thedenverpost--2020-05-10--UFC’s return could provide blueprint for other pro leagues

JACKSONVILLE , Fla. — UFC President Dana White wanted a major fight card weeks ago .
He was confident his team could pull it off whether it took place on a tribal land , on a private island or in any of the 10 states offering to host it .
Coronavirus testing .
Fan-free arena .
Social distancing .
Self-isolation .
White looked at all those unprecedented details that seemed too complex and too risky to some outsiders as merely extra challenges .
“ I knew we could do this , ” he said following UFC 249 on Saturday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out .
Even with all the hurdles that we had early on , this has been fun .
It ’ s been challenging and it ’ s been fun .
“ I know that sounds a little demented to say I ’ ve had fun going through this .
It ’ s been challenging and I ’ ve enjoyed the whole game of it , if you will.
” White and the UFC look like the big winners following their rousing show at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville , an event that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports leagues around the country and the world as they start to resume during a global pandemic .
The NFL , NBA , NHL , Major League Baseball and NASCAR , all of them had to have an eye on how the UFC approached and handled the first major human-centric sporting event in the U.S. since the new coronavirus shuttered much of the country nearly two months ago .
The UFC created a 25-page document to address health and safety protocols , which included disinfecting the octagon between bouts and mandating tests and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The spotlight only intensified when one fighter , Jacaré Souza , and two of his cornermen tested positive for COVID-19 a day before the stacked card .
Souza was pulled from the fight and removed from the hotel where hundreds of UFC employees are staying this week .
The UFC ’ s medical team continues to provide assistance and is helping with necessary treatment , White said .
The UFC has two more fight nights scheduled this week in Jacksonville , beginning Wednesday , and plans to administer more than 1,000 more coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ However it was handled this week , this was our first week , ” White said .
“ It will only get better .
And we can share what we learned here doing three events with other sports leagues who are reaching out to us and asking .
“ A lot can be learned by what we ’ re doing here .
Not just for professional sports but for sending people back to work and lot of other things in life.
” White said he never considered postponing UFC 249 following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support from the Florida Athletic Commission , the governor and local authorities .
The show went on and , by most accounts , got rave reviews .
Justin Gaethje stunned Tony Ferguson in the main event , earning a TKO in a lightweight bout that set the winner up to fight titleholder Khabib Nurmagomedov next .
Henry Cejudo , with blood gushing from his head and dripping down his chest , defended his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz and then announced his retirement .
Heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou pummeled his fourth straight opponent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former NFL defensive end Greg Hardy won for the sixth time in eight fights .
And former welterweight champion and fan favorite Donald “ Cowboy ” Cerrone lost on the undercard , his fourth consecutive defeat .
About the only negative was the empty arena , where punches , kicks , grunts , steps , trash talk , corner coaching and TV commentary echoed off metal beams and vacant seats .
• Justin Gaethje beats Tony Ferguson as UFC 249 ushers in fan-free , mask-filled era of sports • UFC 249 is Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know about Colorado ’ s fighters .
“ It was weird , ” White conceded .
“ There ’ s so many things that you love about live sports , whether you ’ re home , in a bar or there live .
One of the big , key components to live sports are the group of people that you ’ re with and the energy that you get when cool things happen .
“ Tonight was an amazing event , but that was definitely missing tonight , these moments .
… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes this so great.
” Finding a way to recreate those missing moments could be the next challenge , one White surely would welcome as long as the show goes on .
“ We ’ re still figuring this whole thing out , ” he said .
“ This was the first one .
It was a success .
Wednesday will be better .
Saturday will be better than that .
”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UFC President Dana White wanted a major fight card weeks ago. He was confident his team could pull it off whether it took place on a tribal land, on a private island or in any of the 10 states offering to host it.
Coronavirus testing. Fan-free arena. Social distancing. Self-isolation. White looked at all those unprecedented details that seemed too complex and too risky to some outsiders as merely extra challenges.
“I knew we could do this,” he said following UFC 249 on Saturday night. “I knew we could figure it out. Even with all the hurdles that we had early on, this has been fun. It’s been challenging and it’s been fun.
“I know that sounds a little demented to say I’ve had fun going through this. It’s been challenging and I’ve enjoyed the whole game of it, if you will.”
White and the UFC look like the big winners following their rousing show at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, an event that could serve as a blueprint for other sports leagues around the country and the world as they start to resume during a global pandemic.
The NFL, NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball and NASCAR, all of them had to have an eye on how the UFC approached and handled the first major human-centric sporting event in the U.S. since the new coronavirus shuttered much of the country nearly two months ago. The UFC created a 25-page document to address health and safety protocols, which included disinfecting the octagon between bouts and mandating tests and masks for nearly everyone in attendance.
The spotlight only intensified when one fighter, Jacaré Souza, and two of his cornermen tested positive for COVID-19 a day before the stacked card.
Souza was pulled from the fight and removed from the hotel where hundreds of UFC employees are staying this week. The UFC’s medical team continues to provide assistance and is helping with necessary treatment, White said.
The UFC has two more fight nights scheduled this week in Jacksonville, beginning Wednesday, and plans to administer more than 1,000 more coronavirus tests for everyone scheduled to take part.
“However it was handled this week, this was our first week,” White said. “It will only get better. And we can share what we learned here doing three events with other sports leagues who are reaching out to us and asking.
“A lot can be learned by what we’re doing here. Not just for professional sports but for sending people back to work and lot of other things in life.”
White said he never considered postponing UFC 249 following Souza’s positive test and got support from the Florida Athletic Commission, the governor and local authorities.
The show went on and, by most accounts, got rave reviews.
Justin Gaethje stunned Tony Ferguson in the main event, earning a TKO in a lightweight bout that set the winner up to fight titleholder Khabib Nurmagomedov next. Henry Cejudo, with blood gushing from his head and dripping down his chest, defended his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz and then announced his retirement.
Heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou pummeled his fourth straight opponent, this one in 20 seconds. Former NFL defensive end Greg Hardy won for the sixth time in eight fights. And former welterweight champion and fan favorite Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone lost on the undercard, his fourth consecutive defeat.
About the only negative was the empty arena, where punches, kicks, grunts, steps, trash talk, corner coaching and TV commentary echoed off metal beams and vacant seats.
“It was weird,” White conceded. “There’s so many things that you love about live sports, whether you’re home, in a bar or there live. One of the big, key components to live sports are the group of people that you’re with and the energy that you get when cool things happen.
“Tonight was an amazing event, but that was definitely missing tonight, these moments. … It’s all part of what makes this so great.”
Finding a way to recreate those missing moments could be the next challenge, one White surely would welcome as long as the show goes on.
“We’re still figuring this whole thing out,” he said. “This was the first one. It was a success. Wednesday will be better. Saturday will be better than that.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Mike Pence, task force members isolate after coronavirus exposure

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence is self-isolating after an aide tested positive for the coronavirus last week , joining three of the nation ’ s top scientists in taking protective steps after possible exposure , in another stark reminder that not even one of the nation ’ s most secure buildings is immune from the virus .
An administration official said Pence is voluntarily limiting his exposure to other people .
He has repeatedly tested negative for COVID-19 since his exposure but is following the advice of medical officials .
“ Vice President Pence will continue to follow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is not in quarantine , ” said spokesman Devin O ’ Malley .
“ Additionally , Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow.
” Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a leading member of the White House coronavirus task force , placed himself in quarantine over the weekend , along with Dr. Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , and the commissioner of the Food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pence ’ s press secretary tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday , making her the second person who works at the White House complex known to test positive for the virus this week .
Pence has led the White House coronavirus task force for more than two months .
White House officials had confirmed Thursday that a member of the military serving as one of Trump ’ s valets had tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday .
President Donald Trump , who publicly identified the affected Pence aide as spokeswoman Katie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried ” about the virus spreading in the White House .
Nonetheless , officials said they were stepping up safety protocols for the complex .
Pence was informed of the positive test Friday morning before he left Washington for a day-trip to Iowa .
Fauci ’ s institute said that he has tested negative for COVID-19 and will continue to be tested regularly .
It added that he is considered at “ relatively low risk ” based on the degree of his exposure , and that he would be “ taking appropriate precautions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacts while still carrying out his duties .
While he will stay at home and telework , Fauci will go to the White House if called and take every precaution , the institute said .
Redfield will be “ teleworking for the next two weeks ” after it was determined he had a “ low risk exposure ” to a person at the White House , the CDC said in a statement Saturday evening .
The statement said he felt fine and has no symptoms .
Just a few hours earlier , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had come in contact with someone who tested positive and was in self-quarantine for the next two weeks .
He tested negative for the virus .
All three men are scheduled to testify before a Senate committee on Tuesday .
Sen. Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , the chairman of the panel , said the White House will allow Redfield and Hahn to testify by videoconference , a one-time exception to the administration ’ s policies on hearing testimony .
The statement was issued before Fauci ’ s quarantine was announced .
Miller had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not with the president and had tested negative a day earlier .
She is married to Stephen Miller , a top Trump adviser .
The White House had no immediate comment on whether Stephen Miller had been tested or if he was still working in the White House .
The CDC and FDA would not disclose the identity of the person who had tested positive and with whom the agency leaders had come in contact .
Redfield sought to use the exposure as a teachable moment .
The CDC statement said if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfill any responsibilities as part of the coronavirus task force , he will follow CDC practices for critical infrastructure workers .
Those guidelines call for Redfield and anyone working on the task force to have their temperature taken and screened for symptoms each day , wear a face covering , and distance themselves from others .
Trump has resisted wearing a mask , and in a meeting with the nation ’ s top military leaders Saturday evening , he did not wear a mask during the brief portion that reporters were allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not wear a mask , but participants did sit a few feet away from each other .
FDA spokeswoman Stephanie Caccomo said Hahn tested negative for the virus after he learned of the contact .
He wrote a note to staff on Friday to alert them .
Six people who had been in contact with Miller were scheduled to fly with Pence on Friday to Des Moines , Iowa , on Air Force Two .
They were removed from the flight just before it took off , according to a senior administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhibiting symptoms , but all were asked to deplane so they could be tested “ out of an abundance of caution , ” a senior administration official told reporters traveling with Pence .
All six later tested negative , the White House said .
The official said staff in the West Wing are tested regularly but much of Pence ’ s staff — which works next door in the Executive Office Building — are tested less frequently .
Katie Miller was not on the plane and had not been scheduled to be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested on a regular basis , was tested Friday .
Miller tweeted she was “ doing well ” and looked forward to getting back to work .
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said the administration was stepping up mitigation efforts already recommended by public health experts and taking other unspecified precautions to ensure the safety of the president .
He said the White House was “ probably the safest place that you can come , ” but the he was reviewing further steps to keep Trump and Pence safe .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who enters the White House complex and has encouraged social distancing among those working in the building .
The administration has also directed regular deep cleaning of all work spaces .
Anyone who comes in close proximity to the president and vice president is tested daily for COVID-19 .
Trump ’ s valet ’ s case marked the first known instance where a person who has come in close proximity to the president has tested positive since several people present at his private Florida club were diagnosed with COVID-19 in early March @

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence was self-isolating Sunday after an aide tested positive for the coronavirus last week, but he planned to return to the White House on Monday.
An administration official said Pence was voluntarily keeping his distance from other people in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He has repeatedly tested negative for COVID-19 since his exposure but was following the advice of medical officials.
His action came after three of the nation’s top scientists took their own protective steps following possible exposure to a White House staffer infected by the coronavirus.
“Vice President Pence will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine,” spokesman Devin O’Malley said Sunday. “Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow.”
Pence has been at home since returning to Washington from a day trip to Iowa on Friday and did not appear at President Donald Trump’s meeting with military leaders Saturday at the White House. Pence was informed of the aide’s positive test shortly before departing for that trip.
An official initially said Pence planned to continue working from home, before Pence’s office clarified that he planned to work from the White House on Monday. It was not immediately clear how Pence’s steps to self-isolate would impact his professional or public engagements.
Pence has led the White House coronavirus task force for more than two months. Top officials who have gone into quarantine because of exposure to a person at the White House who tested positive for the virus are Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC; and the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Stephen Hahn.
Pence’s press secretary, Katie Miller, tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, making her the second person who works at the White House complex known to test positive for the virus this week.
A military service member who acts as a valet to the president tested positive on Thursday, the first known instance where a person in close proximity to the president at the White House had tested positive.
After Miller was identified as having tested positive, Trump said he was “not worried” about the virus spreading in the White House. Nonetheless, officials said they were stepping up safety protocols for the complex.
The three other task force members have indicated varying plans for dealing with their exposure. None has announced testing positive for the virus and, taking into account what has been described as limited exposure to the infected person, are considered at relatively low risk for infection.
Fauci’s institute said he was “taking appropriate precautions” to mitigate the risk to others while still carrying out his duties, teleworking from home but willing to go to the White House if called. Officials said both Redfield and Hahn will be self-quarantining for two weeks.
The three officials were expected to testify by videoconference before a Senate health committee on Tuesday. On Sunday night, the office of the chairman of the committee, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., announced that the senator would be self-quarantining in Tennessee for two weeks after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Alexander too will participate in the hearing by videoconference.


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Broncos Journal: Declined option almost always equals parting of ways

Ten things about the Broncos as the rookies join the veterans for the virtual offseason program this week : 1 .
The fifth-year option scoreboard for the 2017 first-round class included 17 options exercised ( Carolina extended running back Christian McCaffrey ahead of the deadline ) .
The Broncos declined left tackle Garett Bolles ’ option , which makes him a free agent next March .
The Nos .
2-5 picks all had their options declined .
2 .
Is declining the option an admission of busting on a first-round pick ?
At the top of the draft , absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is merely teams being conservative and being unwilling to guarantee big contracts in case the player is injured this year .
Beginning next year , the fifth-year option will be fully guaranteed and that should trigger an even bigger decline rate .
3 .
The math nearly guarantees Bolles won ’ t be with the Broncos next year .
For the draft classes of 2011-16 , only four players out of 119 whose options were declined re-signed with their team .
Philadelphia ’ s Lane Johnson and Houston ’ s Whitney Mercilus signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What an opportunity for Elijah Wilkinson , who will compete with Bolles to start Week 1 .
A look back at Wilkinson ’ s 2019 ( 845 of 1,025 snaps at right tackle ) suggests why the Broncos have created this left tackle derby : In Games 1-8 , per my game charting , he struggled , allowing 13 1/2 pass protection “ disruptions ” ( 7 1/2 sacks , one knockdown and five pressures ) and was booked for 4 1/ 2 “ bad ” run plays ( gain of one or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Games 9-16 , he had only seven “ disruptions ” ( two sacks , two knockdowns and three pressures ) and one “ bad ” run .
5 .
The Broncos went through their virtual rookie camp over the weekend .
Missing this year is the chance for the team ’ s coaches and personnel executives to invite undrafted rookies to the camp on a tryout basis .
Invariably , a few of those players would have been signed .
6 .
At least one undrafted free agent has made the Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 16 years , including running back Phillip Lindsay and inside linebacker Alexander Johnson ( 2018 ) and outside linebacker Malik Reed ( 2019 ) .
Two names from the recent signings that should be followed are running back LeVante Bellamy of Western Michigan and cornerback Essang Bassey of Wake Forest .
• NFL Journal : Broncos quarterback Drew Lock hopes offseason training makes him more elusive to opposing defenses • Keeler : Why McTelvin Agim ’ s journey from jail to the Broncos brought tears of joy • 10 offensive tackles the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL draft • In memo , Broncos reiterate refund-or-credit option should games be canceled or played without fans 7 .
Why weren ’ t Bellamy and Bassey drafted ?
They ’ re both listed under 5-foot-10 and it may be the only reason .
Bellamy ( 5 feet , 8 7/8 inches and 192 pounds ) also had a workload that may have turned teams off .
He had 617 carries and 57 catches in 49 college games ; compare that to first-round running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire , who had 370 carries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Broncos want to keep Bellamy as a third tailback behind Melvin Gordon and Lindsay , it could put Royce Freeman ’ s roster spot in jeopardy .
8 .
Bassey is listed at 5 feet , 9 3/8 inches and 191 pounds .
He made 228 tackles in 52 games plus five interceptions and 45 other pass break-ups .
He projects best as covering the slot receiver so he could serve as insurance for Bryce Callahan ( recovering from foot surgery ) .
9 .
An early-and-subject-to-change prediction on the Broncos ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team to go 8-8 ( that ’ s a cop-out ) , but going with seven or nine wins is pretty close .
But that ’ s where this team is at .
Wins ( seven ) : vs. Tennessee , at the New York Jets , vs. Miami , at Atlanta , vs. the Los Angeles Chargers , at Carolina and vs. Las Vegas .
Losses ( nine ) : at Pittsburgh , vs. Tampa Bay , at New England , vs. Kansas City , at Las Vegas , vs. New Orleans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at the Los Angeles Chargers .
10 .
Why 7-9 ?
A ton of youth on offense .
Uncertainty at both tackle spots .
Lack of cornerback depth .
Trouble spots at inside linebacker .

Ten things about the Broncos as the rookies join the veterans for the virtual offseason program this week:
1. The fifth-year option scoreboard for the 2017 first-round class included 17 options exercised (Carolina extended running back Christian McCaffrey ahead of the deadline). The Broncos declined left tackle Garett Bolles’ option, which makes him a free agent next March. The Nos. 2-5 picks all had their options declined.
2. Is declining the option an admission of busting on a first-round pick? At the top of the draft, absolutely. But in other cases, it is merely teams being conservative and being unwilling to guarantee big contracts in case the player is injured this year. Beginning next year, the fifth-year option will be fully guaranteed and that should trigger an even bigger decline rate.
3. The math nearly guarantees Bolles won’t be with the Broncos next year. For the draft classes of 2011-16, only four players out of 119 whose options were declined re-signed with their team. Philadelphia’s Lane Johnson and Houston’s Whitney Mercilus signed extensions before the deadline.
4. What an opportunity for Elijah Wilkinson, who will compete with Bolles to start Week 1. A look back at Wilkinson’s 2019 (845 of 1,025 snaps at right tackle) suggests why the Broncos have created this left tackle derby: In Games 1-8, per my game charting, he struggled, allowing 13 1/2 pass protection “disruptions” (7 1/2 sacks, one knockdown and five pressures) and was booked for 4 1/ 2 “bad” run plays (gain of one or fewer yards not including goal-line/short-yardage). In Games 9-16, he had only seven “disruptions” (two sacks, two knockdowns and three pressures) and one “bad” run.
5. The Broncos went through their virtual rookie camp over the weekend. Missing this year is the chance for the team’s coaches and personnel executives to invite undrafted rookies to the camp on a tryout basis. Invariably, a few of those players would have been signed.
6. At least one undrafted free agent has made the Broncos’ 53-man roster in 15 of the last 16 years, including running back Phillip Lindsay and inside linebacker Alexander Johnson (2018) and outside linebacker Malik Reed (2019). Two names from the recent signings that should be followed are running back LeVante Bellamy of Western Michigan and cornerback Essang Bassey of Wake Forest.
7. Why weren’t Bellamy and Bassey drafted? They’re both listed under 5-foot-10 and it may be the only reason. Bellamy (5 feet, 8 7/8 inches and 192 pounds) also had a workload that may have turned teams off. He had 617 carries and 57 catches in 49 college games; compare that to first-round running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who had 370 carries and 69 catches in 41 games. If the Broncos want to keep Bellamy as a third tailback behind Melvin Gordon and Lindsay, it could put Royce Freeman’s roster spot in jeopardy.
8. Bassey is listed at 5 feet, 9 3/8 inches and 191 pounds. He made 228 tackles in 52 games plus five interceptions and 45 other pass break-ups. He projects best as covering the slot receiver so he could serve as insurance for Bryce Callahan (recovering from foot surgery).
9. An early-and-subject-to-change prediction on the Broncos’ record. I will never pick a team to go 8-8 (that’s a cop-out), but going with seven or nine wins is pretty close. But that’s where this team is at. Wins (seven): vs. Tennessee, at the New York Jets, vs. Miami, at Atlanta, vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, at Carolina and vs. Las Vegas. Losses (nine): at Pittsburgh, vs. Tampa Bay, at New England, vs. Kansas City, at Las Vegas, vs. New Orleans, at Kansas City, vs. Buffalo and at the Los Angeles Chargers.
10. Why 7-9? A ton of youth on offense. Uncertainty at both tackle spots. Lack of cornerback depth. Trouble spots at inside linebacker.


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Colorado’s COVID-19 deaths hit 971 with 397 critical care ventilators in use

Testing has confirmed 19,703 cases of novel coronavirus in Colorado , and 971 deaths , according to the Colorado Department @ @ @ @ @ .
About 104,077 people have been tested for COVID-19 , the highly contagious respiratory disease @ @ @ @ @ , according to the agency , which releases new data daily .
The actual number @ @ @ @ @ state is estimated to be several times higher than the number confirmed by lab testing @ @ @ @ @ ’ s medical facilities have not been overwhelmed by patients .
On Sunday , about @ @ @ @ @ 49 had been discharged or transferred to lower levels of care during the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ in use numbered 397 with 675 ventilators available .
The state is tracking 190 outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ , prisons and other group settings .

Testing has confirmed 19,703 cases of novel coronavirus in Colorado, and 971 deaths, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
About 104,077 people have been tested for COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to the agency, which releases new data daily.
The actual number of COVID-19 cases in the state is estimated to be several times higher than the number confirmed by lab testing.
So far, Colorado’s medical facilities have not been overwhelmed by patients. On Sunday, about 573 people were hospitalized and 49 had been discharged or transferred to lower levels of care during the past 24 hours. Critical care ventilators in use numbered 397 with 675 ventilators available.
The state is tracking 190 outbreaks at nursing homes, factories, prisons and other group settings.


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Justin Gaethje beats Tony Ferguson as UFC 249 ushers in fan-free, mask-filled era of sports

JACKSONVILLE , Fla. — Kicks , punches and grunts echoed through the empty arena .
Coaches , commentators and camera clicks resonated like never before .
Blood , sweat , swollen eyelids and face masks signaled the return of UFC , the first major sporting event to resume since the coronavirus shuttered much of the country for nearly two months .
UFC 249 ushered in a new look for sports , too .
One without fans and amid several safety precautions .
It was definitely different — two fighters adjusted their approaches because of what they heard announcers say — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country that went nearly eight weeks with few live events .
“ We did this for you , to bring sports back , ” fighter Tony Ferguson told fans following his loss in the main event .
Five hours after President Trump congratulated UFC for restarting the sports world , Justin Gaethje stunned heavily favored Ferguson ( 26-4 ) in the finale .
Gaethje , who was an All-American wrestler at Northern Colorado , earned a TKO in the fifth and final round of the headliner that was deemed an interim lightweight title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22-2 ) the right to fight titleholder Khabib Nurmagomedov next .
Nurmagomedov was unable to fight this weekend because of travel restrictions .
Gaethje flipped over the top of the cage and back in following the biggest victory of his career .
He then screamed repeatedly .
“ I want the real one , ” he said as he threw down the interim belt .
“ There ’ s no other fight I want right now.
” The stacked card saw 33-year-old Henry Cejudo , with blood gushing from his forehead and running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ title against Dominick Cruz and then announce his retirement in the middle of the octagon .
“ I really do want to walk away , but money talks , ” said Cejudo , an Olympic gold medalist in 2008 .
“ It gets stagnant .
I want to leave on top.
” The event also included heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou pummeling another opponent , former NFL defensive end Greg Hardy winning for the sixth time in eight fights and former welterweight champion and fan favorite Donald “ Cowboy ” Cerrone losing his fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His taped message was played during ESPN ’ s broadcast of the undercard .
“ I want to congratulate ( UFC President ) Dana White and the UFC , ” Trump said .
“ They ’ re going to have a big match .
We love it .
We think it ’ s important .
Get the sports leagues back .
Let ’ s play .
Do the social distancing and whatever else you have to do .
We need sports .
We want our sports back.
” UFC 249 was originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but was postponed in hopes of helping slow the spread of COVID-19 .
The mixed martial arts behemoth will hold three shows in eight days in Jacksonville , where state officials deemed professional sports with a national audience exempt from a stay-at-home order as long as the location is closed to the public .
The UFC came up with a 25-page document to address health and safety protocols , procedures that led to Jacaré Souza testing positive for COVID-19 on Friday .
His middleweight bout against Uriah Hall was canceled that night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested as positive , the UFC said .
All three men left the host hotel to self-isolate elsewhere , where UFC ’ s medical team will monitor their conditions remotely and provide assistance with necessary treatments .
The positive results surely increased the focus on the event .
Every other sport is watching closely to see how it plays out .
“ The whole word is weird right now .
Everything ’ s weird .
This event ’ s weird , ” White said .
“ It ’ s different .
We live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two months ago .
The bottom line is the system worked .
What you don ’ t want to do is two days after the fight say , ‘ Awe , Jacaré tested positive.
’ So it worked .
The system worked that we put in place .
“ Without sounding like a jackass , we ’ re really good at what we do .
We ’ re very , very good at what we do .
We ’ ll just get better .
The longer this goes , the better the testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the faster it ’ s going to get .
We ’ re going to prove by next Saturday that professional sports can come back safely.
” White didn ’ t want to postpone any fights .
He tried to host the event on tribal land in California and still hopes to create a “ Fight Island ” for future cards .
He settled for Jacksonville for at least a week — without fans and with social-distancing rules in place .
Judges and broadcasters worked from separate tables .
Fighters , trainers , referees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside media had to undergo COVID-19 testing to get inside Veterans Memorial Arena .
Many of those in attendance Saturday wore masks and gloves , although several were seemingly exempt from the mandate .
Referees , ring announcer Bruce Buffer , other officials inside the octagon and the ring girl were unmasked .
Play-by-play commentator Joe Rogan , who initially was supposed to interview winners remotely , ended up doing them inside the octagon .
The cage floor was disinfected between bouts , and the padded parts of the octagon were wiped down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sounds that usually would be muted or completely drowned out filled the desolate arena .
Fighters said it affected their bouts .
Hardy and Carla Esparza said they altered their approach after hearing commentators during early rounds .
“ It ’ s hard to assess without the crowd , ” Anthony Pettis said after beating Cerrone in a wild welterweight fight .
“ When I land stuff , I hear the crowd and know it was a good one .
This time , there was no crowd .
I saw his head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , so it ’ s hard to tell.
” Also on the card : — Cejudo ( 16-2 ) caught Cruz ( 22-3 ) with a right knee to the face that sent him reeling to the canvas .
Cejudo then delivered nearly a dozen unanswered blows before the referee stopped it .
Cruz argued it never should have been called because he was working to get back on his feet .
Cejudo surprisingly ended his career a few minutes later , saying he wants to spend more time with his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jairzinho Rozenstruik in 20 seconds .
Ngannou rushed Rozenstruik and delivered a flurry of blows that left Rozenstruik so woozy he had trouble getting into his slides long after the fight ended .
It was Ngannou ’ s fourth consecutive victory totaling less than 3 minutes in the octagon .
— Calvin Kattar ( 21-4 ) stopped Jeremy Stephens ( 28-18 ) in the second round after consecutive elbow blows , one standing and another on the ground .
— “ Showtime ” Pettis ( 23-10 ) beat Cerrone ( 36-15 ) in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last fought in 2013 .
Pettis won that one as well .
Cerrone has dropped four in a row , including losses to Conor McGregor , Gaethje and Ferguson .
— Aleksei “ The Boa Constrictor ” Oleinik ( 59-13-1 ) beat Fabricio Werdum ( 23-9-1 ) in a heavyweight bout featuring a pair of 42-year-olds .
It was a split decision that included more toe-to-toe blows than ground grappling .
— Carla Esparza ( 16-6 ) edged Michelle “ Karate Hottie ” Waterson ( 17-8 ) in a split decision .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the straw-weight division .
— Vicente Luque ( 18-7-1 ) won for the seventh time in eight fights when he beat Niko Price ( 14-4 ) in a bloodbath .
The fight was ruled a TKO in the third round after Price developed a nasty cut above his right eye .
Luque was ahead on all three cards when it was called .
— Spann ( 18-5 ) extended his winning streak to eight by beating veteran Sam Alvey ( 33-14 ) in a split decision .

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Kicks, punches and grunts echoed through the empty arena. Coaches, commentators and camera clicks resonated like never before. Blood, sweat, swollen eyelids and face masks signaled the return of UFC, the first major sporting event to resume since the coronavirus shuttered much of the country for nearly two months.
UFC 249 ushered in a new look for sports, too. One without fans and amid several safety precautions.
It was definitely different — two fighters adjusted their approaches because of what they heard announcers say — and a welcome reprieve for a sports-craved country that went nearly eight weeks with few live events.
“We did this for you, to bring sports back,” fighter Tony Ferguson told fans following his loss in the main event.
Five hours after President Trump congratulated UFC for restarting the sports world, Justin Gaethje stunned heavily favored Ferguson (26-4) in the finale. Gaethje, who was an All-American wrestler at Northern Colorado, earned a TKO in the fifth and final round of the headliner that was deemed an interim lightweight title bout. It essentially gives Gaethje (22-2) the right to fight titleholder Khabib Nurmagomedov next. Nurmagomedov was unable to fight this weekend because of travel restrictions.
Gaethje flipped over the top of the cage and back in following the biggest victory of his career. He then screamed repeatedly.
“I want the real one,” he said as he threw down the interim belt. “There’s no other fight I want right now.”
The stacked card saw 33-year-old Henry Cejudo, with blood gushing from his forehead and running down his chest, defend his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz and then announce his retirement in the middle of the octagon.
“I really do want to walk away, but money talks,” said Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist in 2008. “It gets stagnant. I want to leave on top.”
The event also included heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou pummeling another opponent, former NFL defensive end Greg Hardy winning for the sixth time in eight fights and former welterweight champion and fan favorite Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone losing his fourth straight.
Trump grabbed the spotlight early. His taped message was played during ESPN’s broadcast of the undercard.
“I want to congratulate (UFC President) Dana White and the UFC,” Trump said. “They’re going to have a big match. We love it. We think it’s important. Get the sports leagues back. Let’s play. Do the social distancing and whatever else you have to do. We need sports. We want our sports back.”
UFC 249 was originally scheduled for April 18 in New York, but was postponed in hopes of helping slow the spread of COVID-19.
The mixed martial arts behemoth will hold three shows in eight days in Jacksonville, where state officials deemed professional sports with a national audience exempt from a stay-at-home order as long as the location is closed to the public.
The UFC came up with a 25-page document to address health and safety protocols, procedures that led to Jacaré Souza testing positive for COVID-19 on Friday. His middleweight bout against Uriah Hall was canceled that night. Souza’s two cornermen also tested as positive, the UFC said.
All three men left the host hotel to self-isolate elsewhere, where UFC’s medical team will monitor their conditions remotely and provide assistance with necessary treatments.
The positive results surely increased the focus on the event. Every other sport is watching closely to see how it plays out.
“The whole word is weird right now. Everything’s weird. This event’s weird,” White said. “It’s different. We live in a different world than we did two months ago. The bottom line is the system worked. What you don’t want to do is two days after the fight say, ‘Awe, Jacaré tested positive.’ So it worked. The system worked that we put in place.
“Without sounding like a jackass, we’re really good at what we do. We’re very, very good at what we do. We’ll just get better. The longer this goes, the better the testing technology’s going to get and the faster it’s going to get. We’re going to prove by next Saturday that professional sports can come back safely.”
White didn’t want to postpone any fights. He tried to host the event on tribal land in California and still hopes to create a “Fight Island” for future cards.
He settled for Jacksonville for at least a week — without fans and with social-distancing rules in place.
Judges and broadcasters worked from separate tables. Fighters, trainers, referees, judges, UFC staff and even outside media had to undergo COVID-19 testing to get inside Veterans Memorial Arena.
Many of those in attendance Saturday wore masks and gloves, although several were seemingly exempt from the mandate. Referees, ring announcer Bruce Buffer, other officials inside the octagon and the ring girl were unmasked. Play-by-play commentator Joe Rogan, who initially was supposed to interview winners remotely, ended up doing them inside the octagon.
The cage floor was disinfected between bouts, and the padded parts of the octagon were wiped down between rounds.
Without fans, though, sounds that usually would be muted or completely drowned out filled the desolate arena. Fighters said it affected their bouts. Hardy and Carla Esparza said they altered their approach after hearing commentators during early rounds.
“It’s hard to assess without the crowd,” Anthony Pettis said after beating Cerrone in a wild welterweight fight. “When I land stuff, I hear the crowd and know it was a good one. This time, there was no crowd. I saw his head pop, but there was nothing behind it, so it’s hard to tell.”
Also on the card:
— Cejudo (16-2) caught Cruz (22-3) with a right knee to the face that sent him reeling to the canvas. Cejudo then delivered nearly a dozen unanswered blows before the referee stopped it. Cruz argued it never should have been called because he was working to get back on his feet. Cejudo surprisingly ended his career a few minutes later, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.
— Ngannou knocked out fellow heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik in 20 seconds. Ngannou rushed Rozenstruik and delivered a flurry of blows that left Rozenstruik so woozy he had trouble getting into his slides long after the fight ended. It was Ngannou’s fourth consecutive victory totaling less than 3 minutes in the octagon.
— Calvin Kattar (21-4) stopped Jeremy Stephens (28-18) in the second round after consecutive elbow blows, one standing and another on the ground.
— Hardy (6-2) celebrated a unanimous decision over Yorgan De Castro (6-1) in a heavyweight bout.
— “Showtime” Pettis (23-10) beat Cerrone (36-15) in an unanimous decision. Pettis and Cerrone last fought in 2013. Pettis won that one as well. Cerrone has dropped four in a row, including losses to Conor McGregor, Gaethje and Ferguson.
— Aleksei “The Boa Constrictor” Oleinik (59-13-1) beat Fabricio Werdum (23-9-1) in a heavyweight bout featuring a pair of 42-year-olds. It was a split decision that included more toe-to-toe blows than ground grappling.
— Carla Esparza (16-6) edged Michelle “Karate Hottie” Waterson (17-8) in a split decision. It was Esparza’s third straight victory in the straw-weight division.
— Vicente Luque (18-7-1) won for the seventh time in eight fights when he beat Niko Price (14-4) in a bloodbath. The fight was ruled a TKO in the third round after Price developed a nasty cut above his right eye. Luque was ahead on all three cards when it was called.
— Featherweight Bryce Mitchell (13-1) defeated fellow grappler Charles Rosa (12-4) in a unanimous decision.
— Spann (18-5) extended his winning streak to eight by beating veteran Sam Alvey (33-14) in a split decision.


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--WATCH: Rockies vs. Reds in MLB The Show 20, May 10, 2020

With the start of the Major League Baseball season postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic , we here at The @ @ @ @ @ at how the Rockies would fare in MLB The Show 20 on PlayStation 4 .
@ @ @ @ @ for every game that had been scheduled until real-life baseball returns .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Rockies ’ preseason preview .
Entering Sunday ’ s game , the Rockies were 26-12 @ @ @ @ @ Reds play the fourth of their four-game series on Sunday .
Colorado leads 2-1 after @ @ @ @ @ .
The live stream will begin at 4 p.m. MT .
Mobile users , if @ @ @ @ @ the video , tap here .

With the start of the Major League Baseball season postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, we here at The Denver Post took a look at how the Rockies would fare in MLB The Show 20 on PlayStation 4. We will have a story for every game that had been scheduled until real-life baseball returns. Here’s a look at the virtual Rockies’ preseason preview. Entering Sunday’s game, the Rockies were 26-12.
Charlie Blackmon hit two home runs and Trevor Story added another as the Rockies pulverized the Reds, 11-6, on Sunday at Coors Field.
Blackmon got Colorado on the board early, hitting his 10th homer of year for an early 1-0 lead in the first inning.
The Reds took a 2-1 lead in the second. But then Blackmon went yard again in the third, driving home Kyle Freeland to regain the lead. Story added a solo shot to make it 4-2.
David Dahl hit a two-run double, driving home Ryan McMahon and Sam Hilliard in the fourth inning. Blackmon drove him in with an RBI single to make it 7-2.
The Rockies roughed up Cincinnati starter Wade Miley for seven runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings.
Mobile users, if you can’t see the video, tap here.
Colorado starter Kyle Freeland improved to 5-3 on the year after giving up four runs on five hits and striking out three.
The Rockies improved to 27-12 and hold a four-game lead over the Dodgers for first place in the National League West. Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-4) takes the mound for Colorado on Monday in the first of a four-game series against the visiting Giants.
Box score
CIN — 020-020-020 — 6-7-1
COL — 103-300-40X — 11-11-0
Cincinnati — 3-0-0-1, Ervin 4-0-1-0, Suarez 3-0-0-0, Moustakas 2-2-1-0, Aquino 4-2-2-1, Galvis 3-0-1-1, Casali 2-1-0-2, Strop 0-0-0-0, VanMeter 4-1-1-0, Miley 1-0-1-0, Sims 0-0-0-0, Votto 1-0-0-1, Stephenson 0-0-0-0, Winker 1-0-0-0, Garrett 0-0-0-0, Iglesias 0-0-0-0, Barnhart 1-0-0-0. Totals — 29-6-7-6.
Colorado — Dahl 5-1-1-2, Blackmon 5-3-4-4, Arenado 4-1-0-0, Story 5-2-2-1, Murphy 3-0-0-1, McMahon 3-1-1-0, Hilliard 3-2-1-0, Wolters 3-0-0-1, Freeland 1-1-1-0, J. Diaz 0-0-0-0, Tapia 1-0-0-0, Davis 0-0-0-0, Almonte 0-0-0-0, Desmond 1-0-1-2, Pazos 0-0-0-0, Shaw 0-0-0-0. Totals — 34-11-11-11.
E — Moustakas. 2B — Aquino 2, Moustakas, Galvis, VanMeter; Dahl, Hilliard. HR — Blackmon 2, Story. WP — Freeland (5-3). LP — Miley (2-3).


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Castle Rock restaurant reopens to Mother’s Day crowds in defiance of statewide public health order

A Castle Rock restaurant drew crowds Sunday when it reopened fully for Mother ’ s Day in defiance of Colorado ’ s public health order that limits restaurants statewide to takeout and delivery services .
Customers packed C & C Coffee and Kitchen on Trail Boss Drive Sunday , filling tables , a patio and forming a line out the door for dine-in service .
Gov .
Jared Polis ’ office on Sunday issued a statement calling such conduct illegal and dangerous .
“ These restaurants are not only breaking the law , they are endangering the lives of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said the statement by deputy press secretary Shelby Wieman .
“ Under Safer at Home , restaurants , food courts , cafes , coffeehouses , and other similar places of public accommodation offering food or beverage for on-premises consumption are still closed .
Delivery and drive-up service is available .
Coloradans can contact their local public health department if they believe someone is violating Safer at Home.
” At C & C , Nick Whitehill said he ordered food for what he thought would be curbside pickup and , when he arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wearing a mask , he went in to pick up his order , which he ’ d paid for .
But then he left , without his food , after realizing that staffers weren ’ t wearing masks that customers weren ’ t practicing social distancing , he said .
Douglas County officials have not required residents to wear masks inside businesses .
Gov .
Polis has recommended use of cloth facial coverings and has ordered “ essential ” employees statewide , including grocery store clerks and restaurant workers , to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and video shared on social media showed crowds inside C & C Coffee and Kitchen on Sunday with few people wearing masks .
Whitehill posted photos of the crowd on the social media site Twitter to warn others not to go to the restaurant and to “ shame ” the eatery , he said .
“ I wasn ’ t even going to eat the food even if I had gotten it , ” he said .
“ I walked in , took the picture and turned right around.
” Whitehill said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Department , which has jurisdiction over Douglas County .
Tri-County officials on Sunday couldn ’ t be reached .
C & C Coffee and Kitchen owner April Arellano did not respond to a request for comment Sunday , but a Twitter account for the restaurant declared it was reopening to stand “ for America , small businesses , the Constitution and against the overreach of our governor in Colorado !
!
” Arellano also wrote on Facebook that she “ would go out of business if I don ’ t do something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I lose the business at least I ’ m fighting.
” “ We are so behind , ” she said in a comment on her post .
“ We have complied for two months .
We can not make it on $ 200/day sales when 2 staff cost me $ 250 not counting , food , cost , utilities and rent.
” Arellano also posted a brief live video on her Facebook page showing the crowd in the restaurant .
“ So much for some of those people saying nobody would show up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Thank you , thank you , thank you so much for the support , guys .
I got to get back to work.
” A spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said no one was available Sunday to discuss the restaurant ’ s reopening and what might be done about it , but said violating the state public health order is a misdemeanor , punishable by a fine of $ 1,000 or up to a year in jail .
Authorities also have said restaurants could have their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado residents are required to follow the statewide public health order that created guidelines for how businesses can reopen as Colorado enters the “ safer-at-home ” phase of the state ’ s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic .
Under that order , restaurants , cafes , bars and coffee shops can not offer dine-in services until at least May 26 , but can fill orders for delivery and takeout as long as they follow social-distancing protocols .
Polis on Friday said he ’ d like to see Colorado ’ s restaurants reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not before Memorial Day .
Tri-County health officials last week shut down the Water ’ s Edge Winery in Centennial because it was allowing customers to sit at tables on the patio and was ignoring social-distancing measures , department officials said last Thursday .
The restaurant reopened Friday for takeout and delivery services after the owner agreed to follow all public health orders .

A Castle Rock restaurant drew crowds Sunday when it reopened fully for Mother’s Day in defiance of Colorado’s public health order that limits restaurants statewide to takeout and delivery services.
Customers packed C&C Coffee and Kitchen on Trail Boss Drive Sunday, filling tables, a patio and forming a line out the door for dine-in service.
Gov. Jared Polis’ office on Sunday issued a statement calling such conduct illegal and dangerous.
“These restaurants are not only breaking the law, they are endangering the lives of their staff, customers, and community,” said the statement by deputy press secretary Shelby Wieman.
“Under Safer at Home, restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, and other similar places of public accommodation offering food or beverage for on-premises consumption are still closed. Delivery and drive-up service is available. Coloradans can contact their local public health department if they believe someone is violating Safer at Home.”
At C&C, Nick Whitehill said he ordered food for what he thought would be curbside pickup and, when he arrived, was surprised to see the crowd.
“It was unbelievable,” Whitehill said.
Wearing a mask, he went in to pick up his order, which he’d paid for. But then he left, without his food, after realizing that staffers weren’t wearing masks that customers weren’t practicing social distancing, he said.
Douglas County officials have not required residents to wear masks inside businesses. Gov. Polis has recommended use of cloth facial coverings and has ordered “essential” employees statewide, including grocery store clerks and restaurant workers, to wear masks while interacting with customers.
Photos and video shared on social media showed crowds inside C&C Coffee and Kitchen on Sunday with few people wearing masks.
Happy Mother’s Day from C& C in Castle Rock, where the owner said this is almost double a normal Mother’s Day. pic.twitter.com/cPSzjmAfAg — Nick Puckett (@nick__puckett) May 10, 2020
Whitehill posted photos of the crowd on the social media site Twitter to warn others not to go to the restaurant and to “shame” the eatery, he said.
“I wasn’t even going to eat the food even if I had gotten it,” he said. “I walked in, took the picture and turned right around.”
Whitehill said he also filed a complaint with the Tri-County Health Department, which has jurisdiction over Douglas County. Tri-County officials on Sunday couldn’t be reached.
C&C Coffee and Kitchen owner April Arellano did not respond to a request for comment Sunday, but a Twitter account for the restaurant declared it was reopening to stand “for America, small businesses, the Constitution and against the overreach of our governor in Colorado!!”
Arellano also wrote on Facebook that she “would go out of business if I don’t do something,” and said that “if I lose the business at least I’m fighting.”
“We are so behind,” she said in a comment on her post. “We have complied for two months. We cannot make it on $200/day sales when 2 staff cost me $250 not counting, food, cost, utilities and rent.”
Arellano also posted a brief live video on her Facebook page showing the crowd in the restaurant.
“So much for some of those people saying nobody would show up,” she said in the video. “Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for the support, guys. I got to get back to work.”
A spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said no one was available Sunday to discuss the restaurant’s reopening and what might be done about it, but said violating the state public health order is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $1,000 or up to a year in jail.
Authorities also have said restaurants could have their licenses revoked for violating the order. Colorado residents are required to follow the statewide public health order that created guidelines for how businesses can reopen as Colorado enters the “safer-at-home” phase of the state’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Under that order, restaurants, cafes, bars and coffee shops cannot offer dine-in services until at least May 26, but can fill orders for delivery and takeout as long as they follow social-distancing protocols. Polis on Friday said he’d like to see Colorado’s restaurants reopen by the end of May, if not before Memorial Day.
Tri-County health officials last week shut down the Water’s Edge Winery in Centennial because it was allowing customers to sit at tables on the patio and was ignoring social-distancing measures, department officials said last Thursday. The restaurant reopened Friday for takeout and delivery services after the owner agreed to follow all public health orders.
Denver Post reporter Bruce Finley contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Gov. Jared Polis to meet with Trump at White House to seek more federal support for Colorado

Gov .
Jared Polis will travel to Washington , D.C. , this week to meet with President Donald Trump as part of the governor ’ s continued efforts to seek federal support for Colorado ’ s pandemic response — including additional testing supplies and personal protective equipment , a spokeswoman said .
Polis is scheduled to meet with Trump on Wednesday , said Shelby Wieman , the governor ’ s deputy press secretary .
“ The governor ’ s first priority is the health and safety of Coloradans , and the federal government is an important partner in Colorado ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Wieman said in a statement Sunday .
“ Gov .
Polis looks forward to a productive conversation.
” Polis ’ s trip to the White House first was reported by Politico , which noted that Trump also is scheduled to meet with North Dakota Gov .
Doug Burgum this week .
Colorado ’ s governor repeatedly has called on the White House for assistance in ramping up the state ’ s COVID-19 response , and has been critical of the lack of testing capacity .
He even accused the Federal Emergency Management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his office had been trying to purchase .
A FEMA regional director later denied that allegation .
Last month , Trump directed 100 ventilators be sent to Colorado at the request of Sen. Cory Gardner .
They have been distributed to hospitals across the state .
Colorado has received multiple shipments of personal protective equipment from the national stockpile as Polis works to secure even more supplies of the masks , gowns and face shields that are so vital to helping keep frontline health care workers safe .
Last week , Polis announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.4 million surgical masks , 116,065 face shields , 195,109 gowns , 1.64 million gloves and 534,474 masks since early April .
Those are large numbers , but with health care workers in this state using about 70,000 masks a day , a shipment of 2 million would be enough for about a month .
“ The stories that we have of purchases that didn ’ t happen — some are outright scams , some are inferior equipment , ” Polis said at a news conference on Wednesday .
“ But we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state.
” As the state moved toward partial re-opening at the end of April , Polis said he hoped to see Colorado ’ s testing capacity increase from around 2,000 to 3,000 people being tested per day to between 5,000 and 10,000 per day through May .
That ’ s been complicated by shortages of testing components nationwide .
“ We ’ re building this car as we ’ re driving , ” Polis said at the time .
State health officials recorded more than 4,700 tests on Friday as Colorado surpassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested for COVID-19 .
But while Friday ’ s testing rate — 82.7 tests per 100,000 people per day — was significantly higher than it had been earlier in the week , it ’ s still below the 152-per-100,000 daily testing rate that health experts say is necessary to safely monitor the coronavirus outbreak .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Gov. Jared Polis will travel to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with President Donald Trump as part of the governor’s continued efforts to seek federal support for Colorado’s pandemic response — including additional testing supplies and personal protective equipment, a spokeswoman said.
Polis is scheduled to meet with Trump on Wednesday, said Shelby Wieman, the governor’s deputy press secretary.
“The governor’s first priority is the health and safety of Coloradans, and the federal government is an important partner in Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wieman said in a statement Sunday. “Gov. Polis looks forward to a productive conversation.”
Polis’s trip to the White House first was reported by Politico, which noted that Trump also is scheduled to meet with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum this week.
Colorado’s governor repeatedly has called on the White House for assistance in ramping up the state’s COVID-19 response, and has been critical of the lack of testing capacity. He even accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency of swooping in and buying ventilators his office had been trying to purchase. A FEMA regional director later denied that allegation.
Last month, Trump directed 100 ventilators be sent to Colorado at the request of Sen. Cory Gardner. They have been distributed to hospitals across the state.
Colorado has received multiple shipments of personal protective equipment from the national stockpile as Polis works to secure even more supplies of the masks, gowns and face shields that are so vital to helping keep frontline health care workers safe.
Last week, Polis announced Colorado had secured shipments of more than 2.4 million surgical masks, 116,065 face shields, 195,109 gowns, 1.64 million gloves and 534,474 masks since early April. Those are large numbers, but with health care workers in this state using about 70,000 masks a day, a shipment of 2 million would be enough for about a month.
“The stories that we have of purchases that didn’t happen — some are outright scams, some are inferior equipment,” Polis said at a news conference on Wednesday. “But we have been successful in navigating these waters as a state.”
As the state moved toward partial re-opening at the end of April, Polis said he hoped to see Colorado’s testing capacity increase from around 2,000 to 3,000 people being tested per day to between 5,000 and 10,000 per day through May. That’s been complicated by shortages of testing components nationwide.
“We’re building this car as we’re driving,” Polis said at the time.
State health officials recorded more than 4,700 tests on Friday as Colorado surpassed a total of 100,000 people having been tested for COVID-19. But while Friday’s testing rate — 82.7 tests per 100,000 people per day — was significantly higher than it had been earlier in the week, it’s still below the 152-per-100,000 daily testing rate that health experts say is necessary to safely monitor the coronavirus outbreak.
Staff writer Alex Burness contributed to this report.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-11--How I got hooked on sports: Coming of age during the greatest decade in Colorado sports

My love for sports began in the 1990s here in Colorado .
How could it not ?
Born and raised here in the Centennial State , my childhood was spent engrossed in newspapers and books , absorbing whatever information I could get my hands on about sports .
The decade was an exciting time — we went from having two OK pro teams to four filled with excitement in a matter of years .
My first love was basketball and the Nuggets .
Watching them rise out of the Paul Westhead era to shocking the world by being the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
1 seed in 1994 was incredible .
Watching Dikembe Mutombo clutch the basketball at the end of Game 5 in Seattle from the family TV in my basement is forever etched in my memory .
The Rockies brought baseball to the Mile High City in 1993 and two years later behind the bats of the Blake Street Bombers , made their first-ever playoff appearance .
The Avs came to Denver in 1995 like a hurricane and finally brought the city a world championship .
And the Broncos , what can I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have experienced the heartache from the previous Super Bowl losses .
But man , were those back-to-back title runs magical .
It was this perfect storm that allowed me to fall in love with the world of sports .
All sports .
And I treasured every minute of it .

My love for sports began in the 1990s here in Colorado. How could it not?
Born and raised here in the Centennial State, my childhood was spent engrossed in newspapers and books, absorbing whatever information I could get my hands on about sports. The decade was an exciting time — we went from having two OK pro teams to four filled with excitement in a matter of years.
My first love was basketball and the Nuggets. Watching them rise out of the Paul Westhead era to shocking the world by being the first No. 8 seed to topple a No. 1 seed in 1994 was incredible. Watching Dikembe Mutombo clutch the basketball at the end of Game 5 in Seattle from the family TV in my basement is forever etched in my memory.
The Rockies brought baseball to the Mile High City in 1993 and two years later behind the bats of the Blake Street Bombers, made their first-ever playoff appearance. The Avs came to Denver in 1995 like a hurricane and finally brought the city a world championship. And the Broncos, what can I say? I was too young to have experienced the heartache from the previous Super Bowl losses. But man, were those back-to-back title runs magical.
It was this perfect storm that allowed me to fall in love with the world of sports. All sports. And I treasured every minute of it.


thedenverpost--2020-05-11--Coloradans recovering from addiction fight isolation during coronavirus pandemic

The 21-year-old tries to stay active and she thrives on social interactions .
But the coronavirus threw a wrench in all of that .
That ’ s enough to cause anxiety for the average person .
For Whiteman and others recovering from addiction , it ’ s even more challenging .
“ No one has a timeline on corona , and it ’ s not the most fun time to be sober , ” Whiteman admits .
Still , she reminds herself as she sits in her room at Mile High Sober Living Colorado , “ each day I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I ’ m using.
” Social distancing measures and stay-at-home requirements during the global pandemic have uprooted people ’ s lives , closed workplaces and canceled events .
As many struggle with the mental health toll the isolation has caused , those recovering from substance abuse have another difficulty : They depend on group activities and volunteer work for their recovery .
So , various groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have had to get creative with virtual meetings , Zoom celebrations and constant check-ins .
Some worry that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sober or make it harder to connect with people who need help .
But others say the virtual landscape has expanded their reach .
For people in early recovery , a sense of community is important , said Mile High Chief Clinical Officer Sarah Zubrin .
“ That ’ s really hard to establish when you can ’ t interact with human beings , ” Zubrin said .
The treatment center normally offers team sports , community outings and group therapy .
But now the focus is on smaller groups and telehealth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ six months , Zubrin said , but now , it could take longer .
She said clients are coming to her saying they ’ ve never thought about using as much as they are now , particularly as many struggle with job loss and isolation .
Every day during quarantine is crisis management , Zubrin said .
“ This is so new and so unknown to everyone , so we ’ re coming into this with an underlying sense of fear , and early recovering people don ’ t do well with managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Fort Collins resident in Narcotics Anonymous , called the meetings her lifeline and said she was grateful to have the virtual option .
The Denver Post isn ’ t publishing the last names of NA and Alcoholics Anonymous members in accordance with their policies .
“ We just have to keep doing the right thing , ” she said .
“ And the right thing is to stay socially distanced and abide by the leadership in our community.
” After Colorado ’ s shifted to a “ safer-at-home ” phase , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two in-person meetings , but they ’ re limited to 10 people with strict social distancing guidelines .
The rest , however , are still offered online .
The virtual meetings have created more opportunities in at least one respect : Those interested can now attend meetings all over the globe , not just in their area .
Northern Colorado NA member Steve attended a 22-year sobriety anniversary for a friend in Maryland through Zoom .
“ It was pretty wild to hear him tell his story , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID thing , and if this would have happened back in 1985 , I don ’ t think new people would be getting our message as much.
” Groups are also holding talent shows and even dance parties virtually .
Amy said the group ’ s biggest concern has been reaching newcomers .
“ We can ’ t connect with somebody who has a couple days clean or somebody who ’ s in the middle of a chemical detox to let them know they ’ re going to be OK , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focusing on making sure people know about their phone lines for help and connecting with doctors and jails to make sure they can connect people to the groups .
Nothing replaces face-to-face meetings , AA member Beth said , but connecting electronically is far better than nothing .
Even though there are sometimes technical difficulties or fears of Zoom bombing , “ I need to know that I ’ m not alone in it.
” “ I ’ m so glad that they ’ re there , ” Beth said of the meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me.
” To find a local chapter or reach someone locally by phone , go to aa.org or na.org .

Maia Whiteman likes to have timelines.
The 21-year-old tries to stay active and she thrives on social interactions.
But the coronavirus threw a wrench in all of that. That’s enough to cause anxiety for the average person. For Whiteman and others recovering from addiction, it’s even more challenging.
“No one has a timeline on corona, and it’s not the most fun time to be sober,” Whiteman admits. Still, she reminds herself as she sits in her room at Mile High Sober Living Colorado, “each day I’m sober is a better day than when I’m using.”
Social distancing measures and stay-at-home requirements during the global pandemic have uprooted people’s lives, closed workplaces and canceled events. As many struggle with the mental health toll the isolation has caused, those recovering from substance abuse have another difficulty: They depend on group activities and volunteer work for their recovery.
So, various groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have had to get creative with virtual meetings, Zoom celebrations and constant check-ins. Some worry that it will extend recovery time for the newly sober or make it harder to connect with people who need help. But others say the virtual landscape has expanded their reach.
For people in early recovery, a sense of community is important, said Mile High Chief Clinical Officer Sarah Zubrin.
“That’s really hard to establish when you can’t interact with human beings,” Zubrin said.
The treatment center normally offers team sports, community outings and group therapy. But now the focus is on smaller groups and telehealth. The typical stay in sober living is six months, Zubrin said, but now, it could take longer.
She said clients are coming to her saying they’ve never thought about using as much as they are now, particularly as many struggle with job loss and isolation. Every day during quarantine is crisis management, Zubrin said.
“This is so new and so unknown to everyone, so we’re coming into this with an underlying sense of fear, and early recovering people don’t do well with managing fear,” she said.
Amy, a Fort Collins resident in Narcotics Anonymous, called the meetings her lifeline and said she was grateful to have the virtual option. The Denver Post isn’t publishing the last names of NA and Alcoholics Anonymous members in accordance with their policies.
“We just have to keep doing the right thing,” she said. “And the right thing is to stay socially distanced and abide by the leadership in our community.”
After Colorado’s shifted to a “safer-at-home” phase, Amy’s chapter began to offer two in-person meetings, but they’re limited to 10 people with strict social distancing guidelines. The rest, however, are still offered online.
The virtual meetings have created more opportunities in at least one respect: Those interested can now attend meetings all over the globe, not just in their area.
Northern Colorado NA member Steve attended a 22-year sobriety anniversary for a friend in Maryland through Zoom.
“It was pretty wild to hear him tell his story,” he said. “We’ve really adapted to this COVID thing, and if this would have happened back in 1985, I don’t think new people would be getting our message as much.”
Groups are also holding talent shows and even dance parties virtually.
Amy said the group’s biggest concern has been reaching newcomers.
“We can’t connect with somebody who has a couple days clean or somebody who’s in the middle of a chemical detox to let them know they’re going to be OK,” she said. So, they’re focusing on making sure people know about their phone lines for help and connecting with doctors and jails to make sure they can connect people to the groups.
Nothing replaces face-to-face meetings, AA member Beth said, but connecting electronically is far better than nothing. Even though there are sometimes technical difficulties or fears of Zoom bombing, “I need to know that I’m not alone in it.”
“I’m so glad that they’re there,” Beth said of the meetings, “because it’s essential for me.”
To find a local chapter or reach someone locally by phone, go to aa.org or na.org.


thedenverpost--2020-05-11--Action to freeze Colorado rent and mortgage payments is off the table, lawmakers say

It does not appear that the people and politicians advocating for a rent and mortgage freeze in Colorado will get their way .
But a group of Democratic state lawmakers say they ’ re intent on introducing a bill to bring relief in other ways to people whose housing status is threatened by unemployment or lost wages due to the recession brought on by the coronavirus .
Gov .
Jared Polis doesn ’ t believe he has the legal authority to amend the terms of private contracts , and it ’ s not clear that he ’ d support such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the power .
Since the Capitol shut down March 14 , Polis and the executive branch alone have been responsible for new , emergency laws in the state , and , on housing and other topics , legislators are looking forward to being able to take action for the first time in two months .
They ’ re slated to resume the 2020 legislative session at the end of May .
Specifically , lawmakers are concerned about housing insecurity once courts reopen , and evictions are allowed to proceed once again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus response sidestepped questions about freezing rent — took his boldest action to date in this area on May 1 , issuing an order that included a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures in May , and a prohibition on landlords and lenders charging late fees .
These are temporary protections .
Like many renters and homeowners , state Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez , D-Denver , is worried about what ’ ll happen when they wear off .
“ It was a great first step for Polis to put out the latest executive order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my concern lies with the aftermath , and the concern around evictions piling up and being filed as soon as those courts are opened.
” That threat is what has led advocates around the state to call for a freeze on rent and mortgages .
Temporary moratoria , they say , won ’ t protect them down the road , and neither will some of the most common relief programs landlords are offering , including payment plans and deferment .
There are many who ’ ve organized in cities around the state on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases have even taken coordinated , hyperlocal rent-strike actions .
It ’ s not just grassroots activists issuing this call ; Denver City Council issued a proclamation calling on Polis to temporarily freeze rent and mortgage payments .
Councilwoman Robin Kniech , who is an attorney , said the proclamation should not convey that the council has concluded the governor is authorized to order a freeze .
“ A proclamation is a conversation starter , ” she said .
“ That ’ s our intent — to say this is the way the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not a policy.
” There are lawmakers who would like to see a freeze .
But it doesn ’ t appear any of them believe the legislature has that authority , and so it is off the table for now , confirmed four different lawmakers , including House Speaker KC Becker , D-Boulder .
Instead , Rep. Steven Woodrow , D-Denver , said , about 10 lawmakers are looking at other solutions .
None of the options they ’ re considering are as broad as a freeze .
The bill they intend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , lawmakers said , it will likely include some longer-term codification of orders Polis has issued .
It appears likely the bill will seek to extend the eviction and foreclosure moratorium , which for now only applies to May , and that they ’ ll do the same for the late-fee ban .
Kniech said she also hopes the lawmakers will support an extension of the “ cure ” period for people who may lose housing due to nonpayment .
This is the time someone who is late on a payment is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and keep their home .
As it stands , landlords can pursue evictions after 10 days of nonpayment and can continue with that pursuit even if the resident comes up with the money on , say , day 11 .

It does not appear that the people and politicians advocating for a rent and mortgage freeze in Colorado will get their way.
But a group of Democratic state lawmakers say they’re intent on introducing a bill to bring relief in other ways to people whose housing status is threatened by unemployment or lost wages due to the recession brought on by the coronavirus.
Gov. Jared Polis doesn’t believe he has the legal authority to amend the terms of private contracts, and it’s not clear that he’d support such a step if he were convinced he had the power.
Since the Capitol shut down March 14, Polis and the executive branch alone have been responsible for new, emergency laws in the state, and, on housing and other topics, legislators are looking forward to being able to take action for the first time in two months. They’re slated to resume the 2020 legislative session at the end of May.
Specifically, lawmakers are concerned about housing insecurity once courts reopen, and evictions are allowed to proceed once again. Polis — who for weeks early in the coronavirus response sidestepped questions about freezing rent — took his boldest action to date in this area on May 1, issuing an order that included a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures in May, and a prohibition on landlords and lenders charging late fees.
These are temporary protections. Like many renters and homeowners, state Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, is worried about what’ll happen when they wear off.
“It was a great first step for Polis to put out the latest executive order,” she said, “but my concern lies with the aftermath, and the concern around evictions piling up and being filed as soon as those courts are opened.”
That threat is what has led advocates around the state to call for a freeze on rent and mortgages. Temporary moratoria, they say, won’t protect them down the road, and neither will some of the most common relief programs landlords are offering, including payment plans and deferment.
There are many who’ve organized in cities around the state on this issue, and who in some cases have even taken coordinated, hyperlocal rent-strike actions. It’s not just grassroots activists issuing this call; Denver City Council issued a proclamation calling on Polis to temporarily freeze rent and mortgage payments.
Councilwoman Robin Kniech, who is an attorney, said the proclamation should not convey that the council has concluded the governor is authorized to order a freeze.
“A proclamation is a conversation starter,” she said. “That’s our intent — to say this is the way the world should work. … It’s not a policy.”
There are lawmakers who would like to see a freeze. But it doesn’t appear any of them believe the legislature has that authority, and so it is off the table for now, confirmed four different lawmakers, including House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder.
Instead, Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, said, about 10 lawmakers are looking at other solutions. None of the options they’re considering are as broad as a freeze.
The bill they intend to bring is in drafting now, and, lawmakers said, it will likely include some longer-term codification of orders Polis has issued. It appears likely the bill will seek to extend the eviction and foreclosure moratorium, which for now only applies to May, and that they’ll do the same for the late-fee ban.
Kniech said she also hopes the lawmakers will support an extension of the “cure” period for people who may lose housing due to nonpayment. This is the time someone who is late on a payment is given to come up with the money and keep their home. As it stands, landlords can pursue evictions after 10 days of nonpayment and can continue with that pursuit even if the resident comes up with the money on, say, day 11.


thedenverpost--2020-05-11--Colorado water roller coaster leads to drought, fire risk and weaker-than-average streamflow

One of Colorado ’ s driest Aprils on record has led to diminished mountain streamflow and snow at 76 % of the norm for this time of year as warmer temperatures accelerate melting .
The paltry snowpack and lack of rain over the past month resulted in lagging flows in all the major river basins , more than a month before summer , the latest federal surveys show .
River basins in southern Colorado received less than half of average precipitation , with the Rio Grande River Basin registering 16 % of the norm between 1981 and 2010 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservation Service data .
Most survey sites in the San Juan Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Mountains recorded the lowest or second-lowest April precipitation on record , the data show .
Northern Colorado river basins received more water but measured well below the norm at 77 % to 84 % .
Federal monitoring now shows more than half of Colorado facing drought , extreme on the southeast plains and in the upper Rio Grande Basin .
“ Dry soils underlying the snowpack can absorb much of the snowmelt in the spring , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of water that actually makes it to a stream channel to contribute to runoff , ” federal hydrologist Karl Wetlaufer said .
“ Because of this effect , it is anticipated that streamflows will be less than are commonly observed in other years with a similar snowpack peak — particularly in the southern half of the state , ” Wetlaufer said .
It ’ s been a roller-coaster year , in line with a climate-driven trend toward increased variability .
As recently as April 20 , federal data showed snowpack statewide measuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , while snowpack along headwaters of the South Platte River that feeds northeastern Colorado remained about normal , the snow measured 87 % along headwaters of the closely-watched Colorado River — a crucial source for 40 million people across seven western states .
And in Colorado ’ s central and southern mountains , snow in the Arkansas River Basin measured 69 % of the norm and 33 % along headwaters of the Rio Grande River .
Gunnison River Basin snow has decreased to 57 % , and snow along the San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juan rivers decreased to 48 % of the norm for this time of year .
Snow in Colorado ’ s high mountains serves as a natural reservoir , holding water until spring , when rising temperatures melt the snow .
This sends water into streams , then rivers — and manmade reservoirs .
Federal data showed reservoirs around the state mostly full .
Their purpose has been to help people endure dry times .
Agriculture in Colorado uses about 85 % of water supplies .
This dry spring also has created conditions favoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ red flag ” alerts last week as high wind combined with dryness to raise risks .
Camp fires and other open fires were prohibited in several counties over the weekend .
April and May historically have ranked among relatively wet months with ample rain and snow .

One of Colorado’s driest Aprils on record has led to diminished mountain streamflow and snow at 76% of the norm for this time of year as warmer temperatures accelerate melting.
The paltry snowpack and lack of rain over the past month resulted in lagging flows in all the major river basins, more than a month before summer, the latest federal surveys show.
River basins in southern Colorado received less than half of average precipitation, with the Rio Grande River Basin registering 16% of the norm between 1981 and 2010, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service data.
Most survey sites in the San Juan Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Mountains recorded the lowest or second-lowest April precipitation on record, the data show.
Northern Colorado river basins received more water but measured well below the norm at 77% to 84%.
Federal monitoring now shows more than half of Colorado facing drought, extreme on the southeast plains and in the upper Rio Grande Basin.
“Dry soils underlying the snowpack can absorb much of the snowmelt in the spring, which has the potential to substantially decrease the amount of water that actually makes it to a stream channel to contribute to runoff,” federal hydrologist Karl Wetlaufer said.
“Because of this effect, it is anticipated that streamflows will be less than are commonly observed in other years with a similar snowpack peak — particularly in the southern half of the state,” Wetlaufer said.
It’s been a roller-coaster year, in line with a climate-driven trend toward increased variability. As recently as April 20, federal data showed snowpack statewide measuring 104% of the norm.
But on Friday, while snowpack along headwaters of the South Platte River that feeds northeastern Colorado remained about normal, the snow measured 87% along headwaters of the closely-watched Colorado River — a crucial source for 40 million people across seven western states.
And in Colorado’s central and southern mountains, snow in the Arkansas River Basin measured 69% of the norm and 33% along headwaters of the Rio Grande River. Gunnison River Basin snow has decreased to 57%, and snow along the San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan rivers decreased to 48% of the norm for this time of year.
Snow in Colorado’s high mountains serves as a natural reservoir, holding water until spring, when rising temperatures melt the snow. This sends water into streams, then rivers — and manmade reservoirs.
Federal data showed reservoirs around the state mostly full. Their purpose has been to help people endure dry times. Agriculture in Colorado uses about 85% of water supplies.
This dry spring also has created conditions favoring fire. National Weather Service meteorologists issued “red flag” alerts last week as high wind combined with dryness to raise risks. Camp fires and other open fires were prohibited in several counties over the weekend. April and May historically have ranked among relatively wet months with ample rain and snow.