful eye to tell stories in a different way.” – Denver Post photojournalist RJ Sangosti.


thedenverpost--2020-12-07--Colorado domestic violence deaths spiked in 2019, when 70 people died in connection to abuse

At least a dozen children in Colorado witnessed a loved one die in connection to domestic violence in 2019 , which saw a spike in the number of people killed in the state in connection to domestic abuse .
At least 70 Coloradans died in domestic violence incidents in 2019 , a 63 % increase from the year before and above the five-year average of 50 deaths per year , according to a report released Friday by the Colorado Attorney General ’ s Office .
Last year , 43 victims of domestic violence or those close to them were killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report .
Twenty-seven abusers also died in connection to domestic violence , including in police shootings and by suicide .
Most of the those killed by abusers were women killed by male partners .
A gun was used in almost two-thirds of all the deaths .
The members of the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board , which compiles the report , this year focused on how domestic violence affects children .
The report lists several examples of Colorado children witnessing violence or walking into its immediate wake .
A 12-year-old girl saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies .
A 1-year-old baby was shot and injured after her father tried to shoot her mother , but missed .
One girl heard gunfire and ran out into her yard to find her mother ’ s body and her father with a self-inflicted gunshot wound .
“ These numbers represent 19 children–19 children who are affected by the loss of one or both parents , 19 children who may have witnessed death , and 19 children who have experienced physical danger and trauma with direct consequences to their physical and mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote in the report .
National Domestic Violence Hotline : thehotline.org .
Call the hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for free , 24-hour help .
Violence Free Colorado : Use this map to locate resources by county in Colorado .
The website also has resources like a guide to helping someone you know who is being abused .
SafeHouse Denver : safehouse-denver.org .
Reach local professionals by calling the 24-hour crisis and information line at 303-318-9989 .
The fatality review board made several recommendations to prevent more domestic violence deaths , including implementing domestic violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as improving healthcare providers ’ screening for domestic violence .
The board also applauded efforts to remove guns from domestic violence perpetrators , including the state ’ s red flag law and a program run by the Denver District Attorney ’ s Office .
“ Given the demonstrated effectiveness of these laws and programs , the CDVFRB asserts that Colorado needs to continue working to enhance policies and practices designed to keep firearms out of the hands of DV perpetrators , as required by existing state and federal laws , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not be viewed as anti-gun , but as rather seen as preventative measures that increase both victim and community safety.
” The authors also urged the need for more safe and affordable housing and other social programs that help victims and perpetrators meet basic needs and find stability .
Those resources will be especially important during the coronavirus pandemic , the authors wrote .
Early data indicate that domestic violence has spiked in several Colorado communities during the coronavirus pandemic as people spend more time in their homes and economic instability increases @

At least a dozen children in Colorado witnessed a loved one die in connection to domestic violence in 2019, which saw a spike in the number of people killed in the state in connection to domestic abuse.
At least 70 Coloradans died in domestic violence incidents in 2019, a 63% increase from the year before and above the five-year average of 50 deaths per year, according to a report released Friday by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
Last year, 43 victims of domestic violence or those close to them were killed by abusive partners, according to the report. Twenty-seven abusers also died in connection to domestic violence, including in police shootings and by suicide.
Most of the those killed by abusers were women killed by male partners. A gun was used in almost two-thirds of all the deaths.
The members of the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, which compiles the report, this year focused on how domestic violence affects children. The report lists several examples of Colorado children witnessing violence or walking into its immediate wake. A 12-year-old girl saw her mother and grandmother’s dead bodies. A 1-year-old baby was shot and injured after her father tried to shoot her mother, but missed. One girl heard gunfire and ran out into her yard to find her mother’s body and her father with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“These numbers represent 19 children–19 children who are affected by the loss of one or both parents, 19 children who may have witnessed death, and 19 children who have experienced physical danger and trauma with direct consequences to their physical and mental health,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser wrote in the report.
The fatality review board made several recommendations to prevent more domestic violence deaths, including implementing domestic violence training for child care and school staff as well as improving healthcare providers’ screening for domestic violence.
The board also applauded efforts to remove guns from domestic violence perpetrators, including the state’s red flag law and a program run by the Denver District Attorney’s Office.
“Given the demonstrated effectiveness of these laws and programs, the CDVFRB asserts that Colorado needs to continue working to enhance policies and practices designed to keep firearms out of the hands of DV perpetrators, as required by existing state and federal laws,” the report states. “Such policies should not be viewed as anti-gun, but as rather seen as preventative measures that increase both victim and community safety.”
The authors also urged the need for more safe and affordable housing and other social programs that help victims and perpetrators meet basic needs and find stability.
Those resources will be especially important during the coronavirus pandemic, the authors wrote. Early data indicate that domestic violence has spiked in several Colorado communities during the coronavirus pandemic as people spend more time in their homes and economic instability increases.


thedenverpost--2020-12-07--2020 Year in Photos, Part II: Outbreak

2020 Year in Photos, Part II: Outbreak

“ Taking photos in the year 2020 was challenging .
Social distancing , wearing masks and a profound sense of isolation added new complications to every day .
I started taking pictures of the empty streets of Denver with a tilt-shift lens and tripod right after lockdown started in March .
The sudden emptiness gave me a different impression of the city , even though I was photographing the same streets and buildings I ’ ve seen for years .
I used the tilt-shift lens to visually emphasize the sense of isolation around the city , narrowing the focus within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hyoung Chang .
While the novel coronavirus circled the globe , people began to realize the hard work required to keep modern life humming along .
They began to thank people working in those jobs that may seem thankless — grocery store workers , delivery drivers , restaurant staffers , teachers , first responders , health care workers .
Restaurants and their regulars banded together to send meals to hospitals to feed staffers working day and night .
Residents left snacks and bottles of water for delivery drivers too busy to stop for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gratitude to teachers and aides for shifting gears daily to keep students engaged .
Artists painted murals lauding the “ superhero ” traits of first responders .
Some large companies offered “ hazard pay ” to employees who had to work directly with the public .
And every evening at 8 p.m. people flung open their doors and windows to howl , clap , cheer and bang pots and pans for health care workers risking their lives to save patients battling COVID-19 .
Evelyn Berkey celebrated her 100th birthday April 21 with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been planned at the Castle Rock Country Club to celebrate , but it was canceled because of pandemic-related stay-at-home orders .
COVID-19 has stricken older people around the world in greater numbers than other adults and youths .
Despite the hiccup , more than 100 people in about 70 vehicles passed in front of her home to shout “ happy birthday ” and hand the woman of honor flowers , cards and other gifts .
A stranger who saw the procession and learned of Berkey ’ s birthday joined the parade , sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of M & Ms at the centenarian ’ s feet .
A majority of those who passed by shouted from their cars , “ We love you , Evelyn .
We love you , ” telling her they wished they could hug her .
Berkey stood with an ever-present smile and crossed her arms over her chest , squeezing as tightly as her 100-year-old arms could , and shouted back , “ air hug .
air hug.
” Another well-wisher noted , “ You have lived a lot of history .
We read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived it.
” When reminded of the adage “ You learn something new every day , ” and asked whether she learned anything new on this particular day , Berkey answered , “ I learned to have a lot of friends .
I am so happy to be this loved and to have this many friends .
Can you believe all this fuss over an old woman ?
” Berkey ’ s 77-year-old son , Bill , roamed the street with youthful fervor and joy as he snapped photos of his mother ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not about the number of years you have .
It ’ s about how you feel .
She walks up and down those stairs every day.
” As Berkey walked back into the house after the hubbub died down , she spoke softly to Bill , whose arm she held .
“ Aw , wonderful .
Everyone was just so sweet.
” They call it “ sunset solidarity.
” Front Range Fire Rescue Chief Mike West and other members of the Colorado Emerald Society Pipes and Drums band were looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get through the coronavirus pandemic .
They settled on performing a nightly outdoor concert , playing down the sun .
“ We are part of the first responders , ” West said .
“ It has become a way at the end of the day for us to say , ‘ Hey , we made it one more day .
We are still on the front lines .
We are still fighting the good fight and there is still hope.
’ ” It ’ s a centuries-old tradition held in times of crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s firefighters .
The time of sunset is posted daily on their Facebook page and pipers try to start together in their separate corners of the state .
The coronavirus spread among JBS employees in March — just as confirmed cases in Colorado were climbing out of the hundreds and into the thousands .
By the end of the month , nearly 200 employees and dependents had been checked out for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 .
The outbreak peaked on March 27 .
The emergency room team at the Medical Center of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned chaos into symphonic precision .
Over a speaker , a room number was called out .
Through more than 20 humming medical professionals a mix of voices emerged , “ unresponsive female , ” “ five minutes , ” “ potential covid ?
” The attending medical staff began feverishly masking , shielding and protecting themselves .
One nurse spoke firmly to another to check off procedures .
The other responded more firmly , “ we ’ ve done that.
” The rise in tension palpable .
The small hallway , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swelled as nurses , doctors , techs and a chaplain took their respective positions .
Eyes pierced through goggles looking towards the emergency room entrance .
“ When things are at their worst , we ’ re at our best , ” said Dr. Frank Lansville , medical director of the emergency department .
The number of people seeking care at Aurora Medical Center fell in spring , likely due to fears of contracting the coronavirus , doctors said .
They encouraged people to seek help and not delay treatment .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephanie Sullivan said .
“ This is what we ’ ve trained to do.
” Medical workers — from supply clerks and aides to nurses and doctors — donned protective gear from head to toe to protect themselves and patients against the highly contagious novel coronavirus .
Many facilities struggled to obtain enough protective gear and the public held fundraising drives to help purchase necessary supplies .
As much as treating patients with COVID-19 and working to prevent the spread of the coronavirus have added stress to medical workers , Dr. Frank Lansville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and other health professionals worry people are putting off other treatments — for heart conditions , possible stroke , abdominal pain and complications of diabetes — for fear of contracting the highly contagious virus at a hospital .
First responders and all hospital personnel are taking extra precautions to protect against the spread of the coronavirus .
“ When things are at their worst , we ’ re at our best , ” Lansville said .
“ This has been an unexpected world pandemic , but that being said , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still functioning at a very high level , and we want people to feel comfortable no matter what they ’ re being seen for.
” This year , we divided our Year in Photos into four parts .
Click here to see Part 1 : Before COVID , Part 3 : Racial Justice and Part 4 : Uncertain times .

“Taking photos in the year 2020 was challenging. Social distancing, wearing masks and a profound sense of isolation added new complications to every day. I started taking pictures of the empty streets of Denver with a tilt-shift lens and tripod right after lockdown started in March. The sudden emptiness gave me a different impression of the city, even though I was photographing the same streets and buildings I’ve seen for years. I used the tilt-shift lens to visually emphasize the sense of isolation around the city, narrowing the focus within different scenes.” – Denver Post photojournalist Hyoung Chang.
While the novel coronavirus circled the globe, people began to realize the hard work required to keep modern life humming along. They began to thank people working in those jobs that may seem thankless — grocery store workers, delivery drivers, restaurant staffers, teachers, first responders, health care workers. Restaurants and their regulars banded together to send meals to hospitals to feed staffers working day and night. Residents left snacks and bottles of water for delivery drivers too busy to stop for lunch. Tired parents shared streams of gratitude to teachers and aides for shifting gears daily to keep students engaged. Artists painted murals lauding the “superhero” traits of first responders. Some large companies offered “hazard pay” to employees who had to work directly with the public. And every evening at 8 p.m. people flung open their doors and windows to howl, clap, cheer and bang pots and pans for health care workers risking their lives to save patients battling COVID-19.
Evelyn Berkey celebrated her 100th birthday April 21 with an outpouring of support.
A gathering had been planned at the Castle Rock Country Club to celebrate, but it was canceled because of pandemic-related stay-at-home orders. COVID-19 has stricken older people around the world in greater numbers than other adults and youths. Despite the hiccup, more than 100 people in about 70 vehicles passed in front of her home to shout “happy birthday” and hand the woman of honor flowers, cards and other gifts. A stranger who saw the procession and learned of Berkey’s birthday joined the parade, sharing wishes of joy and tossing a bag of M&Ms at the centenarian’s feet. A majority of those who passed by shouted from their cars, “We love you, Evelyn. We love you,” telling her they wished they could hug her. Berkey stood with an ever-present smile and crossed her arms over her chest, squeezing as tightly as her 100-year-old arms could, and shouted back, “air hug. air hug.” Another well-wisher noted, “You have lived a lot of history. We read about it, but you have actually lived it.”
When reminded of the adage “You learn something new every day,” and asked whether she learned anything new on this particular day, Berkey answered, “I learned to have a lot of friends. I am so happy to be this loved and to have this many friends. Can you believe all this fuss over an old woman?”
Berkey’s 77-year-old son, Bill, roamed the street with youthful fervor and joy as he snapped photos of his mother’s special day and said, “It’s not about the number of years you have. It’s about how you feel. She walks up and down those stairs every day.” As Berkey walked back into the house after the hubbub died down, she spoke softly to Bill, whose arm she held. “Aw, wonderful. Everyone was just so sweet.”
They call it “sunset solidarity.” Front Range Fire Rescue Chief Mike West and other members of the Colorado Emerald Society Pipes and Drums band were looking for a way to help their communities get through the coronavirus pandemic. They settled on performing a nightly outdoor concert, playing down the sun.
“We are part of the first responders,” West said. “It has become a way at the end of the day for us to say, ‘Hey, we made it one more day. We are still on the front lines. We are still fighting the good fight and there is still hope.’” It’s a centuries-old tradition held in times of crisis, and a new movement among Colorado’s firefighters.
The time of sunset is posted daily on their Facebook page and pipers try to start together in their separate corners of the state.
The coronavirus spread among JBS employees in March — just as confirmed cases in Colorado were climbing out of the hundreds and into the thousands. By the end of the month, nearly 200 employees and dependents had been checked out for confirmed or suspected COVID-19. The outbreak peaked on March 27.
Inside the ER
The emergency room team at the Medical Center of Aurora shifted into a high gear and turned chaos into symphonic precision. Over a speaker, a room number was called out. Through more than 20 humming medical professionals a mix of voices emerged, “unresponsive female,” “five minutes,” “potential covid?”
SIGN UP NOW Sign up now to receive more quality photojournalism through our newsletter, Infocus
The attending medical staff began feverishly masking, shielding and protecting themselves. One nurse spoke firmly to another to check off procedures. The other responded more firmly, “we’ve done that.” The rise in tension palpable.
The small hallway, no wider than the length of a bed swelled as nurses, doctors, techs and a chaplain took their respective positions. Eyes pierced through goggles looking towards the emergency room entrance.
“When things are at their worst, we’re at our best,” said Dr. Frank Lansville, medical director of the emergency department.
The number of people seeking care at Aurora Medical Center fell in spring, likely due to fears of contracting the coronavirus, doctors said. They encouraged people to seek help and not delay treatment. “We’re ready,” HealthONE spokeswoman Stephanie Sullivan said. “This is what we’ve trained to do.”
Medical workers — from supply clerks and aides to nurses and doctors — donned protective gear from head to toe to protect themselves and patients against the highly contagious novel coronavirus. Many facilities struggled to obtain enough protective gear and the public held fundraising drives to help purchase necessary supplies.
As much as treating patients with COVID-19 and working to prevent the spread of the coronavirus have added stress to medical workers, Dr. Frank Lansville, medical director of the emergency department, and other health professionals worry people are putting off other treatments — for heart conditions, possible stroke, abdominal pain and complications of diabetes — for fear of contracting the highly contagious virus at a hospital. First responders and all hospital personnel are taking extra precautions to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. “When things are at their worst, we’re at our best,” Lansville said. “This has been an unexpected world pandemic, but that being said, we’re still here. We’re still functioning at a very high level, and we want people to feel comfortable no matter what they’re being seen for.”
This year, we divided our Year in Photos into four parts. Click here to see Part 1: Before COVID, Part 3: Racial Justice and Part 4: Uncertain times.


thedenverpost--2020-12-07--2020 Year in Photos, Part IV: Uncertain times

In August , school districts across Colorado began the delicate dance of bringing children back to classrooms amid a global pandemic .
As quickly as COVID-19 trends change , so too do school districts ’ plans for how to host classes .
Infections and hospitalizations have surged since late October , leading the state , counties and municipalities to take more aggressive steps to curb community spread of the coronavirus .
Those trends have also prompted rapidly evolving changes in learning formats at schools across the state .
The pandemic and racial protests have raised the stress levels of Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Safe2Tell system can pinpoint someone in need , but it can also bring police to the door of a teen experiencing a mental health crisis .
As part of an examination of youth suicide , The Denver Post asked teens for their thoughts and worries .
Read excerpts of their replies and the full series here .
“ What more could you ask from a group ?
” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after the team ’ s playoff exit .
“ What more commitment , sacrifice , just everything in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone through .
The history that we ’ ve made .
The adversity that we faced and never ran from , embraced it… ” For nearly three months , the team stuck together , authoring gripping comebacks , re-writing NBA history and changing how the Nuggets were perceived around the league .
Denver ultimately lost the Western Conference Finals 4-1 to Los Angeles .
The 2002 Hayman fire burned more than 137,000 acres .
Its record as the largest wildfire in Colorado history stood for 18 years , until it was topped three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire , shown north of Grand Junction on Aug. 20 , below , was started by a lighting strike on July 31 .
The Cameron Peak fire in October burned more than 200,000 acres and became the state ’ s largest wildfire .
The East Troublesome fire , which started in October , became the second-largest wildfire in the state .
The Pine Gulch fire burned Latham family land so quickly and badly that in many parts nothing is left but deep ash , soot and stumps of trees and brush .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 70 years and four generations .
The Lathams own 250 head of cattle and 2,500 acres in South Dry Fork .
They lost practically all of their acreage , both their own and the BLM land they leased , to the fire .
“ Every mountain as far as the eye can see has burned .
Mountains and valleys both , ” said Latham .
He continued , “ Every one of these mountains has memories for us .
Every hill has a story.
” However , this is not a family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have lost but rather what they still have .
Latham said they have strong family bonds , a mutual love and respect for the land whether it is burned or not , and a tradition of working and living on the land .
“ One thing you find out about people here is that they are realists .
They don ’ t sit around and say ‘ poor me ’ .
’ They say , ‘ OK what do we do now ?
How do we move forward.
’ God has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hay to haul , cows to water , land to reseed and fences to rebuild , ” said Latham .
“ We just have to move forward.
” Read more about the challenges caused by wildfire to Western Slope ranchers here .
A devastating summer saw the three largest wildfires in state history blacken hundreds of thousands of acres and hundreds of homes .
A longtime Grand Lake couple perished in the swift-moving East Troublesome fire .
“ There are so many people in this town whose hearts are invested here , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident since 1956 .
“ That ’ s where my soul is.
” The record-breaking forest fires in Colorado are the latest sign climate change is affecting the West , causing scientists to increase their rhetoric and urging policymakers to move beyond planning and start taking action .
“ We ’ ve got to get motivated and stop turning the thermostat up .
That is urgent , not a sci-fi thing .
It is us turning up the thermostat .
It does not readily turn down .
The farther we turn it up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Scott Denning , a Colorado State University atmospheric scientist .
Colorado and the West will continue to experience more hot days , scientists say .
The rising heat is depleting water and drying soil across the Colorado River Basin and other river basins .
Recently , federal authorities classified 97 % of Colorado in severe to exceptional drought .
On Saturday , Oct. 10 , Denver Post photojournalist Helen H. Richardson was covering dueling rallies in downtown Denver when a man was shot and killed directly in front of her .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot as Lee Keltner , 49 .
Police identified 30-year-old Matthew Robert Dolloff as the suspect and confirmed he was working as a private security guard for 9News at the time and not participating in the protest .
Three of the images from that fatal encounter are shown here .
No one I ’ ve ever worked with wishes to cover something like this .
I spoke with Helen on the phone just minutes after this happened , as she was cooperating with police to give eye witness testimony .
I remember her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have time to think about running away .
The shot was fired and as the man holding a gun looked around .
She told me that her next thought was , “ Is he going to just start shooting into the crowd ?
” I can ’ t imagine what it was like for Helen to witness this , but somehow she kept photographing , perhaps the only way she knew how to react , as a professional doing her job , photographing what was in front of her .
These are difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also part of the story of our community this year .
— Patrick Traylor , The Denver Post Suburban voters ’ swing toward Democrats in the age of Donald Trump was substantially offset by fierce turnout among Trump ’ s base in some states on Election Day .
But that wasn ’ t the case in Colorado — where metro Denver ’ s suburban counties helped power former Vice President Joe Biden to a statewide victory that more than doubled Hillary Clinton ’ s 5-percentage-point margin over Trump in 2016 .
As 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jared Polis has expressed hope that some Coloradans will begin receiving a COVID-19 vaccine by year ’ s end , as the virus ’ spread continues to worsen , with hospitalizations and infections reaching record levels .
The governor ’ s optimism followed drugmaker Pfizer ’ s announcement that data from late-stage trials showed its vaccine was more than 90 % effective in preventing COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
A second company , Moderna , announced on Nov. 16 that its COVID-19 vaccine appears to be similarly effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the global race for a drug to tame a resurgent virus that as of mid-November is killing more than 8,000 people a day worldwide .
This year , we divided our Year in Photos into four parts .
Click here to see Part 1 : Before COVID , Part 2 : Outbreak and Part 3 : Racial Justice..

In August, school districts across Colorado began the delicate dance of bringing children back to classrooms amid a global pandemic. As quickly as COVID-19 trends change, so too do school districts’ plans for how to host classes. Infections and hospitalizations have surged since late October, leading the state, counties and municipalities to take more aggressive steps to curb community spread of the coronavirus. Those trends have also prompted rapidly evolving changes in learning formats at schools across the state.
Crisis Point
The pandemic and racial protests have raised the stress levels of Colorado’s youths. The state’s Safe2Tell system can pinpoint someone in need, but it can also bring police to the door of a teen experiencing a mental health crisis. As part of an examination of youth suicide, The Denver Post asked teens for their thoughts and worries. Read excerpts of their replies and the full series here.
Uncertain Times
Sports in the Pandemic
“What more could you ask from a group?” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after the team’s playoff exit. “What more commitment, sacrifice, just everything in the last 82 days that our team has gone through. The history that we’ve made. The adversity that we faced and never ran from, embraced it…” For nearly three months, the team stuck together, authoring gripping comebacks, re-writing NBA history and changing how the Nuggets were perceived around the league. Denver ultimately lost the Western Conference Finals 4-1 to Los Angeles.
Wildfires
The 2002 Hayman fire burned more than 137,000 acres. Its record as the largest wildfire in Colorado history stood for 18 years, until it was topped three times in 2020. The Pine Gulch fire, shown north of Grand Junction on Aug. 20, below, was started by a lighting strike on July 31. The Cameron Peak fire in October burned more than 200,000 acres and became the state’s largest wildfire. The East Troublesome fire, which started in October, became the second-largest wildfire in the state.
The Pine Gulch fire burned Latham family land so quickly and badly that in many parts nothing is left but deep ash, soot and stumps of trees and brush.
“It’s like a moonscape,” said Latham Largent.
The family has ranched in South Dry Fork for 70 years and four generations. The Lathams own 250 head of cattle and 2,500 acres in South Dry Fork. They lost practically all of their acreage, both their own and the BLM land they leased, to the fire.
“Every mountain as far as the eye can see has burned. Mountains and valleys both,” said Latham. He continued, “Every one of these mountains has memories for us. Every hill has a story.”
However, this is not a family that sits around and thinks about what they have lost but rather what they still have. Latham said they have strong family bonds, a mutual love and respect for the land whether it is burned or not, and a tradition of working and living on the land.
“One thing you find out about people here is that they are realists. They don’t sit around and say ‘poor me’.’ They say, ‘OK what do we do now? How do we move forward.’ God has a plan for us somewhere. I have hay to haul, cows to water, land to reseed and fences to rebuild,” said Latham. “We just have to move forward.”
Read more about the challenges caused by wildfire to Western Slope ranchers here.
A devastating summer saw the three largest wildfires in state history blacken hundreds of thousands of acres and hundreds of homes. A longtime Grand Lake couple perished in the swift-moving East Troublesome fire.
“There are so many people in this town whose hearts are invested here,” said David Anderson, a Grand Lake resident since 1956. “That’s where my soul is.”
The record-breaking forest fires in Colorado are the latest sign climate change is affecting the West, causing scientists to increase their rhetoric and urging policymakers to move beyond planning and start taking action.
“We’ve got to get motivated and stop turning the thermostat up. That is urgent, not a sci-fi thing. It is us turning up the thermostat. It does not readily turn down. The farther we turn it up, the worse it will get,” said Scott Denning, a Colorado State University atmospheric scientist.
Colorado and the West will continue to experience more hot days, scientists say. The rising heat is depleting water and drying soil across the Colorado River Basin and other river basins. Recently, federal authorities classified 97% of Colorado in severe to exceptional drought.
Eyewitness
On Saturday, Oct. 10, Denver Post photojournalist Helen H. Richardson was covering dueling rallies in downtown Denver when a man was shot and killed directly in front of her.
Family members later identified the man fatally shot as Lee Keltner, 49. Police identified 30-year-old Matthew Robert Dolloff as the suspect and confirmed he was working as a private security guard for 9News at the time and not participating in the protest.
SIGN UP NOW Sign up now to receive more quality photojournalism through our newsletter, Infocus
Three of the images from that fatal encounter are shown here.
No one I’ve ever worked with wishes to cover something like this. I spoke with Helen on the phone just minutes after this happened, as she was cooperating with police to give eye witness testimony. I remember her saying that she didn’t even have time to think about running away. The shot was fired and as the man holding a gun looked around. She told me that her next thought was, “Is he going to just start shooting into the crowd?” I can’t imagine what it was like for Helen to witness this, but somehow she kept photographing, perhaps the only way she knew how to react, as a professional doing her job, photographing what was in front of her.
These are difficult photographs but, unfortunately, they are also part of the story of our community this year. — Patrick Traylor, The Denver Post
Election 2020
Suburban voters’ swing toward Democrats in the age of Donald Trump was substantially offset by fierce turnout among Trump’s base in some states on Election Day. But that wasn’t the case in Colorado — where metro Denver’s suburban counties helped power former Vice President Joe Biden to a statewide victory that more than doubled Hillary Clinton’s 5-percentage-point margin over Trump in 2016.
The Year of COVID
As 2020 draws to a close, Gov. Jared Polis has expressed hope that some Coloradans will begin receiving a COVID-19 vaccine by year’s end, as the virus’ spread continues to worsen, with hospitalizations and infections reaching record levels. The governor’s optimism followed drugmaker Pfizer’s announcement that data from late-stage trials showed its vaccine was more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. A second company, Moderna, announced on Nov. 16 that its COVID-19 vaccine appears to be similarly effective, a second dash of hope in the global race for a drug to tame a resurgent virus that as of mid-November is killing more than 8,000 people a day worldwide.
This year, we divided our Year in Photos into four parts. Click here to see Part 1: Before COVID, Part 2: Outbreak and Part 3: Racial Justice..


thedenverpost--2020-12-07--2020 Year in Photos, Part III: Racial Justice

For hours in the evening of May 30 and late into the night , police officers and protesters faced off near Civic Center in downtown Denver .
Police fired pepper spray , pepper balls and sponge bullets and set off flash-bang devices to break up crowds .
Protesters pressed forward whenever the pepper spray and smoke cleared , some throwing objects at officers and others lighting fires in trash cans .
The mayor announced a city-wide curfew , and the governor authorized the use of the Colorado National Guard to help maintain order .
Protesters took to the streets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to draw attention to racial injustice and the deaths of Black people at the hands of police , sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
On multiple occasions protesters chanted “ I can ’ t breathe !
I can ’ t breathe !
” echoing some of the final words recorded as Floyd drew his last breaths .
Confronted by officers early in the evening May 30 , activists linked arms and sat on the ground in front of the Capitol .
One woman called out , “ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and white protesters joined them in an attempt to encircle the Capitol .
Nearby , another group of protesters attempted to clean graffiti off the Scottish Rite Masonic Center .
Clashes between officers and protesters turned violent on numerous occasions , prompting Mayor Michael Hancock to announce an 8 p.m. curfew .
Thirty-four people were arrested May 28 and 29 for engaging in looting and vandalism , setting fires and carrying weapons , according to arrest reports .
Graffiti was painted on the Capitol ’ s steps , doors and walls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were smashed in those early days .
Protests continued for weeks .
“ We stand with Minneapolis , like my sign says , ” Denver resident Tyler Stevens said .
“ If nothing ’ s going to change , there are people around the whole country who are going to stand up.
” Click here to see 10 days of photos showing Coloradans filled with grief , anger and resolve in response to the death of George Floyd .
People around the world celebrated the life of 23-year-old Elijah McClain in the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following an encounter with Aurora police .
Demonstrators demanded justice for McClain , who begged the officers who stopped him as he walked home from the store in August 2019 to not hurt him .
In June 2020 , Aurora police announced that multiple officers had been placed on administrative leave related to photos taken at the site McClain was stopped .
Three were later terminated and another resigned .
Local , state and federal investigations into the incident are underway and McClain ’ s parents filed a federal lawsuit against police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also passed a police reform bill .
In the weeks following Elijah McClain ’ s death in August 2019 , his mother , Sheneen , would sit in her car and cry for up to three hours at a time .
“ Now it ’ s down to about an hour and a half , ” she said nearly a year later .
She cries when she sees his face in pictures .
She drives around with dozens of photos of Elijah , and sometimes gifts them to others so that , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They can hold that weight , too.
” It took nearly a year for other people to demand an investigation into McClain ’ s death .
The delay hurt McClain ’ s family and friends .
His mother wonders what took so long .
“ It ’ s still the same for me , because what was taken from me can never be taken back , ” she said .
Click here to read more about how Elijah McClain ’ s death has impacted his friends and catalyzed a movement .
Davarie Armstrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were killed in one week in the city during summer .
Each of the four teens was fatally shot : 19-year-old Tayvion Washington , 14-year-old Xzavier Collier , 15-year-old Moses Chaney Harris and Armstrong .
The teens ’ deaths prompted community organizers in the Park Hill and Montbello neighborhoods as well as from across the metro area to hold two community meetings about the violence and to demand investment and change from city leaders .
“ We are in a state of emergency , ” Sharletta Evans , founder of Victim and Offender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said at a meeting at the Zion Senior Center .
This year , we divided our Year in Photos into four parts .
Click here to see Part 1 : Before COVID , Part 2 : Outbreak and Part 4 : Uncertain times .

For hours in the evening of May 30 and late into the night , police officers and protesters faced off near Civic Center in downtown Denver. Police fired pepper spray, pepper balls and sponge bullets and set off flash-bang devices to break up crowds. Protesters pressed forward whenever the pepper spray and smoke cleared, some throwing objects at officers and others lighting fires in trash cans. The mayor announced a city-wide curfew, and the governor authorized the use of the Colorado National Guard to help maintain order.
Protesters took to the streets of downtown Denver from late May into June to draw attention to racial injustice and the deaths of Black people at the hands of police, sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. On multiple occasions protesters chanted “I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe!” echoing some of the final words recorded as Floyd drew his last breaths.
Confronted by officers early in the evening May 30, activists linked arms and sat on the ground in front of the Capitol. One woman called out, “If you’re white, hold the line,” and white protesters joined them in an attempt to encircle the Capitol. Nearby, another group of protesters attempted to clean graffiti off the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.
Clashes between officers and protesters turned violent on numerous occasions, prompting Mayor Michael Hancock to announce an 8 p.m. curfew. Thirty-four people were arrested May 28 and 29 for engaging in looting and vandalism, setting fires and carrying weapons, according to arrest reports. Graffiti was painted on the Capitol’s steps, doors and walls, and windows of stores and vehicles were smashed in those early days. Protests continued for weeks.
“We stand with Minneapolis, like my sign says,” Denver resident Tyler Stevens said. “If nothing’s going to change, there are people around the whole country who are going to stand up.”
Click here to see 10 days of photos showing Coloradans filled with grief, anger and resolve in response to the death of George Floyd.
Remembering Elijah McClain
People around the world celebrated the life of 23-year-old Elijah McClain in the summer, nearly a year after he died following an encounter with Aurora police. Demonstrators demanded justice for McClain, who begged the officers who stopped him as he walked home from the store in August 2019 to not hurt him.
In June 2020, Aurora police announced that multiple officers had been placed on administrative leave related to photos taken at the site McClain was stopped. Three were later terminated and another resigned. Local, state and federal investigations into the incident are underway and McClain’s parents filed a federal lawsuit against police and paramedics. The Colorado state legislature has also passed a police reform bill.
In the weeks following Elijah McClain’s death in August 2019, his mother, Sheneen, would sit in her car and cry for up to three hours at a time. “Now it’s down to about an hour and a half,” she said nearly a year later.
SIGN UP NOW Sign up now to receive more quality photojournalism through our newsletter, Infocus
She cries when she sees his face in pictures. She drives around with dozens of photos of Elijah, and sometimes gifts them to others so that, as one family friend put it, “They can hold that weight, too.”
It took nearly a year for other people to demand an investigation into McClain’s death. The delay hurt McClain’s family and friends. His mother wonders what took so long. “It’s still the same for me, because what was taken from me can never be taken back,” she said.
Click here to read more about how Elijah McClain’s death has impacted his friends and catalyzed a movement.
Davarie Armstrong was one of four Denver teenagers who were killed in one week in the city during summer. Each of the four teens was fatally shot: 19-year-old Tayvion Washington, 14-year-old Xzavier Collier, 15-year-old Moses Chaney Harris and Armstrong. The teens’ deaths prompted community organizers in the Park Hill and Montbello neighborhoods as well as from across the metro area to hold two community meetings about the violence and to demand investment and change from city leaders. “We are in a state of emergency,” Sharletta Evans, founder of Victim and Offender Mitigation Initiative, a nonprofit group, said at a meeting at the Zion Senior Center.
This year, we divided our Year in Photos into four parts. Click here to see Part 1: Before COVID, Part 2: Outbreak and Part 4: Uncertain times.


thedenverpost--2020-12-07--Tim Patrick outscored Tyreek Hill, but he couldn’t save Broncos in Kansas City

A sentence we didn ’ t think we ’ d be typing before Week 13 of an NFL season : If you started Tim Patrick instead of Tyreek Hill on your fantasy team , brother , you ’ re positively golden .
“ Tim has been Tim this whole year , ” Broncos quarterback Drew Lock said of Patrick , the Denver wide receiver who caught two touchdowns — the speedy Hill finished with none — during a 22-16 loss at Kansas City on Sunday night .
“ Mr .
Reliable .
Mr .
Consistent .
Always there for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lock needed No .
81 in a pinch at Arrowhead Stadium , Patrick usually obliged .
The 6-foot-4 wideout ’ s two-touchdown evening was his first multi-score contest as a pro .
His four catches amounted to 44 yards , but three of those grabs either put the Broncos in the end zone or set them up nicely in Chiefs territory .
“ ( Lock and I ) just make it simple , ” said Patrick , the former Utah Utes standout who was pressed into WR1 duty after Courtland Sutton was lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He throws the ball , I catch it .
Simple as that .
If the ball comes my way , make a play .
Sometimes he makes me look good .
Sometimes , I make him look good.
” The pair both looked good while hooking up for the Broncos ’ two touchdowns , another example of the chemistry formed over the course of 2020 ’ s pandemic .
The first , in which Patrick essentially lined up like a tight end or blocking back and turned a short dump-off into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead of the tilt .
If the first red-zone connection between Lock and Patrick was about execution , the second was for the highlight reel .
With the Broncos trailing 12-10 at the Chiefs ’ 10-yard-line late in the third quarter , Lock threw a high fade into the short left corner of the end zone on first down .
The placement was perfect , with enough air underneath for Patrick to fight off Kansas City cornerback Bashaud Breeland and secure the ball cleanly as the two scurried out of bounds .
Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , with control , before rolling out of the end zone , even as the field judge immediately ruled the Broncos wideout out of bounds .
The Denver receiver appealed passionately , even pointing to the spots on the turf where his toes had scraped the grass .
The line judge came over to affirm it was a catch , and the field judge quickly reversed his initial call .
Television replays showed Patrick ’ s version of events — one toe in , then another — to be right on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be positively balletic .
“ It was just a fade , ” Patrick explained .
“ It was a run play , but we knew if they went man we ’ d try a back-side fade .
He was going to give me a chance if it was man and that was what happened.
” Which led a reporter to ask during the postgame Zoom call with the media : Best catch ever ?
“ As far as touchdowns ?
” Patrick replied with a quizzical tone .
It ’ s got ta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
It was still pretty sweet , though .
Especially on a night that left Broncos fans with a sour taste , again , after a two-touchdown , two-interception stat line from Lock .
“ ( Lock ) responded like we knew he was going to respond , ” Patrick said of his signal-caller , who ’ s now 7-7 as an NFL starter .
“ He ’ s a big-time playmaker , a big-time leader , he ’ s a big-time quarterback .
And not for one second did we ( think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
Because we knew they couldn ’ t stop us .
We just came up short ( Sunday ) .
”

A sentence we didn’t think we’d be typing before Week 13 of an NFL season: If you started Tim Patrick instead of Tyreek Hill on your fantasy team, brother, you’re positively golden.
“Tim has been Tim this whole year,” Broncos quarterback Drew Lock said of Patrick, the Denver wide receiver who caught two touchdowns — the speedy Hill finished with none — during a 22-16 loss at Kansas City on Sunday night. “Mr. Reliable. Mr. Consistent. Always there for you, whenever you need him.”
Whenever Lock needed No. 81 in a pinch at Arrowhead Stadium, Patrick usually obliged. The 6-foot-4 wideout’s two-touchdown evening was his first multi-score contest as a pro. His four catches amounted to 44 yards, but three of those grabs either put the Broncos in the end zone or set them up nicely in Chiefs territory.
“(Lock and I) just make it simple,” said Patrick, the former Utah Utes standout who was pressed into WR1 duty after Courtland Sutton was lost for the season in Week 2.
“He throws the ball, I catch it. Simple as that. If the ball comes my way, make a play. Sometimes he makes me look good. Sometimes, I make him look good.”
The pair both looked good while hooking up for the Broncos’ two touchdowns, another example of the chemistry formed over the course of 2020’s pandemic. The first, in which Patrick essentially lined up like a tight end or blocking back and turned a short dump-off into a 5-yard score, gave Denver its first lead of the tilt.
If the first red-zone connection between Lock and Patrick was about execution, the second was for the highlight reel.
With the Broncos trailing 12-10 at the Chiefs’ 10-yard-line late in the third quarter, Lock threw a high fade into the short left corner of the end zone on first down. The placement was perfect, with enough air underneath for Patrick to fight off Kansas City cornerback Bashaud Breeland and secure the ball cleanly as the two scurried out of bounds.
Patrick knew he’d gotten both toes down, with control, before rolling out of the end zone, even as the field judge immediately ruled the Broncos wideout out of bounds.
The Denver receiver appealed passionately, even pointing to the spots on the turf where his toes had scraped the grass. The line judge came over to affirm it was a catch, and the field judge quickly reversed his initial call.
Television replays showed Patrick’s version of events — one toe in, then another — to be right on the ball. And his body control to be positively balletic.
“It was just a fade,” Patrick explained. “It was a run play, but we knew if they went man we’d try a back-side fade. He was going to give me a chance if it was man and that was what happened.”
Which led a reporter to ask during the postgame Zoom call with the media: Best catch ever?
“As far as touchdowns?” Patrick replied with a quizzical tone.
It’s gotta be close to the top, right?
“Nah,” Patrick said with a grin. “It’s not.”
It was still pretty sweet, though. Especially on a night that left Broncos fans with a sour taste, again, after a two-touchdown, two-interception stat line from Lock.
“(Lock) responded like we knew he was going to respond,” Patrick said of his signal-caller, who’s now 7-7 as an NFL starter. “He’s a big-time playmaker, a big-time leader, he’s a big-time quarterback. And not for one second did we (think) we were going to lose that game. Because we knew they couldn’t stop us. We just came up short (Sunday).”


thedenverpost--2020-12-07--Broncos Q-and-A: Did Vic Fangio make right call punting with six minutes remaining

Question : Let ’ s start at the end .
Agree or disagree with Vic Fangio ’ s decision to punt from his 49-yard line with about 6:10 remaining and trailing 19-16 ?
Answer : We play the hindsight game around here , but the Chiefs ’ offense was averaging more than seven yards per play so expecting a three-and-out at that point was a reach .
Of Fangio ’ s four big decisions — first-half 57-yard field goal ( no good ) , replay challenge ( which he won ) , going for two points ( didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this sequence — the one I first-guessed was attempting the field goal .
The Broncos failed on a third-and-3 when Drew Lock ’ s pass was incomplete to receiver KJ Hamler ( he got both hands on it , so I ’ ll count it as a drop ) .
The Chiefs started at their 15 after the punt and the Broncos ’ defense couldn ’ t make the kind of play Fangio was counting on .
The Chiefs had gains of six , 17 , five , 12 , four and nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal range and use valuable clock time .
The coach of a 4-7 team should go for it .
Q : The Chiefs were 0-of-4 in the red zone ( kicked four field goals ) .
Was it more their inefficiency offensively or the Broncos ’ defense rising up ?
A : More the Broncos than the Chiefs .
First possession — defensive end Shelby Harris broke up a pass on third-and-4 from the 17 .
Second possession — the Chiefs got too cute on third-and-goal from the 1 with a pop pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards .
Third possession — Hill got cute this time by trying to score on a five-yard pass from the 10 .
He didn ’ t score and he used up several seconds to force a field goal .
Fourth possession — Mahomes was sacked by outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu on third-and-goal from the 8 .
Q : Melvin Gordon set up the Broncos ’ first touchdown with a 65-yard run .
How did he bust through for his and the team ’ s longest carry of the year ?
A : So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have that kind of play .
On third-and-3 , Gordon was lined up to the left of Lock , who was in the shotgun .
At the snap , left guard Dalton Risner pulled right and blocked linebacker Ben Niemann .
Center Lloyd Cushenberry sealed off defensive tackle Chris Jones .
Right guard Graham Glasgow and right tackle Demar Dotson double-teamed defensive end Tano Kpassagnon and then Dotson blocked safety Daniel Sorenson .
Through the hole , Gordon was off to the races because safety Tyrann Mathieu was out of position , likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the edge .
Q : The Chiefs beat the Broncos for the 11th consecutive time and the Broncos are 4-8 .
But was Sunday night a positive ?
• Tim Patrick outscored Tyreek Hill , but he couldn ’ t save Broncos in Kansas City • Melvin Gordon , embracing underdog role , runs for season-high 131 yards in Broncos ’ loss to Chiefs • Broncos Report Card : Competitive in all phases , but still another loss to the Chiefs • Kiszla : After Broncos lose for 11th straight time to Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach Vic Fangio ?
A : If the goal was to not lose by 20-plus points , then yes , the Broncos checked one box .
But a loss is a loss is a loss and several of the Broncos ’ flaws were exposed again by the Chiefs .
The defense allowed eight plays of at least 20 yards and didn ’ t create a takeaway .
The offense didn ’ t finish strong , going punt , punt , interception in the fourth quarter .
What Sunday night exhibited is how good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation , how good tight end Travis Kelce is at all parts of the field and just how narrow the margin of error the Broncos have against superior teams .
One little blink and a chance at winning disappears .

Question: Let’s start at the end. Agree or disagree with Vic Fangio’s decision to punt from his 49-yard line with about 6:10 remaining and trailing 19-16?
Answer: We play the hindsight game around here, but the Chiefs’ offense was averaging more than seven yards per play so expecting a three-and-out at that point was a reach.
The Broncos failed on a third-and-3 when quarterback Drew Lock’s pass was incomplete to receiver KJ Hamler (he got both hands on it, so I’ll count it as a drop). The Chiefs started at their 15 after the punt and the Broncos’ defense couldn’t make the kind of play Fangio was counting on. The Chiefs had gains of six, 17, five, 12, four and nine yards to equal parts move into field goal range and use valuable clock time.
Fangio doubled down Monday saying he didn’t regret punting. As the defensive play-caller, he has supreme confidence in his group to get a stop in that situation, but they didn’t deliver. He also pointed out the Broncos’ lack of success on third/fourth downs when needing 2-3 yards. On third down needing 2-3 yards this year, according to The Denver Post’s game charting, the Broncos are 11-of-22 (50%).
Q: The Chiefs were 0-of-4 in the red zone (kicked four field goals). Was it more their inefficiency offensively or the Broncos’ defense rising up?
A: More the Broncos than the Chiefs.
First possession — defensive end Shelby Harris broke up a pass on third-and-4 from the 17.
Second possession — the Chiefs got too cute on third-and-goal from the 1 with a pop pass to receiver Tyreek Hill that lost five yards.
Third possession — Hill got cute this time by trying to score on a five-yard pass from the 10. He didn’t score and he used up several seconds to force a field goal.
Fourth possession — Mahomes was sacked by outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu on third-and-goal from the 8.
Q: Melvin Gordon set up the Broncos’ first touchdown with a 65-yard run. How did he bust through for his and the team’s longest carry of the year?
A: So many things need to go right to have that kind of play.
On third-and-3, Gordon was lined up to the left of Lock, who was in the shotgun.
At the snap, left guard Dalton Risner pulled right and blocked linebacker Ben Niemann. Center Lloyd Cushenberry sealed off defensive tackle Chris Jones. Right guard Graham Glasgow and right tackle Demar Dotson double-teamed defensive end Tano Kpassagnon and then Dotson blocked safety Daniel Sorenson.
Through the hole, Gordon was off to the races because safety Tyrann Mathieu was out of position, likely expecting Gordon to bounce the play to the edge.
Q: Who’s left to play cornerback for the Broncos this year?
A: Anybody have a number for Champ Bailey? I kid, but in just the last two games, the Broncos have lost starter/best corner Bryce Callahan (foot) for at least two more games and rookie/nickel back Essang Bassey (knee) for the year.
Heading into the Carolina game, Fangio has at least three primary options: 1. Move Alijah Holder from the dime role (sixth defensive back) to the nickel (fifth) and make Will Parks the dime back; 2. Insert Parks as the nickel and keep Holder as the dime; 3. Give Duke Dawson another chance in either sub-package role.
Bassey, an undrafted free agent from Wake Forest, proved he could play in the NFL and should be a part of the plan for 2021.


thedenverpost--2020-12-07--Ask Amy: Partying right now could yield unhealthy surprises

Dear Amy : My brother is turning 30 in two months .
His husband is planning an out-of-state surprise birthday weekend , seven hours away , where he and my brother and their friends will be staying in a large 14-person cabin .
My family ( me , my pregnant wife and our daughter ) have been given the option of a smaller separate cabin .
So have our parents .
Everyone has eagerly accepted , except for my family and my parents .
Our governor is imposing more pandemic restrictions .
Anyone traveling out of state has to quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife and I can not quarantine for two weeks and miss work .
We also all live within 10 minutes of each other , so the need for a 30th birthday weekend getaway seems unnecessary to us .
My wife and I have conveyed our hesitance , but my brother-in-law keeps telling us how much my brother deserves this extravaganza .
Amy , my brother-in-law has been known to stir the pot and create drama .
He has already intimated how disappointed my brother will be .
My brother and I have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He could write me and my family off completely over one false move .
Writing off siblings runs in my family ; both of my parents do not speak to any of their siblings , and my grandparents on both sides didn ’ t have relationships with their siblings .
I wanted this cycle of sibling discord to be broken in my generation , and not model this same behavior for my children .
Should I risk ruining the surprise by letting my brother know in advance that we can ’ t come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be planning ANY kind of group gathering right now .
Your brother-in-law knows this , and he will likely either have to cancel or change his plans – or he will go ahead with them , but without you and your family .
Do not equivocate .
Do not draw this out .
Tell him that you won ’ t be able to make it to this celebration .
State mandates , a baby on the way , quarantine , your family ’ s health and safety — how many reasons do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by the way , not excuses . )
The way to deliver a polite RSVP is to respond promptly and to convey your genuine regret at missing the event .
Try this : “ My wife and I have gone back and forth many times , because we would really love to be able to come , but we just can ’ t make it happen .
We ’ d like to send a bottle of champagne to the group , so we ’ ll see if we can get something delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t think you should bother remarking on your brother-in-law ’ s terrible ( and potentially dangerous ) judgment .
He is an adult and he should know better .
If you don ’ t want to perpetuate sibling estrangement to the next generation , you should coach your own children to always express themselves , listen to one another , apologize when they are wrong , and to forgive one another .
Dear Amy : Recently , I discovered that my husband cheated on me with a man .
He claims that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for it to happen .
I want to know if I will ever be able to trust him again .
Dear Unsure : I ’ m very sorry this has happened .
It is obviously an important event , calling into question your husband ’ s drinking , his sexuality , and his fidelity to the marriage .
Your husband ’ s comment that he didn ’ t “ plan ” to cheat on you reminds me of the phrase from the John Lennon song : “ Life is what happens when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Except , of course , in your husband ’ s case , it would be : Having sex with men is what happens when I ’ m busy making other plans .
His explanation is lacking , to say the least .
You should both be tested for STDs .
And you and he should have very frank and forthright conversations about what is going on with him – and you .
A couples ’ counselor would help to direct the many strands of challenges here , as well as mediate conversations between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I LOVE your response to “ No Mask , ” who refuses to wear a face mask during the pandemic .
I work in health care and am ready to tell “ no maskers ” to be sure to forbid their doctors and nurses from wearing masks next time they have surgery .
Dear Fed Up : The argument over mask wearing is completely topsy-turvy .
Your response is just right .

Dear Amy: My brother is turning 30 in two months.
His husband is planning an out-of-state surprise birthday weekend, seven hours away, where he and my brother and their friends will be staying in a large 14-person cabin.
My family (me, my pregnant wife and our daughter) have been given the option of a smaller separate cabin. So have our parents. Everyone has eagerly accepted, except for my family and my parents.
Our governor is imposing more pandemic restrictions. Anyone traveling out of state has to quarantine for two weeks when returning.
My wife and I cannot quarantine for two weeks and miss work.
We also all live within 10 minutes of each other, so the need for a 30th birthday weekend getaway seems unnecessary to us.
My wife and I have conveyed our hesitance, but my brother-in-law keeps telling us how much my brother deserves this extravaganza.
Amy, my brother-in-law has been known to stir the pot and create drama. He has already intimated how disappointed my brother will be.
My brother and I have a shaky relationship, as it is. He could write me and my family off completely over one false move. Writing off siblings runs in my family; both of my parents do not speak to any of their siblings, and my grandparents on both sides didn’t have relationships with their siblings.
I wanted this cycle of sibling discord to be broken in my generation, and not model this same behavior for my children.
Should I risk ruining the surprise by letting my brother know in advance that we can’t come?
— Worried Bro
Dear Bro: NO one should be planning ANY kind of group gathering right now. Your brother-in-law knows this, and he will likely either have to cancel or change his plans – or he will go ahead with them, but without you and your family.
Do not equivocate. Do not draw this out. Tell him that you won’t be able to make it to this celebration. State mandates, a baby on the way, quarantine, your family’s health and safety — how many reasons do you need? (These are all reasons, by the way, not excuses.)
The way to deliver a polite RSVP is to respond promptly and to convey your genuine regret at missing the event.
Try this: “My wife and I have gone back and forth many times, because we would really love to be able to come, but we just can’t make it happen. We’d like to send a bottle of champagne to the group, so we’ll see if we can get something delivered to the venue.”
I don’t think you should bother remarking on your brother-in-law’s terrible (and potentially dangerous) judgment. He is an adult and he should know better.
If you don’t want to perpetuate sibling estrangement to the next generation, you should coach your own children to always express themselves, listen to one another, apologize when they are wrong, and to forgive one another.
Dear Amy: Recently, I discovered that my husband cheated on me with a man. He claims that he was drunk and didn’t plan for it to happen.
I want to know if I will ever be able to trust him again.
— Unsure Wife
Dear Unsure: I’m very sorry this has happened. It is obviously an important event, calling into question your husband’s drinking, his sexuality, and his fidelity to the marriage.
Your husband’s comment that he didn’t “plan” to cheat on you reminds me of the phrase from the John Lennon song: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Except, of course, in your husband’s case, it would be: Having sex with men is what happens when I’m busy making other plans. His explanation is lacking, to say the least.
You should both be tested for STDs. And you and he should have very frank and forthright conversations about what is going on with him – and you. A couples’ counselor would help to direct the many strands of challenges here, as well as mediate conversations between the two of you.
Dear Amy: I LOVE your response to “No Mask,” who refuses to wear a face mask during the pandemic.
I work in health care and am ready to tell “no maskers” to be sure to forbid their doctors and nurses from wearing masks next time they have surgery.
— Fed Up
Dear Fed Up: The argument over mask wearing is completely topsy-turvy. Your response is just right.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-12-08--Denver firefighters defer raises, will get pay increase in late 2021 under new agreement

Denver City Council agreed Monday night to defer raises for the city ’ s firefighters and suspend other benefits in an attempt to save millions as the city faces a historic budget crisis during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
In all , city and union officials agreed to about $ 7.5 million worth of savings for next year , said Dave Foster , International Association of Firefighters Local 858 president .
Council approved that agreement , which came in the form of a memorandum of understanding , on a 12-1 vote .
The union ’ s current contract — approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2021 , but the group agreed to tweak that document due to the city ’ s current financial crisis , Foster said .
Plus , the new agreement offers the union some assurances in return .
City officials have agreed not to close fire stations or lay off firefighters next year , he said .
“ The last thing we want to do is see services cut for our citizens , ” Foster said .
In return , the union will concede certain benefits such as holiday pay and retirement contributions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 3 % raise firefighters would have received on Jan. 1 until Dec. 31 , 2021 .
Those concessions amount to about $ 7,000 per firefighter , he said .
But Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer , the sole vote against the agreement , said in the spirit of consistency she couldn ’ t support any agreement that includes raises while other city employees face furloughs .
“ No raises means no raises , ” Sawyer said .
“ And so in the interest of fairness and on principle and consistency , I can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not support the PPA contract.
” That PPA — Denver Police Union — contract mentioned by Sawyer was ultimately rejected by council .
It also would have given officers a raise .
However , because council voted against that measure , the matter went to a third-party arbitrator , which , ironically , gave police more of a raise than they would have received if council had approved the original proposal .
Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval noted that the firefighter union didn ’ t have to defer their raises .
Their current contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay increase at the first of the year .
Negotiating the deferment could be taken as an act of solidarity with other city employees who must take unpaid furlough days , Sandoval said .
While the fire union ’ s current contract tweak is now set , Foster said the group will still begin negotiating another multi-year contract this spring .
Denver officials have asked all of the city ’ s departments to earmark potential savings opportunities within their budgets for next year due to the massive projected tax revenue shortage .
Often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paused projects , deferred maintenance payments and unpaid employee furloughs .
First responders such as firefighters and police officers , however , stand alone in that they are not subject to those unpaid furlough days .

Denver City Council agreed Monday night to defer raises for the city’s firefighters and suspend other benefits in an attempt to save millions as the city faces a historic budget crisis during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
In all, city and union officials agreed to about $7.5 million worth of savings for next year, said Dave Foster, International Association of Firefighters Local 858 president. Council approved that agreement, which came in the form of a memorandum of understanding, on a 12-1 vote.
The union’s current contract — approved in 2018 — runs through the end of 2021, but the group agreed to tweak that document due to the city’s current financial crisis, Foster said. Plus, the new agreement offers the union some assurances in return. City officials have agreed not to close fire stations or lay off firefighters next year, he said.
“The last thing we want to do is see services cut for our citizens,” Foster said.
In return, the union will concede certain benefits such as holiday pay and retirement contributions, Foster said. It will also defer a 3% raise firefighters would have received on Jan. 1 until Dec. 31, 2021. Those concessions amount to about $7,000 per firefighter, he said.
But Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer, the sole vote against the agreement, said in the spirit of consistency she couldn’t support any agreement that includes raises while other city employees face furloughs.
“No raises means no raises,” Sawyer said. “And so in the interest of fairness and on principle and consistency, I cannot support this MOU, just like I did not support the PPA contract.”
That PPA — Denver Police Union — contract mentioned by Sawyer was ultimately rejected by council. It also would have given officers a raise. However, because council voted against that measure, the matter went to a third-party arbitrator, which, ironically, gave police more of a raise than they would have received if council had approved the original proposal.
Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval noted that the firefighter union didn’t have to defer their raises. Their current contract would have allowed them to demand a pay increase at the first of the year. Negotiating the deferment could be taken as an act of solidarity with other city employees who must take unpaid furlough days, Sandoval said.
While the fire union’s current contract tweak is now set, Foster said the group will still begin negotiating another multi-year contract this spring.
Denver officials have asked all of the city’s departments to earmark potential savings opportunities within their budgets for next year due to the massive projected tax revenue shortage. Often those savings come in the form of paused projects, deferred maintenance payments and unpaid employee furloughs. First responders such as firefighters and police officers, however, stand alone in that they are not subject to those unpaid furlough days.