thedenverpost--2020-09-09--Von Miller’s potentially season-ending injury a “huge-beyond-words loss” for Broncos

Moments after practice ended Tuesday , Broncos coach Vic Fangio queued up the video to see exactly what happened to outside linebacker Von Miller .
If Fangio was looking for something to pop off his screen , he never saw it .
“ It was a normal play , ” he said Wednesday .
“ He just rushed around the edge and never hit the ground and never looked bad .
If you saw the video , you ’ d think nothing happened .
But it did.
” A normal play in which something happened to Miller and potentially the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Something bad .
Something jarring .
Miller sustained a dislocation to his peroneal tendon that will likely result in season-ending surgery .
Fangio would not say Miller is definitely out for all of 2020 , but Miller will be placed on injured reserve to create a roster spot .
“ It ’ s too early to say for sure ( if he ’ s out for the year ) , ” Fangio said .
“ He ’ s definitely out for a while.
” Miller ’ s injury , because of his status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his productivity over the last decade ( franchise-record 106 sacks ) and his vow to lead his young teammates , sent shockwaves through the Broncos ’ facility five days before they open against Tennessee .
“ It ’ s a huge-beyond-words loss for our defense , ” safety Justin Simmons said .
“ The thing I am most hurt for him about is he won ’ t be able to see how great he was going to be this year.
” Said quarterback Drew Lock : “ Without a doubt , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everybody just knowing how good of a teammate he is and how good of a leader is for this team.
” The Broncos didn ’ t declare Miller ’ s season over because they don ’ t have to — the this-year-only rule allowing teams to reactivate unlimited players from injured reserve allows them flexibility .
Miller underwent an MRI on Tuesday and Fangio said he was scheduled to meet with “ two , three other doctors , ” to finalize a course of action .
What the MRI revealed will determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six , according to Dr. Kenneth Jung , foot-and-ankle surgeon at Cedars-Sinai ’ s Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles .
Jung , also a consultant for the Los Angeles Rams , said the ankle has two peroneal tendons which run on the outer part of the ankle behind the fibula .
“ With sharp-twitching maneuvers at a high force , which edge rushers make , you use those tendons to fire as the foot plants into the ground , ” Jung said in a phone interview .
Jung ’ s description would explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any contact — one torque-heavy step did the damage .
A dislocation of the tendon means the tendon flipped over the side of the bone .
Jung said the MRIs will reveal if there is a tendon tear or if tissue , which holds the tendon in place , was damaged .
Surgery is generally required to repair the tendon and/or the surrounding tissue .
“ If the tissue is torn , it ’ s hard to keep the tendons from popping back into place after they fire , ” Jung said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tendons stable without surgery.
” The ankle can ’ t be repaired arthroscopically because the tendons and tissue are located behind the bone .
If the damage is non-tendon related , Miller could return in around three months .
If the tendon is damaged , the timetable is closer to six months .
Jung said Miller would start rehabilitation 7-10 days after surgery .
“ It ’ s not the most common injury , ” Jung said .
“ Definitely kind of a freaky injury when the ankle gets in position for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The Broncos lost outside linebacker Bradley Chubb in Week 4 of last year and were able to win seven of their last 12 games .
The task is just as tall trying to win without Miller , but Fangio believes the Broncos are better equipped to handle the adversity .
“ You have to acknowledge the loss and you have to acknowledge your sadness on a personal level , but we can go out and still play winning football , ” Fangio said .
“ We ’ ll move forward while never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at some point this year .
“ We have a better team this year overall so I expect us to still be a good team without Von.
” The Broncos face several questions as they try and win without Miller .
What does it mean right now ?
Jeremiah Attaochu and Malik Reed will pick up Miller ’ s snaps opposite Chubb , whose playing time is expected to be managed against Tennessee on Monday night .
What does it mean for Chubb ?
Without Miller working on the other edge , Chubb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will be Fangio ’ s challenge to create pressures that allow Chubb to get advantageous matchups .
What does it mean next week ?
Even if the Broncos wanted to bring in a veteran pass-rusher like Clay Matthews , Terrell Suggs or Cameron Wake this week , it would be tough to have them complete the COVID-19 protocols to be available Monday .
But don ’ t count out a veteran being signed in time to face Pittsburgh in Week 2 .
What does it mean for Miller ?
Uncertainty .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carries a cap number of $ 22.125 million .
If he is cut before June 1 , it will create $ 13.875 million of cap space that could be allocated toward new contracts for Chubb and Simmons .
The Broncos have the next few days to process Miller ’ s injury and get ready for the Titans .
“ Anytime you lose anybody , you ’ re disappointed , ” Fangio said .
“ But we will move on and we will make it work .
”

Moments after practice ended Tuesday, Broncos coach Vic Fangio queued up the video to see exactly what happened to outside linebacker Von Miller.
If Fangio was looking for something to pop off his screen, he never saw it.
“It was a normal play,” he said Wednesday. “He just rushed around the edge and never hit the ground and never looked bad. If you saw the video, you’d think nothing happened. But it did.”
A normal play in which something happened to Miller and potentially the Broncos’ season. Something unfortunate. Something bad. Something jarring. Miller sustained a dislocation to his peroneal tendon that will likely result in season-ending surgery. Fangio would not say Miller is definitely out for all of 2020, but Miller will be placed on injured reserve to create a roster spot.
“It’s too early to say for sure (if he’s out for the year),” Fangio said. “He’s definitely out for a while.”
Miller’s injury, because of his status as the Broncos’ most visible player, his productivity over the last decade (franchise-record 106 sacks) and his vow to lead his young teammates, sent shockwaves through the Broncos’ facility five days before they open against Tennessee.
“It’s a huge-beyond-words loss for our defense,” safety Justin Simmons said. “The thing I am most hurt for him about is he won’t be able to see how great he was going to be this year.”
Said quarterback Drew Lock: “Without a doubt, it’s a punch in the gut for everybody just knowing how good of a teammate he is and how good of a leader is for this team.”
”Freaky injury”
The Broncos didn’t declare Miller’s season over because they don’t have to — the this-year-only rule allowing teams to reactivate unlimited players from injured reserve allows them flexibility.
Miller underwent an MRI on Tuesday and Fangio said he was scheduled to meet with “two, three other doctors,” to finalize a course of action.
What the MRI revealed will determine if Miller is out three months or six, according to Dr. Kenneth Jung, foot-and-ankle surgeon at Cedars-Sinai’s Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles.
Jung, also a consultant for the Los Angeles Rams, said the ankle has two peroneal tendons which run on the outer part of the ankle behind the fibula.
“With sharp-twitching maneuvers at a high force, which edge rushers make, you use those tendons to fire as the foot plants into the ground,” Jung said in a phone interview.
Jung’s description would explain how Miller could have been injured without any contact — one torque-heavy step did the damage. A dislocation of the tendon means the tendon flipped over the side of the bone. Jung said the MRIs will reveal if there is a tendon tear or if tissue, which holds the tendon in place, was damaged.
Surgery is generally required to repair the tendon and/or the surrounding tissue.
“If the tissue is torn, it’s hard to keep the tendons from popping back into place after they fire,” Jung said. “It would be difficult to keep the tendons stable without surgery.”
The ankle can’t be repaired arthroscopically because the tendons and tissue are located behind the bone.
If the damage is non-tendon related, Miller could return in around three months. If the tendon is damaged, the timetable is closer to six months. Jung said Miller would start rehabilitation 7-10 days after surgery.
“It’s not the most common injury,” Jung said. “Definitely kind of a freaky injury when the ankle gets in position for the tendons to come out of place.”
Moving forward
The Broncos lost outside linebacker Bradley Chubb in Week 4 of last year and were able to win seven of their last 12 games. The task is just as tall trying to win without Miller, but Fangio believes the Broncos are better equipped to handle the adversity.
“You have to acknowledge the loss and you have to acknowledge your sadness on a personal level, but we can go out and still play winning football,” Fangio said. “We’ll move forward while never forgetting Von and hoping that he returns at some point this year.
“We have a better team this year overall so I expect us to still be a good team without Von.”
The Broncos face several questions as they try and win without Miller.
What does it mean right now? Jeremiah Attaochu and Malik Reed will pick up Miller’s snaps opposite Chubb, whose playing time is expected to be managed against Tennessee on Monday night.
What does it mean for Chubb? Without Miller working on the other edge, Chubb should expect additional attention from opponents. It will be Fangio’s challenge to create pressures that allow Chubb to get advantageous matchups.
What does it mean next week? Even if the Broncos wanted to bring in a veteran pass-rusher like Clay Matthews, Terrell Suggs or Cameron Wake this week, it would be tough to have them complete the COVID-19 protocols to be available Monday. But don’t count out a veteran being signed in time to face Pittsburgh in Week 2.
What does it mean for Miller? Uncertainty. The final year of his contract in 2021 carries a cap number of $22.125 million. If he is cut before June 1, it will create $13.875 million of cap space that could be allocated toward new contracts for Chubb and Simmons.
The Broncos have the next few days to process Miller’s injury and get ready for the Titans.
“Anytime you lose anybody, you’re disappointed,” Fangio said. “But we will move on and we will make it work.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-09--Five people killed in Denver over Labor Day weekend have been identified

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner on Wednesday released the identities of five people killed in Denver over the Labor Day weekend .
The coroner ’ s office identified the victim of a hit-and-run early Monday morning as 26-year-old Christopher Patton .
Patton and another person were riding stand-up scooters at about 1:30 a.m. when police say the driver of a driver of a silver Chevrolet Cobalt crashed into them at 14th and Arapahoe Streets before fleeing .
Patton was flung onto the sidewalk and the other person was seriously injured .
Patton was declared dead at Denver Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled his cause of death as blunt force injuries , according to a news release .
Jalonte Jones , 18 , was shot in the 10100 block of East Harvard Avenue about 4 a.m. Monday on the city ’ s southeast side near the Woodstream Village Apartments .
He was transferred to Swedish Medical Center where he later died of a gunshot wound , according to the coroner ’ s office .
Police arrested a man Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder .
On Sunday night , another shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coroner ’ s office .
Cox , whose manner of death was ruled a homicide , was shot about 10 p.m. Sunday at North Havana Street and Florence Way on the city ’ s northeast side , south of the Denver County Jail .
He was transported to UC Health where he was later pronounced dead of multiple gunshot wounds , according to the coroner ’ s office .
Joseph Lucero , 41 , was killed in a Saturday night shooting.. Lucero , who police said was found in the1000 block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver Health where he was later pronounced dead of a gunshot wound , according to the coroner ’ s office .
His death was ruled a homicide .
In a shooting Friday night in the 300 block of 24th Street , 33-year-old Clarissa Ford died of gunshot wounds in a homicide and was declared dead at the scene , according to the coroner ’ s office .
A man , who has not been identified , also was shot and police said the shooting appeared to be a murder and suicide .

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner on Wednesday released the identities of five people killed in Denver over the Labor Day weekend.
The coroner’s office identified the victim of a hit-and-run early Monday morning as 26-year-old Christopher Patton. Patton and another person were riding stand-up scooters at about 1:30 a.m. when police say the driver of a driver of a silver Chevrolet Cobalt crashed into them at 14th and Arapahoe Streets before fleeing. Patton was flung onto the sidewalk and the other person was seriously injured. Patton was declared dead at Denver Health, and the coroner’s autopsy ruled his cause of death as blunt force injuries, according to a news release.
Jalonte Jones, 18, was shot in the 10100 block of East Harvard Avenue about 4 a.m. Monday on the city’s southeast side near the Woodstream Village Apartments. He was transferred to Swedish Medical Center where he later died of a gunshot wound, according to the coroner’s office. Police arrested a man Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
On Sunday night, another shooting left 29-year-old Mar-Shun Cox dead, according to the coroner’s office. Cox, whose manner of death was ruled a homicide, was shot about 10 p.m. Sunday at North Havana Street and Florence Way on the city’s northeast side, south of the Denver County Jail. He was transported to UC Health where he was later pronounced dead of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the coroner’s office.
Joseph Lucero, 41, was killed in a Saturday night shooting.. Lucero, who police said was found in the1000 block of Quivas Street, was transported to Denver Health where he was later pronounced dead of a gunshot wound, according to the coroner’s office. His death was ruled a homicide.
In a shooting Friday night in the 300 block of 24th Street, 33-year-old Clarissa Ford died of gunshot wounds in a homicide and was declared dead at the scene, according to the coroner’s office. A man, who has not been identified, also was shot and police said the shooting appeared to be a murder and suicide.


thedenverpost--2020-09-09--Brooks Koepka out of U.S. Open with lingering injury

Two-time champion Brooks Koepka withdrew from the U.S. Open on Wednesday because of lingering pain in his left knee that has troubled him for most of the year .
Koepka had played eight times in a 10-week span , including six in a row , to try to catch up from missing so much time from a knee injury suffered last October .
It reached a point where he withdrew before the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs , ending his season in the hopes that time off would help .
Based on his post on Twitter , it didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have decided to withdraw from next week ’ s U.S. Open , ” Koepka said .
“ I ’ m looking forward to getting healthy and competing at 100 % again very soon.
” Koepka was replaced in the field by Paul Waring , the first alternate based on the Aug. 23 world ranking .
Even after having gone more than a year since his last victory , he would have been looked upon as one of the favorites at Winged Foot for no other reason than his reputation for playing his best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back-to-back in the U.S. Open at Erin Hills and Shinnecock Hills , and he nearly became the first player in more than a century to win three straight until Gary Woodland held him off in the final hour at Pebble Beach last year .
Koepka also is a back-to-back PGA champion who nearly made it three in a row at Harding Park until he faded to a 74 .
He wasn ’ t at his best that week , which was evident when a trainer came out and worked on his hip .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would help , but he needs more time to compete at 100 % spent , ” said Blake Smith , his manager at Hambric Sports .
“ He ’ s super bummed , but he ’ ll come back bigger and stronger.
” Koepka now gets at least another month of rest — he has said this isn ’ t an injury that needs surgery — before contemplating whether he can play the CJ Cup in Las Vegas or the Zozo Championship in California , two big events that would lead into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CJ Cup last year in South Korea where Koepka first ran into trouble .
He had had stem cell treatment on his left knee during the short offseason but had to withdraw in South Korea when he slipped on a wet slab of concrete while walking off the tee and landed awkwardly .
He missed three months and then had to wait another three months as golf shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
He ended the season at No .
104 in the FedEx Cup .
This will be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with injury .
He was not at the 2016 British Open because of an ankle injury , and he missed the 2018 Masters with a wrist injury .
Koepka , who began the year at No .
1 in the world , now is down to No .
8

Two-time champion Brooks Koepka withdrew from the U.S. Open on Wednesday because of lingering pain in his left knee that has troubled him for most of the year.
Koepka had played eight times in a 10-week span, including six in a row, to try to catch up from missing so much time from a knee injury suffered last October. It reached a point where he withdrew before the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs, ending his season in the hopes that time off would help.
Based on his post on Twitter, it didn’t.
“Unfortunately, I have decided to withdraw from next week’s U.S. Open,” Koepka said. “I’m looking forward to getting healthy and competing at 100% again very soon.”
Koepka was replaced in the field by Paul Waring, the first alternate based on the Aug. 23 world ranking.
Even after having gone more than a year since his last victory, he would have been looked upon as one of the favorites at Winged Foot for no other reason than his reputation for playing his best in the biggest events.
He went back-to-back in the U.S. Open at Erin Hills and Shinnecock Hills, and he nearly became the first player in more than a century to win three straight until Gary Woodland held him off in the final hour at Pebble Beach last year.
Koepka also is a back-to-back PGA champion who nearly made it three in a row at Harding Park until he faded to a 74. He wasn’t at his best that week, which was evident when a trainer came out and worked on his hip.
“We thought the last few weeks would help, but he needs more time to compete at 100% spent,” said Blake Smith, his manager at Hambric Sports. “He’s super bummed, but he’ll come back bigger and stronger.”
Koepka now gets at least another month of rest — he has said this isn’t an injury that needs surgery — before contemplating whether he can play the CJ Cup in Las Vegas or the Zozo Championship in California, two big events that would lead into the Masters in November.
It was at the CJ Cup last year in South Korea where Koepka first ran into trouble. He had had stem cell treatment on his left knee during the short offseason but had to withdraw in South Korea when he slipped on a wet slab of concrete while walking off the tee and landed awkwardly. He missed three months and then had to wait another three months as golf shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He ended the season at No. 104 in the FedEx Cup.
This will be the third major Koepka has had to miss with injury. He was not at the 2016 British Open because of an ankle injury, and he missed the 2018 Masters with a wrist injury.
Koepka, who began the year at No. 1 in the world, now is down to No. 8


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Carroll: To survive, RTD should abandon the northwest rail line and cut back low-ridership routes

It ’ s the worst of times for RTD but not necessarily for RTD ’ s new chief .
No one expects Debra Johnson to work miracles .
The agency was on the ropes even before COVID-19 .
Now it ’ s on its knees .
If this transplant from Long Beach , Calif. , can just coax our local transit hulk back onto its feet she ’ ll no doubt earn a passing grade .
After all , no one honestly knows how public transit will be affected long-term by the pandemic .
Will ridership bounce back to pre-pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , never ?
Will remote work and the damaged image of urban life undermine its commuter base indefinitely while the ride-sharing industry continues to nibble at its bread and butter ?
• Carroll : Here ’ s why Denver shouldn ’ t disband or defund its police department • Carroll : Open schools and make accommodations for teachers , students who can not safely attend • Carroll : All the reasonable — non-racist — reasons to oppose halfway houses in every neighborhood • Carroll : For decades I ’ ve supported efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t villains • Carroll : Should Coloradans be wearing masks outside ?
Not according to what we know right now .
Yet not everything is beyond RTD ’ s control .
If Johnson wants to leave a meaningful legacy , improving service for the greatest number of metro residents , there is plenty to do .
Unfortunately , two of the most needed reforms will be controversial .
First , the agency needs to redeploy resources from low-ridership , high-subsidy services to those corridors and urban areas where transit is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transportation District must protect a modest level of service throughout the unfortunately oversized 2,342 square mile district , but either the agency is interested in bolstering ridership or it isn ’ t .
And if it isn ’ t , then we can chalk it off as just one more dysfunctional political institution unwilling to address problems everyone knows exist .
Second , RTD should abandon the official goal of building the FasTracks northwest rail line from Denver to Boulder to Longmont — and for that matter other enhancements such as the extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for these tracks , let alone actually laying down track , will weigh on the agency ’ s fiscal future like an anvil .
But wouldn ’ t that require reneging on promises made in the sales-tax vote of 2004 ?
Of course it would .
RTD overpromised and can ’ t deliver .
And it has already broken the promise to finish the envisioned rail buildout in 12 years .
Last year , RTD directors were mulling options such as another tax hike that might allow construction of the northwest line before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was pre-COVID 19 .
Gov .
Jared Polis , who hails from the district ’ s northwest , reiterated this summer that RTD should follow through on rail to Longmont .
But he also helped spearhead an accountability committee to provide solutions for RTD ’ s ridership malaise , which began long before COVID-19 .
He can ’ t have it both ways , unless of course , the committee ends up recommending another tax hike and additional debt .
Speaking of debt , FasTracks is swimming in it .
Of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.4 % FasTracks sales tax and fares , according to documents prepared for the board in late March , $ 185 million is already committed to debt service .
“ We used a tremendous amount of debt to be able to move those projects forward , ” CFO Heather McKillop explained , according to Colorado Public Radio .
Another credit binge would further cripple the agency ’ s ability to spend on anything else .
Even in 2004 the northwest line was projected to cost more than twice as much per rider as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rationale is even weaker .
If directors are too squeamish to pull the plug by themselves , they should take a proposal to voters .
The current board is not without good sense .
Last month , for example , it rejected by a 14-1 margin a proposal to redirect $ 27 million a year it spends on security guards to social services , such as homeless outreach .
Although several directors seemed open to revamping security , they apparently realized that eliminating guards at a time of rising crime rates and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of self-destruction .
Breaking with the past over funding priorities will be harder , of course , but from crisis may flow clarity .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

It’s the worst of times for RTD but not necessarily for RTD’s new chief. No one expects Debra Johnson to work miracles. The agency was on the ropes even before COVID-19. Now it’s on its knees.
If this transplant from Long Beach, Calif., can just coax our local transit hulk back onto its feet she’ll no doubt earn a passing grade.
After all, no one honestly knows how public transit will be affected long-term by the pandemic. Will ridership bounce back to pre-pandemic levels in one year, two years, never? Will remote work and the damaged image of urban life undermine its commuter base indefinitely while the ride-sharing industry continues to nibble at its bread and butter? Related Articles Opinion Columnists | Carroll: Here’s why Denver shouldn’t disband or defund its police department
Carroll: Here’s why Denver shouldn’t disband or defund its police department Opinion Columnists | Carroll: Open schools and make accommodations for teachers, students who cannot safely attend
Carroll: Open schools and make accommodations for teachers, students who cannot safely attend Opinion Columnists | Carroll: All the reasonable — non-racist — reasons to oppose halfway houses in every neighborhood
Carroll: All the reasonable — non-racist — reasons to oppose halfway houses in every neighborhood Opinion Columnists | Carroll: For decades I’ve supported efforts to curtail police brutality, but most cops aren’t villains
Carroll: For decades I’ve supported efforts to curtail police brutality, but most cops aren’t villains Opinion Columnists | Carroll: Should Coloradans be wearing masks outside? Not according to what we know right now.
Yet not everything is beyond RTD’s control. If Johnson wants to leave a meaningful legacy, improving service for the greatest number of metro residents, there is plenty to do.
Unfortunately, two of the most needed reforms will be controversial.
First, the agency needs to redeploy resources from low-ridership, high-subsidy services to those corridors and urban areas where transit is in higher demand. Yes, the Regional Transportation District must protect a modest level of service throughout the unfortunately oversized 2,342 square mile district, but either the agency is interested in bolstering ridership or it isn’t.
And if it isn’t, then we can chalk it off as just one more dysfunctional political institution unwilling to address problems everyone knows exist.
Second, RTD should abandon the official goal of building the FasTracks northwest rail line from Denver to Boulder to Longmont — and for that matter other enhancements such as the extension of the southwest line. Even saving for these tracks, let alone actually laying down track, will weigh on the agency’s fiscal future like an anvil.
But wouldn’t that require reneging on promises made in the sales-tax vote of 2004? Of course it would. RTD overpromised and can’t deliver. And it has already broken the promise to finish the envisioned rail buildout in 12 years. Last year, RTD directors were mulling options such as another tax hike that might allow construction of the northwest line before 2050 — yes, 2050 — and that was pre-COVID 19.
Gov. Jared Polis, who hails from the district’s northwest, reiterated this summer that RTD should follow through on rail to Longmont. But he also helped spearhead an accountability committee to provide solutions for RTD’s ridership malaise, which began long before COVID-19. He can’t have it both ways, unless of course, the committee ends up recommending another tax hike and additional debt.
Speaking of debt, FasTracks is swimming in it. Of $322 million projected in 2021 from the 0.4% FasTracks sales tax and fares, according to documents prepared for the board in late March, $185 million is already committed to debt service. “We used a tremendous amount of debt to be able to move those projects forward,” CFO Heather McKillop explained, according to Colorado Public Radio. Another credit binge would further cripple the agency’s ability to spend on anything else.
Even in 2004 the northwest line was projected to cost more than twice as much per rider as any other rail corridor, and today the rationale is even weaker. If directors are too squeamish to pull the plug by themselves, they should take a proposal to voters.
The current board is not without good sense. Last month, for example, it rejected by a 14-1 margin a proposal to redirect $27 million a year it spends on security guards to social services, such as homeless outreach. Although several directors seemed open to revamping security, they apparently realized that eliminating guards at a time of rising crime rates and fears over COVID-19 amounted to an act of self-destruction.
Breaking with the past over funding priorities will be harder, of course, but from crisis may flow clarity.
Contact Vincent Carroll at vincentc_carroll@comcast.net.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Jerry Jeudy is NFL-ready receiver primed for “phenomenal” career with Broncos

The quick move , equal parts shimmy and juke , allowed Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy to get past Michigan cornerback Lavert Hill ’ s futile attempt at press coverage .
And just as suddenly , Jeudy looked back toward quarterback Mac Jones and raised his right hand .
He had used his route-running to gain the advantage .
Again .
And he was in a position to make a touchdown catch .
Again .
Alas , Jones underthrew Jeudy , who improvised to draw a pass interference penalty on Hill and set up a Crimson Tide touchdown in a 35-16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhibited one of the many reasons why the Broncos selected Jeudy 15th overall in April ’ s draft .
They coveted an NFL-ready receiver to play opposite Courtland Sutton , a player who will be able to signal quarterback Drew Lock he is open for an explosive completion .
Jeudy , who will debut Sept. 14 against Tennessee , could buck the trend that sees first-year receivers struggle adjusting to the pro game .
“ He ’ ll make the transition quickly , ” ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said .
“ What he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teach receivers — run routes to get open.
” The Broncos need Jeudy to make the transition quickly to help end a four-year offensive malaise that coincides with their playoff drought .
Only the New York Jets and Cleveland have averaged fewer points per game than the Broncos ( 19.3 ) during that span .
Only the Jets , Arizona and Buffalo have averaged fewer yards per play than the Broncos ( 5.1 ) .
On and on we could go , but the point is clear — a B12 shot was required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the last two drafts .
In mid-August , Lock was asked about Jeudy and he paused while smiling as if he was plotting his options : Heap praise and make comparisons or be matter-of-fact ?
Lock chose the latter .
“ We ’ ll say Jerry is pretty good ; we ’ ll put it that way , ” he said .
“ I think the best thing I ’ ve seen out of Jerry is how hard he comes out and works every day and just how on top of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was good at football ?
“ My freshman year in high school , ” he said .
“ In one game , I had four catches for four touchdowns and once I did that , I was like , ‘ Oh , I ’ m pretty good , ’ because I was never ‘ The Guy , ’ in little league football .
But once I got to high school , I started working hard on my game and I got better each year.
” Jeudy said his favorite player as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was mostly into following running backs .
When I started playing receiver , I liked Amari Cooper , Calvin Ridley , Stefon Diggs — detailed route runners who had route creativity , too.
” Jeudy said he was a defensive back by trade until his junior year , when he started playing receiver .
Smart move .
“ I was around a great group of players and I felt like that greatness rubbed off on me and that helped me get into the situation I ’ m in now , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,554 yards and 25 touchdowns in his final two years of high school and continued the South Florida-to-Tuscaloosa receiver pipeline that began with Cooper and Ridley .
“ Those guys were doing big things and I felt I could do the same , ” Jeudy said .
The big things arrived following an apprentice season .
As a true freshman , Jeudy had 14 catches for 264 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games .
Ridley then left for the NFL , which allowed Jeudy to enter the national spotlight .
And he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100-yard games .
Fourteen touchdowns .
A whopping per catch average of 19.3 yards ( 68 catches-1,315 yards ) .
And winner of the Biletnikoff Award as the nation ’ s top receiver .
Midway through that season , Lock and Jeudy were in the same stadium when Missouri played at Alabama .
“ I was trying to find a way the SEC would let me play 12 guys on the field so I could put a guy at the line of scrimmage and a guy over the top , ” then-Missouri coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview .
Jeudy caught three passes for 147 yards , including an 81-yard touchdown to start the scoring in a 39-10 rout of the Tigers .
“ Tremendous speed , ” Odom said .
“ We wanted to try and eliminate the downfield , explosive plays , but then I was also worried about playing too far off and he catches a pass in space .
He was dynamic in every area .
I sure look forward to watching him play in the NFL.
” Going to be “ phenomenal ” “ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my conditioning because I would go five plays and then get tired , ” Jeudy said .
His stamina improved , Jeudy caught 77 passes for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall .
He could have easily skipped his final college game — NFL evaluators already had enough tape to see he was the real deal .
But Jeudy ’ s want-to level meant he was in Orlando facing Michigan .
First play : Lined up in the right slot and given 15 yards of cushion , Jeudy ran a post route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended the game with eight catches for 204 yards and showed the versatility that should make him a popular target for Lock and a constant headache for defenses .
Jeudy caught passes after lining up in the right slot , wide right and bunch right against Michigan .
He beat press coverage for a 21-yard gain .
He turned a bubble screen into nine yards .
A shallow cross netted 17 yards .
He set up his defender by faking a go route and running an out for 14 yards .
And his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an over route .
Three-plus months later , the draft ’ s top three receivers were Jeudy , Alabama teammate Henry Ruggs and Oklahoma ’ s CeeDee Lamb .
The top half of the opening round featured several teams who needed pass-catching help .
No way Jeudy would reach the Broncos at No .
15 , or at least that was the prevailing theory .
But in consecutive picks , the Jets selected Louisville left tackle Mekhi Becton , Las Vegas drafted Ruggs ( the spirit of Al Davis making the pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle Tristan Wirfs .
The positive for Jeudy as he learns the NFL game is he won ’ t have to carry the big-play burden .
Sutton made the Pro Bowl last year and tight end Noah Fant , last year ’ s first-round pick , should increase his threat level .
But the consensus is Jeudy is ready to make an immediate impact , maybe similar to Ridley in Atlanta two years ago , when he was the No .
2 to Julio Jones but still caught 64 passes ( 10 touchdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measurable and saying , ‘ This kid is 6-4 , 210 , ’ or , ‘ He ’ s got a 47-inch vertical , ’ or , ‘ He ’ s a 4.3 40 guy , ’ ” Orlovsky said .
“ And coaches always think , ‘ Give me that and I ’ ll teach him to play receiver.
’ When you understand body leverage and lean and you understand how to drop your hips and the art of lying to people as a route runner , meaning you set defenders up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing one ( route ) when you ’ re doing another ( route ) — that ’ s why I think he ’ s going to be a phenomenal player in the NFL .
”

The quick move, equal parts shimmy and juke, allowed Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy to get past Michigan cornerback Lavert Hill’s futile attempt at press coverage. And just as suddenly, Jeudy looked back toward quarterback Mac Jones and raised his right hand.
Jeudy was open. Again.
He had used his route-running to gain the advantage. Again.
And he was in a position to make a touchdown catch. Again.
Alas, Jones underthrew Jeudy, who improvised to draw a pass interference penalty on Hill and set up a Crimson Tide touchdown in a 35-16 Citrus Bowl win. But the play exhibited one of the many reasons why the Broncos selected Jeudy 15th overall in April’s draft.
They coveted an NFL-ready receiver to play opposite Courtland Sutton, a player who will be able to signal quarterback Drew Lock he is open for an explosive completion.
Jeudy, who will debut Sept. 14 against Tennessee, could buck the trend that sees first-year receivers struggle adjusting to the pro game.
“He’ll make the transition quickly,” ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said. “What he does best is the hardest thing to teach receivers — run routes to get open.”
The Broncos need Jeudy to make the transition quickly to help end a four-year offensive malaise that coincides with their playoff drought.
Only the New York Jets and Cleveland have averaged fewer points per game than the Broncos (19.3) during that span. Only the Jets, Arizona and Buffalo have averaged fewer yards per play than the Broncos (5.1). On and on we could go, but the point is clear — a B12 shot was required in the form of re-stocking the cupboard over the last two drafts.
In mid-August, Lock was asked about Jeudy and he paused while smiling as if he was plotting his options: Heap praise and make comparisons or be matter-of-fact? Lock chose the latter.
“We’ll say Jerry is pretty good; we’ll put it that way,” he said. “I think the best thing I’ve seen out of Jerry is how hard he comes out and works every day and just how on top of it he is.”
Big things at ‘Bama
When did Jeudy realize he was good at football?
“My freshman year in high school,” he said. “In one game, I had four catches for four touchdowns and once I did that, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m pretty good,’ because I was never ‘The Guy,’ in little league football. But once I got to high school, I started working hard on my game and I got better each year.”
Jeudy said his favorite player as a kid was Reggie Bush, “because I was mostly into following running backs. When I started playing receiver, I liked Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Stefon Diggs — detailed route runners who had route creativity, too.”
Jeudy said he was a defensive back by trade until his junior year, when he started playing receiver. Smart move.
“I was around a great group of players and I felt like that greatness rubbed off on me and that helped me get into the situation I’m in now,” he said.
Jeudy had 117 catches for 1,554 yards and 25 touchdowns in his final two years of high school and continued the South Florida-to-Tuscaloosa receiver pipeline that began with Cooper and Ridley.
“Those guys were doing big things and I felt I could do the same,” Jeudy said.
The big things arrived following an apprentice season. As a true freshman, Jeudy had 14 catches for 264 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games.
Ridley then left for the NFL, which allowed Jeudy to enter the national spotlight. And he shined … all season long. Five 100-yard games. Fourteen touchdowns. A whopping per catch average of 19.3 yards (68 catches-1,315 yards). And winner of the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.
Midway through that season, Lock and Jeudy were in the same stadium when Missouri played at Alabama.
“I was trying to find a way the SEC would let me play 12 guys on the field so I could put a guy at the line of scrimmage and a guy over the top,” then-Missouri coach Barry Odom joked in a recent telephone interview.
Jeudy caught three passes for 147 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown to start the scoring in a 39-10 rout of the Tigers.
“Tremendous speed,” Odom said. “We wanted to try and eliminate the downfield, explosive plays, but then I was also worried about playing too far off and he catches a pass in space. He was dynamic in every area. I sure look forward to watching him play in the NFL.”
Going to be “phenomenal”
Before Jeudy’s junior year, Alabama coach Nick Saban had a message.
“He told me I needed to improve on my conditioning because I would go five plays and then get tired,” Jeudy said.
His stamina improved, Jeudy caught 77 passes for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall. He could have easily skipped his final college game — NFL evaluators already had enough tape to see he was the real deal. But Jeudy’s want-to level meant he was in Orlando facing Michigan.
First play: Lined up in the right slot and given 15 yards of cushion, Jeudy ran a post route and scored an 85-yard touchdown.
Jeudy ended the game with eight catches for 204 yards and showed the versatility that should make him a popular target for Lock and a constant headache for defenses.
Jeudy caught passes after lining up in the right slot, wide right and bunch right against Michigan. He beat press coverage for a 21-yard gain. He turned a bubble screen into nine yards. A shallow cross netted 17 yards. He set up his defender by faking a go route and running an out for 14 yards. And his final college catch went for 58 yards on an over route.
Three-plus months later, the draft’s top three receivers were Jeudy, Alabama teammate Henry Ruggs and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb. The top half of the opening round featured several teams who needed pass-catching help. No way Jeudy would reach the Broncos at No. 15, or at least that was the prevailing theory.
But in consecutive picks, the Jets selected Louisville left tackle Mekhi Becton, Las Vegas drafted Ruggs (the spirit of Al Davis making the pick) and Tampa Bay took Iowa right tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Presto, general manager John Elway made Jeudy his first Alabama draft pick.
The positive for Jeudy as he learns the NFL game is he won’t have to carry the big-play burden. Sutton made the Pro Bowl last year and tight end Noah Fant, last year’s first-round pick, should increase his threat level.
But the consensus is Jeudy is ready to make an immediate impact, maybe similar to Ridley in Atlanta two years ago, when he was the No. 2 to Julio Jones but still caught 64 passes (10 touchdowns).
“We always love the measurable and saying, ‘This kid is 6-4, 210,’ or, ‘He’s got a 47-inch vertical,’ or, ‘He’s a 4.3 40 guy,’” Orlovsky said. “And coaches always think, ‘Give me that and I’ll teach him to play receiver.’ When you understand body leverage and lean and you understand how to drop your hips and the art of lying to people as a route runner, meaning you set defenders up to make them think you’re doing one (route) when you’re doing another (route) — that’s why I think he’s going to be a phenomenal player in the NFL.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--One in five Coloradans worry about affording food, rent during COVID-19 pandemic, survey finds

One in five Coloradans surveyed said they were worried about about losing their homes or being unable to feed their families over the next year — and nearly that many said they already struggled to afford necessities .
The Colorado Health Foundation commissioned two polling groups , one left-leaning and one right-leaning , to survey more than 2,000 adults living in Colorado about how the pandemic had affected them , their physical and mental health , what other problems they think are most urgent , and what they ’ d like to see the state do about them .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already had struggled to pay for necessities like food , as of when the poll was taken in August .
The margin of error is about 2.8 % , meaning the pollsters are confident that the actual percentage of the population struggling to afford the basics is between 15.2 % and 20.8 % .
Black and Hispanic residents were more likely than white residents to report being worried about covering food or rent , or losing their health insurance over the next year .
About 13 % of the people responding reported they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic and 31 % said their hours had been cut .
Lower-income households were more likely to report either of those problems , or that their financial situation had worsened , while about one-third of households making more than $ 100,000 said their financial position was better than last year .
It ’ s not completely clear how much of the difference reflects disparities that predate the pandemic , because low-income , Black and Hispanic people have long reported more financial instability and worse health , said Kyle Rojas Legleiter , senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Foundation .
But there are also factors that are specific to the pandemic , like that wealthier people are more likely to be able to work at home , while also benefiting from a strong housing market and resilient stock prices , he said .
“ Overall , renters are having a very different 2020 than homeowners , ” he said .
Surprisingly , people who reported more financial concerns were more likely to answer that they wanted to prioritize saving lives over reopening the economy than people who said they weren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs .
The people who have suffered most economically tend to be people of color , who also have borne a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Colorado , said Dave Metz , president of FM3 Research , the left-leaning pollster .
They also are more likely work in service jobs , and don ’ t want to see increased viral spread as they return to work , he said .
“ They ’ re facing all of the impacts from both sides , ” he said .
The best predictor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party affiliation , with Republicans focused on reopening the economy and Democrats on preventing the virus from spreading .
More independents wanted to focus on fighting the virus than on reopening the economy , but enough were unsure that they didn ’ t have a majority opinion .
Republicans and parents also tended to be more worried about disruptions to children ’ s education from online learning , while Democrats and people without a child under 18 were more worried about new outbreaks from reopening schools .
Independents were split about evenly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinions of police misconduct .
Black , Hispanic and LGBTQ residents were more likely than white and heterosexual residents to say they believed police misconduct was a serious problem , and that they had had a negative personal experience with police in the previous year .
• 40 % of parents said it had been difficult to meet their child care responsibilities • 72 % of those surveyed said they supported requiring masks in public .
Democrats were more likely to support the mask requirement than Republicans .
• More than 80 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus-related medical care and an eventual vaccine should be free • About two-thirds of Coloradans said they were likely to get vaccinated once the option is available .
Senior citizens , those with more education and those who described themselves as politically liberal or moderate were more likely to say they intended to be vaccinated .
• 53 % of respondents said they had an increase in stress , anxiety , or loneliness during the pandemic While people who were struggling financially were more likely to report increased stress or anxiety , mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that other experiences they asked about didn ’ t , said Lori Weigel , principal researcher at New Bridge Strategy , the right-leaning group .
“ That was more of a common denominator , ” she said .

One in five Coloradans surveyed said they were worried about losing their homes or being unable to feed their families over the next year — and nearly that many said they already struggled to afford necessities.
The Colorado Health Foundation commissioned two polling groups, one left-leaning and one right-leaning, to survey more than 2,000 adults living in Colorado about how the pandemic had affected them, their physical and mental health, what other problems they think are most urgent, and what they’d like to see the state do about them.
About 18% of those surveyed said they already had struggled to pay for necessities like food, as of when the poll was taken in August. The margin of error is about 2.8%, meaning the pollsters are confident that the actual percentage of the population struggling to afford the basics is between 15.2% and 20.8%.
Black and Hispanic residents were more likely than white residents to report being worried about covering food or rent, or losing their health insurance over the next year.
About 13% of the people responding reported they’d been laid off because of the pandemic and 31% said their hours had been cut. Lower-income households were more likely to report either of those problems, or that their financial situation had worsened, while about one-third of households making more than $100,000 said their financial position was better than last year.
It’s not completely clear how much of the difference reflects disparities that predate the pandemic, because low-income, Black and Hispanic people have long reported more financial instability and worse health, said Kyle Rojas Legleiter, senior director of policy advocacy at the Colorado Health Foundation.
But there are also factors that are specific to the pandemic, like that wealthier people are more likely to be able to work at home, while also benefiting from a strong housing market and resilient stock prices, he said.
“Overall, renters are having a very different 2020 than homeowners,” he said.
Surprisingly, people who reported more financial concerns were more likely to answer that they wanted to prioritize saving lives over reopening the economy than people who said they weren’t worried about meeting their basic needs.
The people who have suffered most economically tend to be people of color, who also have borne a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Colorado, said Dave Metz, president of FM3 Research, the left-leaning pollster. They also are more likely work in service jobs, and don’t want to see increased viral spread as they return to work, he said.
“They’re facing all of the impacts from both sides,” he said.
The best predictor of a person’s priorities was party affiliation, with Republicans focused on reopening the economy and Democrats on preventing the virus from spreading. More independents wanted to focus on fighting the virus than on reopening the economy, but enough were unsure that they didn’t have a majority opinion.
Republicans and parents also tended to be more worried about disruptions to children’s education from online learning, while Democrats and people without a child under 18 were more worried about new outbreaks from reopening schools. Independents were split about evenly.
The survey also asked Coloradans about their opinions of police misconduct. Black, Hispanic and LGBTQ residents were more likely than white and heterosexual residents to say they believed police misconduct was a serious problem, and that they had had a negative personal experience with police in the previous year.
Other noteworthy findings were:
40% of parents said it had been difficult to meet their child care responsibilities
72% of those surveyed said they supported requiring masks in public. Democrats were more likely to support the mask requirement than Republicans.
More than 80% of those surveyed thought COVID-19 testing, virus-related medical care and an eventual vaccine should be free
About two-thirds of Coloradans said they were likely to get vaccinated once the option is available. Senior citizens, those with more education and those who described themselves as politically liberal or moderate were more likely to say they intended to be vaccinated.
53% of respondents said they had an increase in stress, anxiety, or loneliness during the pandemic
While people who were struggling financially were more likely to report increased stress or anxiety, mental health strain cut across demographics in a way that other experiences they asked about didn’t, said Lori Weigel, principal researcher at New Bridge Strategy, the right-leaning group.
“That was more of a common denominator,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--With moratorium lifted, Colorado utility companies have started sending out shutoff notices

The $ 600 federal unemployment benefit has ended , a statewide eviction moratorium has expired and there ’ s uncertainty about the implementation of a federal moratorium .
On top of that , Coloradans are starting to get shutoff notices from utilities .
Energy Outreach Colorado , which works with companies and public agencies to keep people ’ s power on , is seeing a spike in requests for help .
Most utilities in Colorado suspended shutting off power because of non-payment in recognition of the financial upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Many of them also tapped foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coloradans .
They are encouraging people behind on their bills to contact them to work out a payment plan .
While Gov .
Jared Polis on Monday issued a 30-day extension of an executive order that suspends late and reconnection fees for utilities , he didn ’ t revive the moratorium on shutoffs that ended earlier this summer .
Most utilities started sending out notices again in the past few weeks .
Energy Outreach Colorado , started by legislators in 1989 to provide assistance to low-income customers , is working with utilities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with payments is available .
“ Where we are right now versus last year is we have seen an increase of 40 % in people who have asked for bill payment assistance , ” said Denise Stepto , spokeswoman for the nonprofit organization .
“ What is causing that , I can ’ t drill down into , ” Stepto added .
“ I can ’ t say to you at this moment that it ’ s all COVID-related , but 40 % is a pretty dramatic increase.
” The organization ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests in June , compared to 202 requests in June 2019 .
It helped 15,337 households in the 2018-19 fiscal year and distributed $ 6.7 million in benefits .
The average payment was $ 441 .
Energy Outreach Colorado gets most of its money from donors .
It receives some of the state ’ s share of mineral severance tax revenue .
The Colorado General Assembly has also allocated $ 4.8 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act to help it cover utility bills .
“ In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing unemployment at unprecedented rates .
This in turn , is creating ripple effects across the economy and putting many people ’ s basic needs at risk , ” Sen. Zenzinger , D-Arvada , said in a statement Wednesday .
Stepto said the preference will be given to people who ’ ve been denied or are ineligible for other forms of assistance .
Those could be people who aren ’ t drawing unemployment benefits or didn ’ t receive a federal stimulus check .
Another avenue for help is the federally financed Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program won ’ t take applications until Nov. 1 .
Energy Outreach and other organizations are seeing their concerns about trouble with utility bills come to fruition .
“ As we had feared , people were really facing a number of crisis situations .
Many people who have never experienced the inability to pay bills have lost jobs or become underemployed , ” Stepto said .
“ We were consistently seeing that the No .
1 concern was rent , the No .
2 was food .
Then , the No .
3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notices comes as the start of school and colder weather will increase the use of electricity , Stepto added .
Energy Outreach is working with utilities to make sure the public knows that help is available .
Xcel Energy-Colorado is including that information in notices it sends to customers .
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has rules that utilities it oversees , including Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy , must follow before cutting a customer ’ s power .
Among those are that a company must propose an installment payment plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice .
Customers have certain rights if someone in the house is seriously ill or has a medical emergency .
“ Our goal is to work with our customers before they lose service .
We collaborate with Energy Outreach Colorado to help those customers most in need of assistance , ” Xcel Energy spokeswoman Michelle Aguayo said in an email .
Xcel Energy has mailed about 48,000 notices to residential customers and had disconnected about 20 customers as of last week .
The company has 1.6 million customers in Colorado .
People struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 800-895-4999 immediately , Aguayo said .
The company matched employees ’ contributions to relief efforts and pledged to donate the first $ 1.5 million of more than $ 20 million in new corporate giving to COVID-19 relief in its eight-state territory .
Black Hills Energy , whose territory in Colorado includes Pueblo , said it would resume its standard process this week after having suspended disconnections .
Company officials said they were informing customers of the change and offering payment plans .
Black Hills Energy said it has contributed a combined $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service area as well as almost $ 57,000 to Energy Outreach .
Customers can call 888-890-5554 or go to blackhillsenergy.com/COVID-CO. United Power , an electric cooperative based in Brighton , ended its suspension of shutoffs in July , said Troy .
Whitmore , head of government and regulatory affairs .
The company has distributed a total of $ 185,000 to 1,017 members having trouble paying their electric bills .
For more information about Energy Outreach , call 1-866-432-8435 or go to Energy Outreach Colorado ’ s Bill Payment Assistance Program at https : @ @

The $600 federal unemployment benefit has ended, a statewide eviction moratorium has expired and there’s uncertainty about the implementation of a federal moratorium. On top of that, Coloradans are starting to get shutoff notices from utilities.
Energy Outreach Colorado, which works with companies and public agencies to keep people’s power on, is seeing a spike in requests for help.
Most utilities in Colorado suspended shutting off power because of non-payment in recognition of the financial upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Many of them also tapped foundation money and collected contributions to help cash-strapped Coloradans. They are encouraging people behind on their bills to contact them to work out a payment plan.
While Gov. Jared Polis on Monday issued a 30-day extension of an executive order that suspends late and reconnection fees for utilities, he didn’t revive the moratorium on shutoffs that ended earlier this summer. Most utilities started sending out notices again in the past few weeks.
Energy Outreach Colorado, started by legislators in 1989 to provide assistance to low-income customers, is working with utilities and communities to spread the word that help with payments is available.
“Where we are right now versus last year is we have seen an increase of 40% in people who have asked for bill payment assistance,” said Denise Stepto, spokeswoman for the nonprofit organization.
“What is causing that, I can’t drill down into,” Stepto added. “I can’t say to you at this moment that it’s all COVID-related, but 40% is a pretty dramatic increase.”
The organization’s latest numbers show that it received 374 requests in June, compared to 202 requests in June 2019. It helped 15,337 households in the 2018-19 fiscal year and distributed $6.7 million in benefits. The average payment was $441.
Energy Outreach Colorado gets most of its money from donors. It receives some of the state’s share of mineral severance tax revenue. The Colorado General Assembly has also allocated $4.8 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to help it cover utility bills.
“In the wake of COVID-19, Coloradans are facing unemployment at unprecedented rates. This in turn, is creating ripple effects across the economy and putting many people’s basic needs at risk,” Sen. Zenzinger, D-Arvada, said in a statement Wednesday.
Stepto said the preference will be given to people who’ve been denied or are ineligible for other forms of assistance. Those could be people who aren’t drawing unemployment benefits or didn’t receive a federal stimulus check.
Another avenue for help is the federally financed Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program, but the program won’t take applications until Nov. 1.
Energy Outreach and other organizations are seeing their concerns about trouble with utility bills come to fruition.
“As we had feared, people were really facing a number of crisis situations. Many people who have never experienced the inability to pay bills have lost jobs or become underemployed,” Stepto said. “We were consistently seeing that the No. 1 concern was rent, the No. 2 was food. Then, the No. 3 was energy.”
The resumption of shutoff notices comes as the start of school and colder weather will increase the use of electricity, Stepto added. Energy Outreach is working with utilities to make sure the public knows that help is available. Xcel Energy-Colorado is including that information in notices it sends to customers.
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has rules that utilities it oversees, including Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy, must follow before cutting a customer’s power. Among those are that a company must propose an installment payment plan to people who contact them about a shutoff notice. Customers have certain rights if someone in the house is seriously ill or has a medical emergency.
“Our goal is to work with our customers before they lose service. We collaborate with Energy Outreach Colorado to help those customers most in need of assistance,” Xcel Energy spokeswoman Michelle Aguayo said in an email.
Xcel Energy has mailed about 48,000 notices to residential customers and had disconnected about 20 customers as of last week. The company has 1.6 million customers in Colorado.
People struggling to make regular payments can call Xcel at 800-895-4999 immediately, Aguayo said. The company matched employees’ contributions to relief efforts and pledged to donate the first $1.5 million of more than $20 million in new corporate giving to COVID-19 relief in its eight-state territory.
Black Hills Energy, whose territory in Colorado includes Pueblo, said it would resume its standard process this week after having suspended disconnections. Company officials said they were informing customers of the change and offering payment plans.
Black Hills Energy said it has contributed a combined $67,000 to local relief funds across its service area as well as almost $57,000 to Energy Outreach. Customers can call 888-890-5554 or go to blackhillsenergy.com/COVID-CO.
United Power, an electric cooperative based in Brighton, ended its suspension of shutoffs in July, said Troy. Whitmore, head of government and regulatory affairs. The company has distributed a total of $185,000 to 1,017 members having trouble paying their electric bills.
For more information about Energy Outreach, call 1-866-432-8435 or go to Energy Outreach Colorado’s Bill Payment Assistance Program at https://www.energyoutreach.org/programs.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Increase in home prices wipes out savings from lower mortgage rates for Denver metro

Lower mortgage rates during the pandemic have meant lower monthly payments , providing buyers across the country with a strong motivation to purchase a home .
But in metro Denver , home prices have appreciated so rapidly this summer that the benefits of that cheaper money have evaporated .
Metro Denver recorded a 12.1 % annual gain in the median price of a single-family home sold in August , according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors .
That was up from a 7.5 % annual appreciation rate in July , a 3.2 % annual pace in June and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If home prices rise 10 % plus more than where we are today , consumers will really start to feel pinched and many may become priced out of the market , ” said Ali Wolf , chief economist at Meyers Research , in an analysis of the last week of July housing numbers .
Based on Denver ’ s current rate of home price appreciation , Wolf said that the savings lower rates provided are pretty much gone .
Buyers going forward face a squeeze in affordability — the pinching has begun .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like .
In August 2019 , the median price of a single-family home sold in metro Denver was $ 455,000 , according to DMAR .
And the average interest rate on a 30-year mortgage during the last week of August in 2019 was 3.58 % , according to Freddie Mac .
Assuming a buyer provided a 10 % down payment , the principal and interest payments on the mortgage would have been $ 1,857 a month .
Contrast that with last month , where the median price of a single-family sold was $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % at the end of the month .
A buyer faced a payment of $ 1,913 , or $ 56 more a month than a year earlier .
Assume that builders and sellers had met buyer demand , keeping prices flat over the year .
Lower mortgage rates would have resulted in a monthly payment of $ 1,707 , or a savings of $ 206 a month .
“ The assumption is that mortgage rates will stay low for the foreseeable future .
That helps , but doesn ’ t eliminate , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face an affordability crunch if home prices continue to rise at the rapid pace , ” Wolf said .
A worst-case scenario would have continued rapid price gains followed by a spike in mortgage rates .
And there are some early indications that buyers who responded to low rates may be having second thoughts .
LendEdu did a survey of people who bought homes during the pandemic , and 54 % cited the desire to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates , while 15 % were trying to escape areas hard hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak didn ’ t play a role in the decision .
Of those pandemic buyers , more than half , 55 % , regretted taking on a new home given all the economic uncertainty and about 30 % said purchasing a home had caused them to struggle financially .
Affordability matters in another way .
As affordability deteriorates in metro Denver , it will shrink the pool of available buyers .
Zillow published a study Tuesday that estimates there are 2 million renters working remotely who are priced out of the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a starter home if they moved .
In metro Denver , Zillow estimates there are 61,321 renter households who could afford a starter home elsewhere while keeping their Denver-based job .
Those renters represent about 14.6 % of all renter households , which was the fifth-highest rate among the metros examined after San Jose , San Francisco , Los Angeles and San Diego , all in California .
“ If remote work becomes a bona fide long-term option especially with the pandemic , that could reshape the U.S. housing market by opening up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country , ” said Zillow economist Jeff Tucker in the report .
Whether they would actually move to buy their first home and then telecommute is another question , he adds .
Mike Hills , vice president of brokerage at Atlas Real Estate in Denver , suspects one reason home price gains are so strong is that people are relocating to metro Denver from denser metro areas like New York , San Francisco , Seattle and Washington , D.C. “ A lot of the research is suggesting that Denver is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger than normal rise in population because people are fleeing the big cities , ” he said .
So long as demand outstrips supply , that should serve to support home prices , even if mortgage rates do rise , he said .
It is also worth noting that condo and townhomes , which were up only 3.7 % in price on the year in metro Denver .
still carry a cheaper payment than what was available a year ago .

Lower mortgage rates during the pandemic have meant lower monthly payments, providing buyers across the country with a strong motivation to purchase a home. But in metro Denver, home prices have appreciated so rapidly this summer that the benefits of that cheaper money have evaporated.
Metro Denver recorded a 12.1% annual gain in the median price of a single-family home sold in August, according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors. That was up from a 7.5% annual appreciation rate in July, a 3.2% annual pace in June and a 0.9% gain in May.
“If home prices rise 10% plus more than where we are today, consumers will really start to feel pinched and many may become priced out of the market,” said Ali Wolf, chief economist at Meyers Research, in an analysis of the last week of July housing numbers.
Based on Denver’s current rate of home price appreciation, Wolf said that the savings lower rates provided are pretty much gone. Buyers going forward face a squeeze in affordability — the pinching has begun.
Here’s what the math looks like. In August 2019, the median price of a single-family home sold in metro Denver was $455,000, according to DMAR. And the average interest rate on a 30-year mortgage during the last week of August in 2019 was 3.58%, according to Freddie Mac.
Assuming a buyer provided a 10% down payment, the principal and interest payments on the mortgage would have been $1,857 a month.
Contrast that with last month, where the median price of a single-family sold was $510,000 and 30-year mortgage rates averaged 2.91% at the end of the month. A buyer faced a payment of $1,913, or $56 more a month than a year earlier.
Assume that builders and sellers had met buyer demand, keeping prices flat over the year. Lower mortgage rates would have resulted in a monthly payment of $1,707, or a savings of $206 a month.
“The assumption is that mortgage rates will stay low for the foreseeable future. That helps, but doesn’t eliminate, the risk that the housing market could still face an affordability crunch if home prices continue to rise at the rapid pace,” Wolf said.
A worst-case scenario would have continued rapid price gains followed by a spike in mortgage rates. And there are some early indications that buyers who responded to low rates may be having second thoughts.
LendEdu did a survey of people who bought homes during the pandemic, and 54% cited the desire to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates, while 15% were trying to escape areas hard hit by the pandemic and 24% said the outbreak didn’t play a role in the decision.
Of those pandemic buyers, more than half, 55%, regretted taking on a new home given all the economic uncertainty and about 30% said purchasing a home had caused them to struggle financially.
Affordability matters in another way. As affordability deteriorates in metro Denver, it will shrink the pool of available buyers.
Zillow published a study Tuesday that estimates there are 2 million renters working remotely who are priced out of the market where they live but who could afford a starter home if they moved. In metro Denver, Zillow estimates there are 61,321 renter households who could afford a starter home elsewhere while keeping their Denver-based job.
Those renters represent about 14.6% of all renter households, which was the fifth-highest rate among the metros examined after San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, all in California.
“If remote work becomes a bona fide long-term option especially with the pandemic, that could reshape the U.S. housing market by opening up homeownership to people renting in expensive parts of the country,” said Zillow economist Jeff Tucker in the report.
Whether they would actually move to buy their first home and then telecommute is another question, he adds.
Mike Hills, vice president of brokerage at Atlas Real Estate in Denver, suspects one reason home price gains are so strong is that people are relocating to metro Denver from denser metro areas like New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
“A lot of the research is suggesting that Denver is one of those cities that will experience a larger than normal rise in population because people are fleeing the big cities,” he said.
So long as demand outstrips supply, that should serve to support home prices, even if mortgage rates do rise, he said.
It is also worth noting that condo and townhomes, which were up only 3.7% in price on the year in metro Denver. still carry a cheaper payment than what was available a year ago.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Colorado regulators signal support for 2,000-foot buffers between fracking sites, homes

Setbacks , the source of some of the most intense debate around oil and gas drilling in Colorado , are bound to generate even more heat because the majority on a panel that is rewriting regulations favors large buffers around well sites .
After nearly five days of hearings , all but one member of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission voiced support Wednesday for 2,000-foot setbacks , significantly larger than those proposed by the COGCC staff .
The commission won ’ t vote on the regulation until it has completed hearings on all the proposed rules , expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and environmental activists and some elected officials have urged the commission to require large setbacks , as large as 2,500 feet , from schools and homes .
Industry representatives say such extensive setbacks will drive up costs and substantially limit where companies can drill .
But proponents of putting more space between fracking and where people live and work argued that Senate Bill 181 , a 2019 law that mandated an overhaul of oil and gas rules , requires that the public ’ s welfare be prioritized when regulating the development .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the law .
The commission ’ s duty is to protect public health , safety and welfare and to ensure that any approvals of oil and gas operations are done subject to protection of those values , ” said Mike Freeman , an attorney with Earthjustice who represents community and environmental groups in the hearings .
Dave Neslin , a former COGCC director and an attorney representing the industry , said in a hearing Tuesday that larger setbacks “ exponentially increase the amount of land that is off limits to oil and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of conflicts with local governments over well locations .
In addition to prioritizing health and environmental concerns , SB 181 expanded local governments ’ authority to regulate the surface operations of oil and gas production .
Weld and Garfield counties are among the local governments that want smaller setbacks .
Jeff Robbins , the former COGCC director and current commission chairman , said SB 181 changed the agency ’ s mission from fostering oil and gas development to regulating it in a reasonable manner .
“ I don ’ t believe that SB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a setback that is workable for all parties .
Rather , I think that we ’ re tasked with making a setback and a regulatory regime that is protective , ” Robbins said .
Robbins acknowledged the conflicting interpretations of health studies and reports that experts and advocates on one side used to support larger setbacks and experts and advocates on the other said showed no credible evidence of harmful effects within a certain distance .
He referred to a 2019 report by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people living within 2,000 feet of fracking sites .
“ What really harkens home for me is that science and what CDPHE says the complaints should be lined up precisely with what the complaints have been , ” Robbins said .
The chairman and other supporters of the larger setback suggested that exceptions could be made under certain conditions .
The commission and staff said they would discuss that further .
The current setback is 200 feet from the well , 500 feet in certain residential areas and 1,000 feet from schools .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2,000 feet from a school or child care center .
For homes , the requirement would be 500 feet for fewer than 10 residential units or a minimum of 1,500 feet from 10 or more residential buildings or one multi-unit residence .
The distance would be measured from the edge of the well site , or pad , which industry representatives said could add hundreds of feet to the official setback .
Bill Gonzalez , a former land manager for Occidental Petroleum , was the only commissioner who didn ’ t support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday by the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado-Boulder said 1,500-foot setbacks between well sites and buildings or waterways would have minimal impacts on the availability of oil and gas .
But the impacts would increase significantly at 2,500 feet or more , according to the report .
Researchers said Colorado would lose about $ 500 million in annual revenues , roughly 0.1 % of the state ’ s gross domestic product , by requiring setbacks of 1,500 feet .
At 2,500 feet , the losses would jump to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The annual revenue losses would be roughly $ 2.5 billion , or about 0.66 % of the state ’ s GDP , with 2,000-foot setbacks , Daniel Kaffine , a CU economics professor and one of the report ’ s authors said in an email .
In 2018 , Colorado voters rejected a ballot proposal that would have imposed 2,500-foot setbacks .

Setbacks, the source of some of the most intense debate around oil and gas drilling in Colorado, are bound to generate even more heat because the majority on a panel that is rewriting regulations favors large buffers around well sites.
After nearly five days of hearings, all but one member of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission voiced support Wednesday for 2,000-foot setbacks, significantly larger than those proposed by the COGCC staff.
The commission won’t vote on the regulation until it has completed hearings on all the proposed rules, expected in late October.
Homeowners, community and environmental activists and some elected officials have urged the commission to require large setbacks, as large as 2,500 feet, from schools and homes. Industry representatives say such extensive setbacks will drive up costs and substantially limit where companies can drill.
But proponents of putting more space between fracking and where people live and work argued that Senate Bill 181, a 2019 law that mandated an overhaul of oil and gas rules, requires that the public’s welfare be prioritized when regulating the development.
“Senate Bill 181 was a sea change in the law. The commission’s duty is to protect public health, safety and welfare and to ensure that any approvals of oil and gas operations are done subject to protection of those values,” said Mike Freeman, an attorney with Earthjustice who represents community and environmental groups in the hearings.
Dave Neslin, a former COGCC director and an attorney representing the industry, said in a hearing Tuesday that larger setbacks “exponentially increase the amount of land that is off limits to oil and gas developments” and increase the likelihood of conflicts with local governments over well locations.
In addition to prioritizing health and environmental concerns, SB 181 expanded local governments’ authority to regulate the surface operations of oil and gas production. Weld and Garfield counties are among the local governments that want smaller setbacks.
Jeff Robbins, the former COGCC director and current commission chairman, said SB 181 changed the agency’s mission from fostering oil and gas development to regulating it in a reasonable manner.
“I don’t believe that SB 181 is informing us that we are to create a setback that is workable for all parties. Rather, I think that we’re tasked with making a setback and a regulatory regime that is protective,” Robbins said.
Robbins acknowledged the conflicting interpretations of health studies and reports that experts and advocates on one side used to support larger setbacks and experts and advocates on the other said showed no credible evidence of harmful effects within a certain distance. He referred to a 2019 report by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that outlined certain short-term health impacts for people living within 2,000 feet of fracking sites.
“What really harkens home for me is that science and what CDPHE says the complaints should be lined up precisely with what the complaints have been,” Robbins said.
The chairman and other supporters of the larger setback suggested that exceptions could be made under certain conditions. The commission and staff said they would discuss that further.
The current setback is 200 feet from the well, 500 feet in certain residential areas and 1,000 feet from schools. The COGCC staff recommended a minimum setback of 2,000 feet from a school or child care center. For homes, the requirement would be 500 feet for fewer than 10 residential units or a minimum of 1,500 feet from 10 or more residential buildings or one multi-unit residence.
The distance would be measured from the edge of the well site, or pad, which industry representatives said could add hundreds of feet to the official setback. Bill Gonzalez, a former land manager for Occidental Petroleum, was the only commissioner who didn’t support the 2,000-foot setback.
A report released Wednesday by the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado-Boulder said 1,500-foot setbacks between well sites and buildings or waterways would have minimal impacts on the availability of oil and gas. But the impacts would increase significantly at 2,500 feet or more, according to the report.
Researchers said Colorado would lose about $500 million in annual revenues, roughly 0.1% of the state’s gross domestic product, by requiring setbacks of 1,500 feet. At 2,500 feet, the losses would jump to $4.5 billion, the study said.
The annual revenue losses would be roughly $2.5 billion, or about 0.66% of the state’s GDP, with 2,000-foot setbacks, Daniel Kaffine, a CU economics professor and one of the report’s authors said in an email.
In 2018, Colorado voters rejected a ballot proposal that would have imposed 2,500-foot setbacks.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Denver weather: Warmer temperatures are on their way back after rain, snow

Denverites who weren ’ t too keen on the cold weather arriving early this year can rejoice — the latest cold front appears to be short-lived , as forecasters expected .
It won ’ t be a return to summer temperatures yet on Thursday , but it will likely be one step closer .
Thursday ’ s forecast calls for a chance of snow and rain followed by partly sunny skies and a high near 55 degrees , according to the National Weather Service .
Snow accumulation isn ’ t expected .
Thursday night is predicted to bring a slight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 40 degrees .
Minimal snow is likely across the mountains .
Friday ’ s forecast calls for sunny skies with gusty winds and a high near 72 degrees , before making way for high 70s and mid-80s this weekend , according to the weather service .
The mountains and plains could see an increase in westerly winds with gusts getting as high as 40 mph , according to the hazardous weather outlook .
The National Weather Service in Boulder provided a synopsis on Twitter of Denver ’ s record heat to record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that Sunday and Monday set record highs and Tuesday tied the earliest freeze on record for the city .

Denverites who weren’t too keen on the cold weather arriving early this year can rejoice — the latest cold front appears to be short-lived, as forecasters expected.
It won’t be a return to summer temperatures yet on Thursday, but it will likely be one step closer. Thursday’s forecast calls for a chance of snow and rain followed by partly sunny skies and a high near 55 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Snow accumulation isn’t expected. Thursday night is predicted to bring a slight chance of rain and a low of about 40 degrees. Minimal snow is likely across the mountains.
Temperatures will be a little warmer Thursday, with highs reaching the low to mid 50s in the plains. Across the higher elevations, light snow should spread northward through the day, with accumulations up to a couple inches along the high peaks. #cowx pic.twitter.com/Tlz3MRtqQU — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) September 10, 2020
Friday’s forecast calls for sunny skies with gusty winds and a high near 72 degrees, before making way for high 70s and mid-80s this weekend, according to the weather service. The mountains and plains could see an increase in westerly winds with gusts getting as high as 40 mph, according to the hazardous weather outlook.
The National Weather Service in Boulder provided a synopsis on Twitter of Denver’s record heat to record snow weather over the past week, noting that Sunday and Monday set record highs and Tuesday tied the earliest freeze on record for the city.


thedenverpost--2020-09-10--Ask Amy: Mom, confronting mess, needs to lose it

Dear Amy : My son married “ Anna ” two years ago , a few weeks before the birth of my grandson .
They will probably be living with us for the next five years ( at least ) because of my son ’ s student loans .
My husband and I work full-time jobs and make a comfortable living .
I watch my grandson when I am not working .
My son works full-time and Anna is taking online classes .
My house now looks like a day care center .
Shoes , toys , clothing and takeout cups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sink , and ( worst of all ) dirty diapers are left in a bag on the front porch — rather than walking 10 extra steps to the trash cans .
I cook two meals each day , clean the downstairs , mop and vacuum at least once a week .
After two years of this , I am exhausted and frustrated .
Anna used to help me occasionally , but recently — she stopped .
It just seems as if the more we do , the less they do .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eggshells each day dealing with this .
How can I get them to be more helpful ?
Dear Exhausted : “ It just seems as if the more we do , the less they do.
” There you go .
You ’ ve cracked the code .
First of all , your house doesn ’ t look like a day care center , because there , the adults clean up at the end of a workday .
I suggest that you stage a good , old fashioned breakdown .
Stop walking on eggshells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Get your husband on board , and practice in advance if you need to .
Take the couple on a tour of the downstairs : “ Please pick up those cups and throw them away .
Are these your dishes in the sink ?
You need to wash them .
And these toys — please put them away.
” Move onto the porch , where you brandish the bag of dirty diapers .
Then give them the low-down : “ Dad and I work .
Every single day , we expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Every day .
Furthermore , you two need to figure out how to get a meal on the table for the rest of the family .
You can start by cooking for the household on Monday nights.
” Then you need to ride them like a carousel horse every single time this happens .
Every time .
The idea is to basically scare them into respecting the needs of the household — and then thank and praise them sincerely when they do .
Perhaps you should consider helping your son to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five more years is a very long time to ride this carousel .
We live together .
We aren ’ t well off financially , but we aren ’ t broke either .
My boyfriend is miserable at his low-paying job and recently expressed a desire to do “ cam work ” online as a quick way to make a lot of money .
To be clear — yes there is nudity involved .
He says he won ’ t reveal his face and once he makes a certain amount , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a tough time to look for a new job , but I told him I don ’ t support this idea and it would make me very uncomfortable .
He says I ’ m being prudish and rigid and that it ’ s no different from regular modeling .
What do you think ?
Dear Not a Prude : If you define “ regular modeling ” as someone showing off a cozy sweater in a J.Crew catalogue , then I ’ d say doing “ cam work ” is actually radically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would , I assume , involve your guy posing , etc .
at the request of viewers , who could then “ tip ” him .
Your guy would become a virtual sex worker .
I can understand why this would make you uncomfortable , because your partner would be participating in an experience where he was being objectified for the gratification of strangers .
You ’ ve been honest about your discomfort and he has branded you “ a prude.
” You don ’ t control him .
You ’ ll have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then make your own .
Dear Amy : “ Worried Mom ” wondered how her college-age daughter could be occupied during a COVID-19-inspired “ gap year.
” Thank you so much for suggesting that she take classes at her local community college !
These institutions are a wonderful low-cost educational resource .
Dear Grateful : I hope that — during this challenging time — many four-year students will discover the value of their local community college .

Dear Amy: My son married “Anna” two years ago, a few weeks before the birth of my grandson. They will probably be living with us for the next five years (at least) because of my son’s student loans.
My husband and I work full-time jobs and make a comfortable living.
I watch my grandson when I am not working. My son works full-time and Anna is taking online classes.
My house now looks like a day care center. Shoes, toys, clothing and takeout cups are strewn everywhere. Dirty dishes in the sink, and (worst of all) dirty diapers are left in a bag on the front porch — rather than walking 10 extra steps to the trash cans.
I cook two meals each day, clean the downstairs, mop and vacuum at least once a week. After two years of this, I am exhausted and frustrated.
Anna used to help me occasionally, but recently — she stopped.
It just seems as if the more we do, the less they do.
I feel as if I am walking on eggshells each day dealing with this.
How can I get them to be more helpful?
— Exhausted
Dear Exhausted: “It just seems as if the more we do, the less they do.”
There you go. You’ve cracked the code.
First of all, your house doesn’t look like a day care center, because there, the adults clean up at the end of a workday.
I suggest that you stage a good, old fashioned breakdown. Stop walking on eggshells and LOSE IT. Lose all of it.
Get your husband on board, and practice in advance if you need to.
Take the couple on a tour of the downstairs: “Please pick up those cups and throw them away. Are these your dishes in the sink? You need to wash them. And these toys — please put them away.”
Move onto the porch, where you brandish the bag of dirty diapers.
Then give them the low-down: “Dad and I work. Every single day, we expect to come home to a tidy house. Every day. Furthermore, you two need to figure out how to get a meal on the table for the rest of the family. You can start by cooking for the household on Monday nights.”
Then you need to ride them like a carousel horse every single time this happens. Every time. The idea is to basically scare them into respecting the needs of the household — and then thank and praise them sincerely when they do.
Perhaps you should consider helping your son to pay off or refinance his college loans. Five more years is a very long time to ride this carousel.
Dear Amy: I’m in a monogamous heterosexual long-term relationship.
We live together. We aren’t well off financially, but we aren’t broke either.
My boyfriend is miserable at his low-paying job and recently expressed a desire to do “cam work” online as a quick way to make a lot of money.
To be clear — yes there is nudity involved. He says he won’t reveal his face and once he makes a certain amount, he’ll stop. I sympathize that it’s a tough time to look for a new job, but I told him I don’t support this idea and it would make me very uncomfortable. He says I’m being prudish and rigid and that it’s no different from regular modeling.
What do you think?
— Not a Prude
Dear Not a Prude: If you define “regular modeling” as someone showing off a cozy sweater in a J.Crew catalogue, then I’d say doing “cam work” is actually radically different from that.
Nude cam work would, I assume, involve your guy posing, etc. at the request of viewers, who could then “tip” him. Your guy would become a virtual sex worker. I can understand why this would make you uncomfortable, because your partner would be participating in an experience where he was being objectified for the gratification of strangers.
You’ve been honest about your discomfort and he has branded you “a prude.”
You don’t control him. You’ll have to see what choices he makes, and then make your own.
Dear Amy: “Worried Mom” wondered how her college-age daughter could be occupied during a COVID-19-inspired “gap year.” Thank you so much for suggesting that she take classes at her local community college! These institutions are a wonderful low-cost educational resource.
— Grateful
Dear Grateful: I hope that — during this challenging time — many four-year students will discover the value of their local community college.
(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.)