thedenverpost--2020-09-25--Rockies beat Giants in extra innings on Raimel Tapia sac fly, great play by Trevor Story

The Rockies did everything right when they had to .
The result was a satisfying 5-4 , 11-inning victory over San Francisco on Thursday afternoon at Oracle Park .
The game-winner came off the bat of Raimel Tapia , whose sacrifice fly to deep left scored Garrett Hampson .
Reliever Jairo Diaz , whose struggled so often this season , induced a groundball double play in the bottom of the 11th to clinch the win .
The game-saver came from shortstop Trevor Story , who pulled off one of the Rockies ’ best plays of the season in the 10th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intentional walks , the Rockies deployed a pulled-in , five-man infield .
Evan Longoria rocketed a shot toward Story , who somehow snared the ball and threw home from his knees for the force out .
The inning ended when Daniel Bard got Mauricio Dubón to pop out to first .
Bard pitched 2 2/3 clutch innings .
The Rockies took a 4-3 lead in the seventh , stringing hits together in a manner that ’ s been missing much of the season .
The two-run rally began with a one-out single by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double to left by Story .
Pillar scored from third on Charlie Blackmon ’ s groundout to short and Story scored on Josh Fuentes ’ two-out single .
The lead evaporated on Mychal Givens ’ third pitch in the bottom of the frame , a 1-1 changeup that Brandon Belt muscled into the left-field seats .
Colorado received a solid outing from right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez , who was making his last start of the season .
Based on the first two innings , it appeared that Gonzalez ’ s day on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Giants tagged him for two runs on three hits in the first , with an RBI single by Wilmer Flores and a run-scoring double by Brandon Crawford .
San Francisco added another run in the second to go ahead 3-0 , loading the bases with no outs on three consecutive singles .
Although Joey Bart scored on a wild pitch , Gonzalez was able to limit the damage .
He mostly cruised from there and ended up pitching 5 1/3 innings , allowing three runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done so often this season , Colorado squandered chances to score against San Francisco right-hander Kevin Gausman , who gave up nine hits but only two runs .
The Rockies put two runners on in both the first and the third innings but came away empty .
Gausman , who fanned nine over his six innings , struck out Fuentes to end the first and then fanned Story and Blackmon , back-to-back , to end the third .
The Rockies finally broke through with a two-run fourth inning , banging out four hits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left-field wall by Ryan McMahon and a two-out single to left by Tapia .

When they put together the highlight reel of the Rockies’ 2020 season, shortstop Trevor Story will play a starring role.
And his play that saved a satisfying 5-4, 11-inning victory over San Francisco Thursday afternoon just might get top billing.
It went down like this:
The Giants had the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of 10th at Oracle Park as the shadows deepened. All the Giants needed was a hit, or just a sacrifice play, to win the game. With his team against the ropes, manager Bud Black set up a drawn-in, five-man infield.
Giants third baseman Evan Longoria ripped a 104 mph shot at Story, who somehow snared the ball and threw from his knees to catcher Tony Wolters to force out Alex Dickerson at the plate.
The Rockies went on to win the game in the 11th on Raimel Tapia’s go-ahead sacrifice fly.
“It was a tough play but it was very instinctual,” Story said. “You really don’t have time to think about it, you just have to set yourself up before the play. I know Longoria hits the ball really hard and he hits it at me — a lot. So I was kind of ready for that.
“I wanted to stay low and kind of make a play with my hands. And he kind of spun me around because he hit it so hard. I just tried to get up and make a play at home.”
Story’s gem came after hours after another highlight he pulled off Wednesday night. The shortstop went deep into the hole to backhand Austin Slater’s grounder and then made a leaping, long-distance throw across his body.
Closer Daniel Bard, who pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings Thursday to keep the Rockies in the game, marveled at Story’s athleticism.
“Off the bat, I thought the game was over,” Bard said. “I didn’t hit my spot and Longoria but a good swing on it. I don’t know where Trevor came from and I don’t know why he was where he was. But when you give him a chance to make a great play, he makes it.”
The Rockies (25-31), in need of a miracle to make the postseason, gained a split in the four-game series with the Giants, who fell back to .500 at 28-28. If the Giants fail to qualify, Story’s play just might have robbed them of their chance.
“I can’t imagine how hard it is to make that type of a play,” said manager Bud Black, who noted that third-base coach Stu Cole practices the five-man infield in spring training.
In addition to Story’s heroics, the Rockies, for a change, did nearly everything right when they had to. Reliever Jairo Diaz, who’s struggled so often this season, induced a groundball double play in the bottom of the 11th to clinch the win.
The Rockies took a 4-3 lead in the seventh, stringing hits together in a manner that’s been missing much of the season. The two-run rally began with a one-out single by Kevin Pillar, followed by a ground-rule double to left by Story. Pillar scored from third on Charlie Blackmon’s groundout to short and Story scored on Josh Fuentes’ two-out single.
The lead evaporated on Mychal Givens’ third pitch in the bottom of the frame, a 1-1 changeup that Brandon Belt muscled into the left-field seats.
Colorado received a solid outing from right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez, who was making his last start of the season.
“This was my last start, so I wanted to make it a special one and I’m glad we came out on top,” Gonzalez said. “We kind of grinded out that win.”
Based on the first two innings, it appeared that Gonzalez’s day on the hill would be a short one. The Giants tagged him for two runs on three hits in the first, with an RBI single by Wilmer Flores and a run-scoring double by Brandon Crawford.
San Francisco added another run in the second to go ahead 3-0, loading the bases with no outs on three consecutive singles. Although Joey Bart scored on a wild pitch, Gonzalez was able to limit the damage.
“I got a little out of my zone, just being frustrated with the umpire, who missed a couple of calls,” he said. “But that’s part of the game. I was happy that the only damage was two runs in the first.”
He mostly cruised from there and ended up pitching 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and only two walks.


thedenverpost--2020-09-25--Suspect arrested in drive-by shooting in Denver outside liquor store

A 22-year-old man has been arrested as a suspect in a drive-by shooting in West Denver .
Samuel David Anthony is being held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder , police said .
The incident happened at about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday outside Villa Park Liquors , 3455 W. 10th Ave. , according to an arrest warrant affidavit .
Two men had gone to the store after work when they encountered two other men who were there .
A confrontation in the parking lot erupted and one man used mace on another .
Then , one man who had arrived in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the other pair , including the man who had sprayed the mace .
A shot was not fired , however , and both men got into the BMW and drove off , the affidavit said .
The driver of the BMW , with Virginia plates , circled the block and as the car returned shots were fired from the vehicle , hitting one victim in the wrist .
The victim was taken to Denver Health Medical Center and treated for the wound .
Investigators used surveillance video and photos of the suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the affidavit said .

A 22-year-old man has been arrested as a suspect in a drive-by shooting in West Denver.
Samuel David Anthony is being held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder, police said.
The incident happened at about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday outside Villa Park Liquors, 3455 W. 10th Ave., according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
Two men had gone to the store after work when they encountered two other men who were there. A confrontation in the parking lot erupted and one man used mace on another.
Then, one man who had arrived in a black four-door BMW pointed a gun at the other pair, including the man who had sprayed the mace. A shot was not fired, however, and both men got into the BMW and drove off, the affidavit said.
The driver of the BMW, with Virginia plates, circled the block and as the car returned shots were fired from the vehicle, hitting one victim in the wrist. The victim was taken to Denver Health Medical Center and treated for the wound.
Investigators used surveillance video and photos of the suspect to connect him to the crime, the affidavit said.


thedenverpost--2020-09-25--Denver weather records continue to melt as heat rises above 90 degrees again

Unseasonably warm weather continues to linger in northeastern Colorado and Denver broke yet another daily high temperature on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ for the year .
Denver had already set a record for most days of 90 @ @ @ @ @ calendar year — at 74 — and Thursday ’ s recording pushed the record to @ @ @ @ @ Denver reached 91 degrees at 2:20 p.m. , according to the National Weather Service .
@ @ @ @ @ 24 was 89 degrees set in 1992 .
The normal high temperature for the date @ @ @ @ @ weather service forecast calls for sunny skies in Denver on Friday and Saturday , with @ @ @ @ @ degrees each day .

Unseasonably warm weather continues to linger in northeastern Colorado and Denver broke yet another daily high temperature on Thursday, adding to the record list for the year.
Denver had already set a record for most days of 90 degrees or higher in a calendar year — at 74 — and Thursday’s recording pushed the record to 75.
The temperature in Denver reached 91 degrees at 2:20 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The previous record for Sept. 24 was 89 degrees set in 1992. The normal high temperature for the date is 75 degrees.
The weather service forecast calls for sunny skies in Denver on Friday and Saturday, with a forecast high of 91 degrees each day.


thedenverpost--2020-09-24--Evel Knievel’s son suing Disney over “Toy Story 4” character

LAS VEGAS — Evel Knievel ’ s son is on a collision course with the Walt Disney Co. and Pixar over a movie daredevil character named Duke Caboom .
A federal trademark infringement lawsuit filed in Las Vegas accuses the movie company of improperly basing the new character in last year ’ s “ Toy Story 4 ” on Knievel , whose famous stunts included motorcycle jumps over the Caesars Palace fountain in Las Vegas and a row of buses at Wembley Stadium in London , and a rocket shot into Snake River Canyon in Idaho .
Las Vegas-based K @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intentionally modeling the Caboom character , voiced by Keanau Reeves in the movie , after Knievel — although Knievel ’ s name is never mentioned .
Son Kelly Knievel , head of K and K , has had publicity rights to Evel Knievel ’ s name since 1998 , according to the Tuesday court filing in U.S. District Court .
He said Thursday the moviemakers never sought permission to use his father ’ s likeness .
The Walt Disney Co. , in a statement from corporate spokesman Jeffrey R. Epstein , said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called Knievel ’ s meritless claims .
Knievel is seeking unspecified damages totaling more than $ 300,000 on allegations that also include false endorsement and unjust enrichment .
The Caboom character is described by Disney Pixar as a 1970s motorcycle-riding toy based on “ Canada ’ s greatest stuntman , ” according to the lawsuit .
Photos in the court filing put Caboom side-by-side with Knievel , who became an American icon after his near-fatal 1967 Caesars Palace crash .
An Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle toy released in 1973 featured a Knievel action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumpsuit with red , white and blue embellishments on a motorcycle that could be propelled with a wind-up device .
In vivid descriptions of the movie , the lawsuit notes the Caboom character is a 1970s-era daredevil clad in a white jumpsuit and helmet with Canadian insignia and a “ Duke Caboom Stunt Cycle.
” A propelled toy was marketed in conjunction with the movie , Knievel ’ s attorneys note , and the Caboom character became part of a McDonald ’ s fast-food “ Happy Meal ” promotion .
Consumers and film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection , ” the lawsuit observed , while the movie company and Reeves avoided making any public association , connection or comparison “ even if directly asked.
” “ Evel Knievel did not thrill millions around the world , break his bones and spill his blood just so Disney could make a bunch of money , ” Kelly Knievel said in a statement announcing the lawsuit .
Knievel was seriously injured many times during more than 75 motorcycle jumps .
He died in 2007 at 69 in Florida of lung disease , not @ @ @ @

LAS VEGAS — Evel Knievel’s son is on a collision course with the Walt Disney Co. and Pixar over a movie daredevil character named Duke Caboom.
A federal trademark infringement lawsuit filed in Las Vegas accuses the movie company of improperly basing the new character in last year’s “Toy Story 4” on Knievel, whose famous stunts included motorcycle jumps over the Caesars Palace fountain in Las Vegas and a row of buses at Wembley Stadium in London, and a rocket shot into Snake River Canyon in Idaho.
Las Vegas-based K and K Promotions accuses Disney-owned Pixar of intentionally modeling the Caboom character, voiced by Keanau Reeves in the movie, after Knievel — although Knievel’s name is never mentioned.
Son Kelly Knievel, head of K and K, has had publicity rights to Evel Knievel’s name since 1998, according to the Tuesday court filing in U.S. District Court. He said Thursday the moviemakers never sought permission to use his father’s likeness.
The Walt Disney Co. , in a statement from corporate spokesman Jeffrey R. Epstein, said it will defend itself vigorously against what it called Knievel’s meritless claims.
Knievel is seeking unspecified damages totaling more than $300,000 on allegations that also include false endorsement and unjust enrichment.
The Caboom character is described by Disney Pixar as a 1970s motorcycle-riding toy based on “Canada’s greatest stuntman,” according to the lawsuit.
Photos in the court filing put Caboom side-by-side with Knievel, who became an American icon after his near-fatal 1967 Caesars Palace crash.
An Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle toy released in 1973 featured a Knievel action figure clad in a white helmet and jumpsuit with red, white and blue embellishments on a motorcycle that could be propelled with a wind-up device.
In vivid descriptions of the movie, the lawsuit notes the Caboom character is a 1970s-era daredevil clad in a white jumpsuit and helmet with Canadian insignia and a “Duke Caboom Stunt Cycle.”
A propelled toy was marketed in conjunction with the movie, Knievel’s attorneys note, and the Caboom character became part of a McDonald’s fast-food “Happy Meal” promotion.
Consumers and film reviewers “universally caught on to the connection,” the lawsuit observed, while the movie company and Reeves avoided making any public association, connection or comparison “even if directly asked.”
“Evel Knievel did not thrill millions around the world, break his bones and spill his blood just so Disney could make a bunch of money,” Kelly Knievel said in a statement announcing the lawsuit.
Knievel was seriously injured many times during more than 75 motorcycle jumps. He died in 2007 at 69 in Florida of lung disease, not in a crash.


thedenverpost--2020-09-24--CU Buffs, Pac-12 will play football season in the fall, school and conference announce

The big news : The CU Buffs ’ football season is back in the fall .
The big question : Where the heck are they going to practice ?
And when ?
The Pac-12 on Thursday , as expected , voted to resume athletics activities in the fall , the league and CU announced , clearing a path for the Buffs to start their 2020 football season on the weekend of Nov. 6-7 .
Coronavirus has continued to plague CU ’ s Boulder campus .
Earlier Thursday , Boulder County issued an order halting all gatherings for Boulder residents between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a surge in COVID-19 cases among the student population since the start of the fall semester .
A CU Buffs athletics spokesman said that order means no practices for any sport , including football , for at least two weeks .
On Wednesday , CU ’ s campus went entirely to remote learning .
There was also a caveat in the conference ’ s announcement that indicated teams will not be able to resume its seasons without approval from state and local health authorities .
“ We ’ ll continue to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with public health orders and be a part of the community precautions , ” Buffs athletic director Rick George said .
“ One thing I ’ ve learned in this pandemic ( is ) , don ’ t get too high and don ’ t get too low.
” If granted approvals from local authorities , CU will play a seven-game , conference-only schedule , the league said Thursday , and will do so without fans in attendance at Folsom Field .
Pac-12 CEOs voted to complete the regular season with a title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will play all five teams in its division , and cross over for one game with the opposite division .
At the end of the season , teams will play an additional game the weekend of the title game .
Any game not played because of COVID 19 will be deemed a “ no contest , ” the conference said .
Teams must complete at least 50 % of its scheduled games to be eligible for the conference championship game .
A formalized schedule will be released in the coming days .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ We can only control what ’ s in front of us , ” new CU football coach Karl Dorrell said .
Additionally , the Buffs ’ men ’ s and women ’ s basketball teams can begin play on Nov. 25 , which matches the NCAA ’ s prescribed start date .
Teams will schedule between 25 and 27 games , including a number of nonconference games .
The decision to pull back sports reverses the CEOs ’ vote on Aug. 4 to delay all sports competitions until at least Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a similar reversal made by the Big Ten , which announced on Sept.16 that it was recanting its August decision to postpone the football season and would play an eight-game , conference-only slate beginning the weekend of Oct. 24 .
The vote , which was unanimous , aligns the Pac-12 with its other Power 5 peers in terms of trying to complete a regular season and play a league championship game before the College Football Playoff selection committee ’ s final vote Dec. 20 .
The Big 12 and ACC began playing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is slated to begin its season Saturday .
The Pac-12 ’ s 180-degree turn also stemmed from a league announcement Sept. 3 that it would be able to test all student-athletes for COVID-19 on a daily basis by the end of this month .
League officials had said in August that testing frequency had been among their chief concerns and why the league had originally voted to postpone the football season .
The Buffs ’ 2020 schedule has been a moving target since the summer months .
In early July , the Pac-12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a move that canceled regional and provincial matchups such as the Rocky Mountain Showdown with CSU .
A month later , the conference scrapped all fall sports , including football , over concerns over the spread and health impacts of COVID-19 .
The Buffs have been allowed 12 hours a week to conduct football activities , but have yet to hold a full-contact practice under Dorrell ’ s watch .

The big news: The CU Buffs’ football season is back in the fall.
The big question: Where the heck are they going to practice? And when?
The Pac-12 on Thursday, as expected, voted to resume athletics activities in the fall, the league and CU announced, clearing a path for the Buffs to start their 2020 football season on the weekend of Nov. 6-7.
Potentially.
Coronavirus has continued to plague CU’s Boulder campus. Earlier Thursday, Boulder County issued an order halting all gatherings for Boulder residents between the ages of 18 to 22 because of a surge in COVID-19 cases among the student population since the start of the fall semester.
A CU Buffs athletics spokesman said that order means no practices for any sport, including football, for at least two weeks. On Wednesday, CU’s campus went entirely to remote learning.
There was also a caveat in the conference’s announcement that indicated teams will not be able to resume its seasons without approval from state and local health authorities.
“We’ll continue to work with our public health officials to comply with public health orders and be a part of the community precautions,” Buffs athletic director Rick George said. “One thing I’ve learned in this pandemic (is), don’t get too high and don’t get too low.”
If granted approvals from local authorities, CU will play a seven-game, conference-only schedule, the league said Thursday, and will do so without fans in attendance at Folsom Field. Pac-12 CEOs voted to complete the regular season with a title game on Dec. 18.
Each team will play all five teams in its division, and cross over for one game with the opposite division. At the end of the season, teams will play an additional game the weekend of the title game.
Any game not played because of COVID 19 will be deemed a “no contest,” the conference said. Teams must complete at least 50% of its scheduled games to be eligible for the conference championship game.
A formalized schedule will be released in the coming days.
“What I preach to our team is, ‘We can only control what’s in front of us,” new CU football coach Karl Dorrell said.
Additionally, the Buffs’ men’s and women’s basketball teams can begin play on Nov. 25, which matches the NCAA’s prescribed start date. Teams will schedule between 25 and 27 games, including a number of nonconference games.
The decision to pull back sports reverses the CEOs’ vote on Aug. 4 to delay all sports competitions until at least Jan. 1, 2021. It also mirrors a similar reversal made by the Big Ten, which announced on Sept.16 that it was recanting its August decision to postpone the football season and would play an eight-game, conference-only slate beginning the weekend of Oct. 24.
The vote, which was unanimous, aligns the Pac-12 with its other Power 5 peers in terms of trying to complete a regular season and play a league championship game before the College Football Playoff selection committee’s final vote Dec. 20.
The Big 12 and ACC began playing the second weekend of September; the SEC is slated to begin its season Saturday.
The Pac-12’s 180-degree turn also stemmed from a league announcement Sept. 3 that it would be able to test all student-athletes for COVID-19 on a daily basis by the end of this month.
League officials had said in August that testing frequency had been among their chief concerns and why the league had originally voted to postpone the football season.
The Buffs’ 2020 schedule has been a moving target since the summer months.
In early July, the Pac-12 voted for a 10-game, conference-only slate, a move that canceled regional and provincial matchups such as the Rocky Mountain Showdown with CSU. A month later, the conference scrapped all fall sports, including football, over concerns over the spread and health impacts of COVID-19.
The Buffs have been allowed 12 hours a week to conduct football activities, but have yet to hold a full-contact practice under Dorrell’s watch.


thedenverpost--2020-09-24--Nuggets vs. Lakers live blog: Real-time updates from Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals

Live updates , tweets , photos , analysis and more from the Nuggets game against the Los Angeles Lakers in @ @ @ @ @ , on Sept. 24 , 2020 .
Mobile users , if you can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ tap here .

Live updates, tweets, photos, analysis and more from the Nuggets game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Sept. 24, 2020.
Mobile users, if you can’t see the live blog, tap here.


thedenverpost--2020-09-24--The Spot: A losing candidate re-enters the fray, and the costs of not wearing a mask

What ’ s The Spot ?
You ’ re reading an installment of our weekly politics newsletter .
Sign up here to get it delivered straight in your inbox .
Last night , protesters gathered in downtown Denver over the fact that no officers are being directly charged in the killing of Breonna Taylor .
Similar demonstrations took place in many other cities .
Just as the world ’ s eyes are currently on Taylor ’ s hometown of Louisville , Kentucky , so , too , will they soon ( or soon-ish ) turn to Colorado : three separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and federal levels — into the Elijah McClain case are underway now .
We don ’ t know when they ’ ll be finished , or what they ’ ll say , but there are millions of people who feel very personally invested in the outcome .
One of those investigations is being conducted by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser .
After months of protests that thrust McClain ’ s name and story into the national spotlight , Gov .
Jared Polis tapped Weiser in June to head up an independent investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a violent , late-night arrest on the side of a quiet road in Aurora a little over a year ago , and for which no officers have been charged .
That move by Polis was very clearly a direct result of protests that exponentially increased public visibility into and outrage over McClain ’ s death .
What is also very clear is that if the various ongoing probes don ’ t lead to charges being filed , these officials will face enormous pushback .
I ’ m interested in the timing of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible that whichever one delivers results first could blunt the impact of whatever comes of the following two .
In any event , Weiser ’ s report will be closely watched , and I ’ m particularly interested in it because he is the only elected official personally responsible for investigating this case .
Given the enormous global interest in the case , it strikes me that that this very well may be the — or , at least , a — defining moment of Weiser ’ s first term in office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Separately , and speaking of Weiser , he clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the 1990s , and I spoke with him about her on Friday night , as news of her death had just broken .
You can read what he said here .
We wrote plenty this week on RBG ’ s death and the political consequences of it .
Scroll down for links if you missed that coverage .
Also , Justin Wingerter has an update out of CD3 ; Saja Hindi writes on immigrant voters and a ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swanson writes about mask-wearing as Colorado braces for a possible third wave of increased coronavirus cases .
To support the important journalism we do , you can become a Denver Post subscriber here .
Have a question about the upcoming election ?
Submit it here and it ’ ll go straight to The Denver Post politics team .
Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner on Thursday stressed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power after President Donald Trump declined Wednesday to commit to a peaceful transfer to Democrat Joe Biden if he loses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Day , immigrant rights groups have been making a big push to get more of their supporters involved and registered to vote .
For many Colorado groups , it ’ s not just about federal policies that could affect them but also about state ballot measures that they ’ re working to defeat .
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition , or CIRC , is hosting remote events , focusing on issues that affect immigrants such as DACA and Immigration and Customs Enforcement treatment of detainees .
They ’ re releasing endorsements of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re trying to engage immigrants and other voters of color .
The group ’ s goal is to make contact with 1 million voters across the state before the election , an organizer told me .
Various other groups are also working to ensure their voices are heard in this big election year despite the challenges of the pandemic .
On Wednesday , activists launched a campaign — virtually , of course — to oppose Amendment 76 , which asks voters to approve a measure saying only citizens can vote in elections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Proponents of the measure say the amendment will make sure the state can ’ t change its policies to allow noncitizens to vote , but opponents say measures like this one cause fear among immigrants and further racism and xenophobia .
Immigrant rights groups are also engaging on issues beyond those on the ballot .
On Tuesday , they protested Denver newcomer Palantir Technologies — a company that has a history with ICE .
• A state board is considering changes to names of some Colorado mountains and bodies of water because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S .
Postal Service settled their lawsuit over voting mailers .
• 23,600 state workers will be furloughed because of COVID-related budget problems .
After James Iacino lost a Democratic primary in the 3rd Congressional District on June 30 , the former Seattle Fish Co. CEO took a step back to assess how he could make a difference in politics .
Then he turned his campaign committee into a political action committee .
Cry Freedom PAC — named after a Dave Matthews song about anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko — will focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back against the increasingly dangerous rhetoric being espoused by elected officials and candidates , ” Iacino wrote in an email to supporters Monday .
He provided more details in a phone interview this week .
“ This election cycle , we ’ re working in ( the 3rd District ) , at the county level in Garfield County , and at the state level we ’ re looking to do some work on the initiatives that are coming up .
But I do see this carrying on into the 2022 statewide elections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular has important races all up and down the ballot , from county commissioners to state Senate to Diane ’ s race and Hickenlooper ’ s , ” he added , referring to Diane Mitsch Bush , who defeated him in the 3rd District primary , and U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper .
Expect to see direct donations to candidates in some cases , but also digital and mail ads .
Rural issues and rural voters — especially farmers and ranchers — will be priorities , he said .
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has booked $ 631,000 in fall TV ads for the 3rd District .
It ’ s the first time the DCCC has gone on air in the district since 2012 , according to a DCCC spokesperson .
• Sen. Cory Gardner will almost certainly vote to confirm a Supreme Court justice this year , he announced Monday .
A few days before , he was noncommittal on it .
• Last year , Hickenlooper said he would consider expanding the Supreme Court if “ basic civil rights ” were at risk .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss it .
• The postmaster general disagreed with President Trump on mail voting on a call with Colorado ’ s Jena Griswold .
Listen to the audio here .
• Gardner released an ad Wednesday that references Hickenlooper ’ s well-known 2010 shower ad .
Hickenlooper released an ad about the Supreme Court and other topics .
• Cook Political Report changed its rating for the Gardner-Hickenlooper race from a tossup to leaning Democratic .
• A music festival , “ Hick-a-Palooza , ” will raise money for Hickenlooper , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sake of your gym It seems elected officials are running out of new ways to say it , so let ’ s try this as bluntly as possible : Wear a face mask .
Not just over your mouth .
Cover your nose , too .
And try to remain at least six feet away from others while you ’ re out and about .
If you don ’ t believe the scientists , believe that you could get your favorite business in trouble for failure to comply .
No fewer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July for either staff or customers failing to follow pandemic-related rules , according to a list from city officials .
The businesses range from restaurants and bars to liquor stores , hotels and fitness clubs .
Some were shut down because of the violations .
For example , last month , Fast Performance , at 4650 Leyden St. , was ticketed and closed because 9 out of 10 customers weren ’ t wearing face coverings while working out in the same room .
That was after an inspection two days earlier that found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing face coverings .
Fast Performance was scheduled to reopen today .
Some hotels have been cited for selling alcohol past the state-mandated last call , and a number of restaurants have been cited for having employees without masks working in the kitchen .
Other venues violated large-group restrictions … the list goes on .
The longer the virus sticks around , the more those restaurants , fitness clubs , hotels and other businesses suffer .
And the city has already been hit hard .
As Mayor Michael Hancock released his proposed 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 190 million tax shortfall , he reiterated the need for Denverites to continue following best practices .
The city is facing historic tax shortfalls because of the economic impact of the pandemic .
Less money means fewer services , including cutbacks in large-item trash pickups , the continuing closure of recreation centers , and employee furloughs across the city .
The budget shortfall is the estimate if the virus remains manageable .
A substantial uptick means more budget slashing .
And that ’ s just the financial side .
People are dying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , which has claimed 200,000 lives nationwide .
This week Gov .
Jared Polis warned of a possible third wave of the virus .
The uptick is so notable around colleges that the University of Colorado Boulder announced it would shift classes online for at least two weeks and Boulder and Denver are both ratcheting up restrictions near campuses .
Doctors , public health experts and government leaders all agree that following the rules is the way to keep schools , jobs and the economy going .
• Denver ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had been in the spring and isn ’ t enough to cover the entire $ 190 million shortfall expected for Denver ’ s tax revenue next year — even if city budget officials were willing to use it all .
• Denver officials proposed millions more in cuts for next year ’ s budget Tuesday alongside even more unpaid employee furloughs and smaller investments in social services and changes to law enforcement practices .
• On Monday , the Regional Transportation District opened what will likely be — at least for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridor in its 2,342-square-mile service area .

For people, policy and Colorado politics
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Last night, protesters gathered in downtown Denver over the fact that no officers are being directly charged in the killing of Breonna Taylor. Similar demonstrations took place in many other cities.
Just as the world’s eyes are currently on Taylor’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, so, too, will they soon (or soon-ish) turn to Colorado: three separate investigations — at the city, state and federal levels — into the Elijah McClain case are underway now. We don’t know when they’ll be finished, or what they’ll say, but there are millions of people who feel very personally invested in the outcome.
One of those investigations is being conducted by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. After months of protests that thrust McClain’s name and story into the national spotlight, Gov. Jared Polis tapped Weiser in June to head up an independent investigation into McClain’s death, which followed a violent, late-night arrest on the side of a quiet road in Aurora a little over a year ago, and for which no officers have been charged.
That move by Polis was very clearly a direct result of protests that exponentially increased public visibility into and outrage over McClain’s death. What is also very clear is that if the various ongoing probes don’t lead to charges being filed, these officials will face enormous pushback.
I’m interested in the timing of these probes, since it’s quite possible that whichever one delivers results first could blunt the impact of whatever comes of the following two. In any event, Weiser’s report will be closely watched, and I’m particularly interested in it because he is the only elected official personally responsible for investigating this case. Given the enormous global interest in the case, it strikes me that that this very well may be the — or, at least, a — defining moment of Weiser’s first term in office, and possibly of his political career.
Separately, and speaking of Weiser, he clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the 1990s, and I spoke with him about her on Friday night, as news of her death had just broken. You can read what he said here.
We wrote plenty this week on RBG’s death and the political consequences of it. Scroll down for links if you missed that coverage. Also, Justin Wingerter has an update out of CD3; Saja Hindi writes on immigrant voters and a ballot measure that targets them; and Conrad Swanson writes about mask-wearing as Colorado braces for a possible third wave of increased coronavirus cases.
To support the important journalism we do, you can become a Denver Post subscriber here.
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Top Line
Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner on Thursday stressed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power after President Donald Trump declined Wednesday to commit to a peaceful transfer to Democrat Joe Biden if he loses in November.
Capitol Diary • By Saja Hindi
Immigrant advocates raising their voices
With 40 days until Election Day, immigrant rights groups have been making a big push to get more of their supporters involved and registered to vote. For many Colorado groups, it’s not just about federal policies that could affect them but also about state ballot measures that they’re working to defeat.
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, or CIRC, is hosting remote events, focusing on issues that affect immigrants such as DACA and Immigration and Customs Enforcement treatment of detainees. They’re releasing endorsements of candidates and issues, and they’re trying to engage immigrants and other voters of color.
The group’s goal is to make contact with 1 million voters across the state before the election, an organizer told me.
Various other groups are also working to ensure their voices are heard in this big election year despite the challenges of the pandemic.
On Wednesday, activists launched a campaign — virtually, of course — to oppose Amendment 76, which asks voters to approve a measure saying only citizens can vote in elections, reiterating what’s already in law.
Proponents of the measure say the amendment will make sure the state can’t change its policies to allow noncitizens to vote, but opponents say measures like this one cause fear among immigrants and further racism and xenophobia.
Immigrant rights groups are also engaging on issues beyond those on the ballot. On Tuesday, they protested Denver newcomer Palantir Technologies — a company that has a history with ICE.
More Colorado political news
A state board is considering changes to names of some Colorado mountains and bodies of water because of racist symbols.
Colorado and the U.S. Postal Service settled their lawsuit over voting mailers.
23,600 state workers will be furloughed because of COVID-related budget problems.
Federal elections • By Justin Wingerter
Losing candidate forms a new PAC
After James Iacino lost a Democratic primary in the 3rd Congressional District on June 30, the former Seattle Fish Co. CEO took a step back to assess how he could make a difference in politics. Then he turned his campaign committee into a political action committee.
Cry Freedom PAC — named after a Dave Matthews song about anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko — will focus on western and southern Colorado and “push back against the increasingly dangerous rhetoric being espoused by elected officials and candidates,” Iacino wrote in an email to supporters Monday. He provided more details in a phone interview this week.
“This election cycle, we’re working in (the 3rd District), at the county level in Garfield County, and at the state level we’re looking to do some work on the initiatives that are coming up. But I do see this carrying on into the 2022 statewide elections,” Iacino said.
“Garfield County in particular has important races all up and down the ballot, from county commissioners to state Senate to Diane’s race and Hickenlooper’s,” he added, referring to Diane Mitsch Bush, who defeated him in the 3rd District primary, and U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper.
Expect to see direct donations to candidates in some cases, but also digital and mail ads. Rural issues and rural voters — especially farmers and ranchers — will be priorities, he said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Tuesday it has booked $631,000 in fall TV ads for the 3rd District. It’s the first time the DCCC has gone on air in the district since 2012, according to a DCCC spokesperson.
More federal election news
Mile High Politics • By Conrad Swanson
Wear your mask for the sake of your gym
It seems elected officials are running out of new ways to say it, so let’s try this as bluntly as possible: Wear a face mask.
Not just over your mouth. Cover your nose, too. And try to remain at least six feet away from others while you’re out and about.
If you don’t believe the scientists, believe that you could get your favorite business in trouble for failure to comply.
No fewer than 157 Denver businesses have been cited since July for either staff or customers failing to follow pandemic-related rules, according to a list from city officials. The businesses range from restaurants and bars to liquor stores, hotels and fitness clubs. Some were shut down because of the violations.
For example, last month, Fast Performance, at 4650 Leyden St., was ticketed and closed because 9 out of 10 customers weren’t wearing face coverings while working out in the same room. That was after an inspection two days earlier that found 8 of 10 employees weren’t wearing face coverings. Fast Performance was scheduled to reopen today.
Some hotels have been cited for selling alcohol past the state-mandated last call, and a number of restaurants have been cited for having employees without masks working in the kitchen. Other venues violated large-group restrictions … the list goes on.
The longer the virus sticks around, the more those restaurants, fitness clubs, hotels and other businesses suffer.
And the city has already been hit hard. As Mayor Michael Hancock released his proposed 2021 budget last week, which assumes a $190 million tax shortfall, he reiterated the need for Denverites to continue following best practices. The city is facing historic tax shortfalls because of the economic impact of the pandemic. Less money means fewer services, including cutbacks in large-item trash pickups, the continuing closure of recreation centers, and employee furloughs across the city.
The budget shortfall is the estimate if the virus remains manageable. A substantial uptick means more budget slashing. And that’s just the financial side. People are dying. Colorado just surpassed 2,000 deaths from the virus, which has claimed 200,000 lives nationwide.
This week Gov. Jared Polis warned of a possible third wave of the virus. The uptick is so notable around colleges that the University of Colorado Boulder announced it would shift classes online for at least two weeks and Boulder and Denver are both ratcheting up restrictions near campuses.
Doctors, public health experts and government leaders all agree that following the rules is the way to keep schools, jobs and the economy going.
More Denver and suburban political news


thedenverpost--2020-09-24--Broncos podcast: At 0-2, Denver desperately needs first win against Tom Brady and Tampa Bay

Brady is mysteriously 8-10 all-time in road games against the Dolphins ( all in the regular season ) .
Against @ @ @ @ @ 4-7 .
When Tampa Bay visits Sunday , it will likely be the 43-year-old 's @ @ @ @ @ .

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast, Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O’Halloran look ahead to Denver’s Week 3 home game against Tampa Bay.
What was coach Vic Fangio’s reaction to getting fined $100,000 by the NFL for improperly wearing his mask? What are the keys to victory against Tom Brady and his loaded offense, plus how does Denver succeed against a stacked Tampa Bay defense? These questions are addressed, plus discussion on Jeff Driskel, Bryce Callahan and more in a packed episode.
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thedenverpost--2020-09-24--Has your insurance made it harder to get a COVID-19 test? The Denver Post wants to talk to you

Denver Post reporter Meg Wingerter is looking into reports that some insurance companies in Colorado are making it harder to @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , or refusing to pay unless you meet certain criteria .
If you ’ @ @ @ @ @ because of your insurance , we ’ d like to talk to you .
Please @ @ @ @ @ if you ’ re interested in sharing your experience .

Denver Post reporter Meg Wingerter is looking into reports that some insurance companies in Colorado are making it harder to get tested for the new coronavirus, or refusing to pay unless you meet certain criteria.
If you’ve had trouble getting tested because of your insurance, we’d like to talk to you. Please fill out the form below if you’re interested in sharing your experience.


thedenverpost--2020-09-25--Paroled murderer sets off explosion in Longmont hotel, shot by police

LONGMONT — A man paroled for murdering his grandmother set off an explosion in a Longmont hotel before being shot @ @ @ @ @ .
Law enforcement was called to the Residence Inn at 1450 Dry Creek Road just @ @ @ @ @ to talk with Leon Gladwell , 40 .
“ Officers had information that Gladwell was @ @ @ @ @ hurt someone .
They also had information that he had knives and propane tanks in @ @ @ @ @ to a press release from the Longmont Police Department .
When parole officers contacted Gladwell @ @ @ @ @ angry and uncooperative .
They were able to collect several knives before he retreated into @ @ @ @ @ about this story at thedenverchannel.com .

A Longmont police officer shot a parolee who reportedly detonated an explosive device in a hotel following a standoff Thursday night.
According to a release, Longmont police and state parole officers were called to the Residence Inn at 1450 Dry Creek Drive at 12:54 p.m. Thursday after receiving information that a guest, Leon Gladwell, might be a danger to himself and had knives and propane tanks in his room.
Gladwell, 40, is on parole after being sentenced to prison for murdering his grandmother in 1998.
When police arrived, officers said Gladwell was “angry, uncooperative and armed with several knives.” The knives were confiscated and Gladwell moved to his room and refused to cooperate further. In an attempt to deescalate the situation, officers left to get a felony arrest warrant for Gladwell.
Longmont SWAT returned to the address but Gladwell again refused to come out, and at 7:21 p.m. he set off an explosive device that “created a fireball in the room” and blew out two windows of the third floor room.
Officers continued to negotiate a surrender, but Gladwell refused to exit. At about 8:45 pm, Gladwell approached the blown-out third-floor window with what was believed to be a propane tank, and was shot by a perimeter officer.
Gladwell moved out of sight and continued to refuse to exit but 11:45 pm. police determined Gladwell was “incapacitated.”
Officers entered the room and took Gladwell into custody without further incident.
Gladwell was transported to an area hospital with at least one gunshot wound. Police did not say what condition he was transported in.
The officer who shot Gladwell was placed on paid administrative leave per department policy while a Boulder County shoot team investigates the incident.
The Boulder County Regional Bomb Squad will continue to be on scene investigating as well.
Gladwell was arrested as a 17-year-old in 1998 for beating his grandmother to death with a bicycle fork in Boulder. He was charged as an adult and pleaded guilty to an adult second-degree murder charge and was sentenced to 48 years in prison.


thedenverpost--2020-09-25--Ground bison to a pound of Parmesan, pandemic brings out variety of grocery delivery options in Colo

Ground bison to a pound of Parmesan, pandemic brings out variety of grocery delivery options in Colorado

Grocery delivery isn ’ t new .
King Soopers has been offering the digital age version of the service in Denver for years .
It is now racing to keep up with Amazon-owned competitor Whole Foods .
The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased demand for alternatives to in-store grocery shopping .
In late March , as the virus was first spreading in the U.S. , Chicago-based C+R Research contacted more than 2,000 Americans to ask about their grocery-buying habits .
The survey , conducted on an Amazon survey platform , found 73 % of people reported going to the grocery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respondents , 44 % said they are using more restaurant , meal-kit or grocery delivery services and apps , ” C+R wrote in its report .
It ’ s not just major companies offering shoppers the option to leave their PJs on and wait for the milk and eggs to show up on their doorstep rather than face the store .
The pandemic has given rise to many new partnerships , business plan pivots and startup operations delivering foodstuffs ranging from selections of specialty cheeses to fresh-cut bison strip steaks .
Here is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery options that didn ’ t exist six months ago .
This nonprofit , which serves Denver and Boulder counties , delivers boxes of fresh produce and social impact .
Founder and executive director Alexandra LittleJohn was laid off in April thanks to the pandemic .
By then , she was already buying boxes of produce from Denver-area restaurant produce supplier Fresh Guys for herself , friends , coworkers and their family member .
It was a means to avoid grocery stores and save food that no longer had a set destination from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that effort to the next level by launching littlejohnproduce.com and now offers once weekly delivery and pickup options .
With an expanding roster of partner suppliers , LittleJohn customers can buy things like fine cheeses , cage-free eggs , sourdough bread and a variety of produce without getting off the couch .
The organization ’ s most popular product , the balanced box , goes for $ 25 and includes an assortment of Fresh Guys ’ fruits and vegetables with a focus on what ’ s in-season .
“ It ’ s about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LittleJohn said .
“ You get about twice the value out of the boxes than you would at the grocery store.
” Alayna George , director of sales and chairmen of the nonprofit ’ s board , started out as a customer before becoming a volunteer staffer in June .
“ The ability to stay out of the grocery stores was really important for me at the point , ” George said .
“ I was really impressed by the quality of food and the affordability .
I still stand by it ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve had in Colorado.
” Beyond providing an option to skip the grocery store , the organization also allows people to buy boxes of produce and eggs that are donated to people in need .
It works with two west Denver elementary schools to find families to donate to .
People can also request food support through the website .
“ The community is buying these boxes to help our marginalized communities .
That ’ s really what it comes down to , ” LittleJohn said of the people her organization is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organization had donated nearly 1,000 boxes of food .
LittleJohn and George are pursuing 501c3 status so the organization can apply for grants and other funding to support that work and hopefully sustainably support themselves and their volunteer drivers .
LittleJohn has only paid herself $ 400 since launching the enterprise in March , she said .
She and George are living off of their unemployment benefits after both losing the jobs to the pandemic .
The flat $ 5 delivery fee for orders all goes directly to drivers .
Because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its delivery reach is limited .
In order to get food dropped off , customers must live within 8 miles of one of the organization ’ s three primary pickup locations : Copper Door Coffee Roasters , 900 W. First Ave. in Denver ; Dry Storage bakery , 3601 Arapahoe Ave. , in Boulder ; or Cheese Importers , 103 Main St. , in Longmont .
Before the pandemic , Altamira Foods was busy supplying the metro area ’ s booming fine dining scene with specialty items like foie gras and imported croissants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant shutdown in March , Altamira Doorstep and its online marketplace altamiradoorstep.com sprung up out of necessity and the hard work of company ’ s staff , CEO Joey Gentry said .
“ We just sort of said , ( shoot ) , what are we going to do ?
” Gentry recalled .
“ I don ’ t even remember who brought it up , but someone said , ‘ Why don ’ t we start delivery to homes ?
’ And it just exploded .
We literally could not keep up.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucks make stops from Colorado Springs to Boulder .
Delivery is free for orders over $ 50 .
Delivery schedules and availability vary by customer location .
Altamira has a wide selection including meats , snacks like chips and crackers , and frozen foods .
Being a fine foods supplier , offerings even veer into the hard-to-find category .
“ How many people are out there looking for ras el hanout spice ?
Or macarons ?
” Gentry said .
“ That ’ s kind of our wheelhouse , but we never had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumer or even wanted to really.
” For all the specialty items in offers , Gentry said Altamira Doorstep has been helped by being able to sell Fresh Guys produce , the same company that supplies LittleJohn .
As restaurants have reopened , home delivery orders have slowed down and restaurant clients are again supplying a big chunk of Altamira ’ s business .
Gentry is trying to balance the high labor costs that go into home delivery ( staffers are cutting 18-pound wheels of Parmesan cheese into 1-pound portions to sell to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company ’ s restaurant clients .
“ It ’ s a little bit of a loss leader for us but we enjoy the fact that we are able to service the community and provide a service for people who literally can ’ t get out of the house and go out and get food , ” he said of home delivery .
This service isn ’ t unique to Colorado .
Customers can place orders from just about anywhere in the world if they can log on to the tedsbutchershoppe.com website .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hormone and steroid-free bison meat — all passes through Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Natural Meats processing plant , company officials say .
Ted ’ s Butcher Shoppe is a new venture from Ted ’ s Montana Grill , the restaurant chain that has been championing bison meat as a great American protein since 2002 .
The delivery operation has been up and running since June , offering next-day drop-off of fresh-cut , never-frozen beef and bison steak cuts and grind so long as customers get their orders in by 9 a.m. Mountain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO George McKerrow said earlier this month .
“ Basically , if you order today that product will be cut and packaged today and put in FedEx this afternoon and delivered to doorstep tomorrow , ” McKerrow said .
Orders places on Friday , Saturday and Sunday will be delivered on Tuesday .
The Ted ’ s butcher shop doesn ’ t operate on weekends .
Getting fresh meat shipped from Ted ’ s HQ isn ’ t cheap .
A bison filet costs $ 31 , but that doesn ’ t even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order .
Combination boxes of beef , bison or a combination of the two start at $ 155 .
But it ’ s a premium price for a premium product , Ted ’ s officials say .
For McKerrow , who co-founded the Ted ’ s chain with billionaire Ted Turner , the owner of some 60,000 bison on ranches scattered throughout the American West , it ’ s about providing options for consumers , but it ’ s also about protecting the company and its employees while restaurants struggle with low traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a product of pivoting during the difficult economic times we ’ re facing and obviously the psyche of the country and folks , in general , wanting more delivery options , ” McKerrow said .
“ We think this fulfills the desire for consumers to have the highest quality products deliver to their doors .
”

Grocery delivery isn’t new. King Soopers has been offering the digital age version of the service in Denver for years. It is now racing to keep up with Amazon-owned competitor Whole Foods.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased demand for alternatives to in-store grocery shopping.
In late March, as the virus was first spreading in the U.S., Chicago-based C+R Research contacted more than 2,000 Americans to ask about their grocery-buying habits. The survey, conducted on an Amazon survey platform, found 73% of people reported going to the grocery store less often.
“According to respondents, 44% said they are using more restaurant, meal-kit or grocery delivery services and apps,” C+R wrote in its report.
It’s not just major companies offering shoppers the option to leave their PJs on and wait for the milk and eggs to show up on their doorstep rather than face the store. The pandemic has given rise to many new partnerships, business plan pivots and startup operations delivering foodstuffs ranging from selections of specialty cheeses to fresh-cut bison strip steaks.
Here is a look at three operators offering Coloradans delivery options that didn’t exist six months ago.
This nonprofit, which serves Denver and Boulder counties, delivers boxes of fresh produce and social impact.
Founder and executive director Alexandra LittleJohn was laid off in April thanks to the pandemic. By then, she was already buying boxes of produce from Denver-area restaurant produce supplier Fresh Guys for herself, friends, coworkers and their family member. It was a means to avoid grocery stores and save food that no longer had a set destination from being wasted.
LittleJohn decided to take that effort to the next level by launching littlejohnproduce.com and now offers once weekly delivery and pickup options. With an expanding roster of partner suppliers, LittleJohn customers can buy things like fine cheeses, cage-free eggs, sourdough bread and a variety of produce without getting off the couch.
The organization’s most popular product, the balanced box, goes for $25 and includes an assortment of Fresh Guys’ fruits and vegetables with a focus on what’s in-season.
“It’s about $40-plus worth of produce,” LittleJohn said. “You get about twice the value out of the boxes than you would at the grocery store.”
Alayna George, director of sales and chairmen of the nonprofit’s board, started out as a customer before becoming a volunteer staffer in June.
“The ability to stay out of the grocery stores was really important for me at the point,” George said. “I was really impressed by the quality of food and the affordability. I still stand by it; it’s the best produce I’ve had in Colorado.”
Beyond providing an option to skip the grocery store, the organization also allows people to buy boxes of produce and eggs that are donated to people in need. It works with two west Denver elementary schools to find families to donate to. People can also request food support through the website.
“The community is buying these boxes to help our marginalized communities. That’s really what it comes down to,” LittleJohn said of the people her organization is helping feed.
As of mid-September, the organization had donated nearly 1,000 boxes of food. LittleJohn and George are pursuing 501c3 status so the organization can apply for grants and other funding to support that work and hopefully sustainably support themselves and their volunteer drivers.
LittleJohn has only paid herself $400 since launching the enterprise in March, she said. She and George are living off of their unemployment benefits after both losing the jobs to the pandemic. The flat $5 delivery fee for orders all goes directly to drivers.
Because the LittleJohn Produce Box Project is small, its delivery reach is limited. In order to get food dropped off, customers must live within 8 miles of one of the organization’s three primary pickup locations: Copper Door Coffee Roasters, 900 W. First Ave. in Denver; Dry Storage bakery, 3601 Arapahoe Ave., in Boulder; or Cheese Importers, 103 Main St., in Longmont.
Before the pandemic, Altamira Foods was busy supplying the metro area’s booming fine dining scene with specialty items like foie gras and imported croissants.
When the pandemic triggered a statewide restaurant shutdown in March, Altamira Doorstep and its online marketplace altamiradoorstep.com sprung up out of necessity and the hard work of company’s staff, CEO Joey Gentry said.
“We just sort of said, (shoot), what are we going to do?” Gentry recalled. “I don’t even remember who brought it up, but someone said, ‘Why don’t we start delivery to homes?’ And it just exploded. We literally could not keep up.”
Now, Altamira’s refrigerated trucks make stops from Colorado Springs to Boulder. Delivery is free for orders over $50. Delivery schedules and availability vary by customer location.
Altamira has a wide selection including meats, snacks like chips and crackers, and frozen foods. Being a fine foods supplier, offerings even veer into the hard-to-find category.
“How many people are out there looking for ras el hanout spice? Or macarons?” Gentry said. “That’s kind of our wheelhouse, but we never had a way to send it to the consumer or even wanted to really.”
Until now.
For all the specialty items in offers, Gentry said Altamira Doorstep has been helped by being able to sell Fresh Guys produce, the same company that supplies LittleJohn.
As restaurants have reopened, home delivery orders have slowed down and restaurant clients are again supplying a big chunk of Altamira’s business. Gentry is trying to balance the high labor costs that go into home delivery (staffers are cutting 18-pound wheels of Parmesan cheese into 1-pound portions to sell to customers) with demand while supporting the company’s restaurant clients.
“It’s a little bit of a loss leader for us but we enjoy the fact that we are able to service the community and provide a service for people who literally can’t get out of the house and go out and get food,” he said of home delivery.
This service isn’t unique to Colorado. Customers can place orders on the tedsbutchershoppe.com website, and deliveries can be made most places in the continental U.S. But the company’s marquee product — hormone and steroid-free bison meat — all passes through Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Natural Meats processing plant, company officials say.
Ted’s Butcher Shoppe is a new venture from Ted’s Montana Grill, the restaurant chain that has been championing bison meat as a great American protein since 2002.
The delivery operation has been up and running since June, offering next-day drop-off of fresh-cut, never-frozen beef and bison steak cuts and grind so long as customers get their orders in by 9 a.m. Mountain Time each day, Ted’s CEO George McKerrow said earlier this month.
“Basically, if you order today that product will be cut and packaged today and put in FedEx this afternoon and delivered to doorstep tomorrow,” McKerrow said.
Orders places on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be delivered on Tuesday. The Ted’s butcher shop doesn’t operate on weekends.
Getting fresh meat shipped from Ted’s HQ isn’t cheap. A bison filet costs $31, but that doesn’t even hit the $50 minimum for an order. Combination boxes of beef, bison or a combination of the two start at $155. But it’s a premium price for a premium product, Ted’s officials say.
For McKerrow, who co-founded the Ted’s chain with billionaire Ted Turner, the owner of some 60,000 bison on ranches scattered throughout the American West, it’s about providing options for consumers, but it’s also about protecting the company and its employees while restaurants struggle with low traffic amid the pandemic.
“It’s a product of pivoting during the difficult economic times we’re facing and obviously the psyche of the country and folks, in general, wanting more delivery options,” McKerrow said. “We think this fulfills the desire for consumers to have the highest quality products deliver to their doors.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-25--Colorado new auto registrations struggle to gain traction

New vehicle registrations through the first eight months of 2020 were down 16.5 % in Colorado compared to the same period last year , according to the “ Colorado Auto Outlook ” from the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association .
There were 139,717 vehicles registered through August of this year compared to 167,414 in the same period last year .
Light truck registrations are down 11 % so far this year , while car registrations are down 36.1 % .
Showrooms are open , and online sales remain a popular option , but dealers continue to cope with inventory shortages and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said CADA president Tim Jackson .
“ The pandemic continues to restrain the U.S. economy and specifically disrupt auto sales .
In Colorado , new vehicle registrations through August are still in negative territory , although the percentage of decline has improved from a month ago , ” he said in comments accompanying the monthly report .
Last month , year-to-date registrations were down 17.8 % .
In June they were down 17.9 % and in May , they were down 16.5 % .
Nor are financially stretched buyers switching to used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down 18.1 % year-to-date in Colorado .
Vehicle registrations , at least for now , seem stuck in a holding pattern .

New vehicle registrations through the first eight months of 2020 were down 16.5% in Colorado compared to the same period last year, according to the “Colorado Auto Outlook” from the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.
There were 139,717 vehicles registered through August of this year compared to 167,414 in the same period last year. Light truck registrations are down 11% so far this year, while car registrations are down 36.1%.
Showrooms are open, and online sales remain a popular option, but dealers continue to cope with inventory shortages and manufacturers who are pulling back on incentives, said CADA president Tim Jackson.
“The pandemic continues to restrain the U.S. economy and specifically disrupt auto sales. In Colorado, new vehicle registrations through August are still in negative territory, although the percentage of decline has improved from a month ago,” he said in comments accompanying the monthly report.
Last month, year-to-date registrations were down 17.8%. In June they were down 17.9% and in May, they were down 16.5%.
Nor are financially stretched buyers switching to used vehicles. Registrations for used vehicles were down 18.1% year-to-date in Colorado. Vehicle registrations, at least for now, seem stuck in a holding pattern.


thedenverpost--2020-09-25--U.S. parents delaying preschool and kindergarten amid pandemic

MISSION , Kan. — Claire Reagan was feeling overwhelmed as her oldest child ’ s first day of kindergarten approached and with a baby on the way .
The 5-year-old boy has autism , and she worried he would struggle with juggling in-person and virtual learning , and that she wouldn ’ t have enough time to give him the help he needs .
So she decided to wait a year before sending him to school .
“ I was stressed about everything and then thought ‘ Why does he need to start kindergarten ?
’ And it was like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reagan , a 36-year-old high school teacher in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe , Kansas .
Thousands of parents around the U.S. have made similar decisions , having their children delay or skip kindergarten because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The opt outs , combined with huge declines in preschool enrollment , are raising worries about the long-term effects of so much lost early education .
“ If there is a group for which you would be particularly concerned , it is these very young students who are not having these foundational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a professor at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University .
Kindergarten isn ’ t required in most states , and in normal times parents sometimes “ red-shirt ” children who would be young for their kindergarten class to give them an extra year of developmental readiness .
But enrollment numbers have plunged in many places this fall as parents weigh health concerns and the prospect of helping young children to navigate distance learning while also holding onto their jobs .
In Los Angeles ’ public schools , kindergarten enrollment is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
In Nashville , Tennessee , public kindergarten enrollment is down about 1,800 students , or 37 % , from last year .
According to a University of Oregon survey conducted in early September with 1,000 parents from around the U.S. , including 242 with a child who was supposed to start kindergarten this fall , 17 % of respondents said they were delaying their children ’ s schooling .
Among those , the most frequent reason cited was safety concerns , followed by concerns about managing virtual schooling and other responsibilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychology professor at the university who is leading an effort to measure the effect of the pandemic on young children and their families .
Fisher said the vast majority of parents reported that they were making sure their kids were attending all of their virtual lessons and completing their coursework without the assistance of hired help or other adults , making juggling their own work a challenge .
He said that parents are overwhelmed , particularly those in low-income communities where schools are more likely to be offering only remote instruction .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost in the shuffle , ” he said .
Reagan , who is also keeping her 3-year-old daughter home from preschool , said she held off with kindergarten for many reasons , including her own pregnancy and instructions to quarantine for two weeks before she delivers in the fall .
She said her job allows her to work from home and her family has insurance that will continue to pay for some of her son ’ s therapy .
For many young students , the delayed start of primary school follows a disrupted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participation rates plummeted in the spring , as programs closed and children stopped attending , according to a report from the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University .
The group is planning a follow-up report , but all indications are that enrollment hasn ’ t fully rebounded , said Steven Barnett , senior co-director of the institute .
He said public preschool programs such as Head Start have been “ substantial equalizers ” for low-income families .
“ When that falls apart , parents are not going to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The people who are dependent on free public education as equalizers can ’ t make up the difference when left on their own.
” Some parents feel their children may be ready for in-person school but not for virtual school , said Anna Markowitz , an assistant professor of education at the University of California , Los Angeles .
“ They are thinking I can ’ t work and monitor my child ’ s Zoom schooling .
Parents are really in an impossible situation , ” she said .
Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require children to attend kindergarten , Markowitz said .
Parents elsewhere can bypass kindergarten and just send their children to first grade next fall .
In a typical year , only about 4 % of children who are eligible to begin kindergarten are held back by their families , said Chloe Gibbs , a Notre Dame economist .
The National Academies of Science , Engineering , and Medicine released a report in July focused on younger children .
Its advice was to prioritize the reopening of schools for children in kindergarten through fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But since the report was released , high rates of community spread have made in-person learning more risky in many communities , turning young learners into virtual learning guinea pigs .
“ When you look at the distance learning research , very little has been carried out on young students , even below middle school , ” said Brown University ’ s Schwartz , who is a member of the committee that wrote the report and is also running a project that provides research to school leaders who are trying to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were even considering that it could be considered with kids this young .
”

MISSION, Kan. — Claire Reagan was feeling overwhelmed as her oldest child’s first day of kindergarten approached and with a baby on the way. The 5-year-old boy has autism, and she worried he would struggle with juggling in-person and virtual learning, and that she wouldn’t have enough time to give him the help he needs.
So she decided to wait a year before sending him to school.
“I was stressed about everything and then thought ‘Why does he need to start kindergarten?’ And it was like a weight was lifted,” said Reagan, a 36-year-old high school teacher in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas.
Thousands of parents around the U.S. have made similar decisions, having their children delay or skip kindergarten because of the coronavirus pandemic. The opt outs, combined with huge declines in preschool enrollment, are raising worries about the long-term effects of so much lost early education.
“If there is a group for which you would be particularly concerned, it is these very young students who are not having these foundational experiences,” said Nate Schwartz, a professor at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University.
Kindergarten isn’t required in most states, and in normal times parents sometimes “red-shirt” children who would be young for their kindergarten class to give them an extra year of developmental readiness. But enrollment numbers have plunged in many places this fall as parents weigh health concerns and the prospect of helping young children to navigate distance learning while also holding onto their jobs.
In Los Angeles’ public schools, kindergarten enrollment is down about 6,000 students, or 14%. In Nashville, Tennessee, public kindergarten enrollment is down about 1,800 students, or 37%, from last year.
According to a University of Oregon survey conducted in early September with 1,000 parents from around the U.S., including 242 with a child who was supposed to start kindergarten this fall, 17% of respondents said they were delaying their children’s schooling. Among those, the most frequent reason cited was safety concerns, followed by concerns about managing virtual schooling and other responsibilities, according to Philip Fisher, a psychology professor at the university who is leading an effort to measure the effect of the pandemic on young children and their families.
Fisher said the vast majority of parents reported that they were making sure their kids were attending all of their virtual lessons and completing their coursework without the assistance of hired help or other adults, making juggling their own work a challenge. He said that parents are overwhelmed, particularly those in low-income communities where schools are more likely to be offering only remote instruction.
“We think young kids are likely getting lost in the shuffle,” he said.
Reagan, who is also keeping her 3-year-old daughter home from preschool, said she held off with kindergarten for many reasons, including her own pregnancy and instructions to quarantine for two weeks before she delivers in the fall. She said her job allows her to work from home and her family has insurance that will continue to pay for some of her son’s therapy.
For many young students, the delayed start of primary school follows a disrupted preschool experience. Among preschool-age children, participation rates plummeted in the spring, as programs closed and children stopped attending, according to a report from the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University. The group is planning a follow-up report, but all indications are that enrollment hasn’t fully rebounded, said Steven Barnett, senior co-director of the institute.
He said public preschool programs such as Head Start have been “substantial equalizers” for low-income families.
“When that falls apart, parents are not going to be able to fill the gap,” he said. “The people who are dependent on free public education as equalizers can’t make up the difference when left on their own.”
Some parents feel their children may be ready for in-person school but not for virtual school, said Anna Markowitz, an assistant professor of education at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“They are thinking I can’t work and monitor my child’s Zoom schooling. Parents are really in an impossible situation,” she said.
Only 17 states and Washington, D.C., require children to attend kindergarten, Markowitz said. Parents elsewhere can bypass kindergarten and just send their children to first grade next fall. In a typical year, only about 4% of children who are eligible to begin kindergarten are held back by their families, said Chloe Gibbs, a Notre Dame economist.
The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine released a report in July focused on younger children. Its advice was to prioritize the reopening of schools for children in kindergarten through fifth grade with well-funded safety measures in place. But since the report was released, high rates of community spread have made in-person learning more risky in many communities, turning young learners into virtual learning guinea pigs.
“When you look at the distance learning research, very little has been carried out on young students, even below middle school,” said Brown University’s Schwartz, who is a member of the committee that wrote the report and is also running a project that provides research to school leaders who are trying to make decisions during the pandemic. “Few people were even considering that it could be considered with kids this young.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-25--Guest Commentary: I served under six presidents — four Republicans, two Democrats — only one has fai

Guest Commentary: I served under six presidents — four Republicans, two Democrats — only one has failed to serve U.S. national security interests

I spent over 300 mornings in the Oval Office briefing the president and his senior staff .
I had the privilege to manage , edit and deliver the president ’ s Daily Brief a summary of the most timely and critical intelligence threats to the U.S. from 2010 to 2014 .
As a Deputy on the National Security Council , I spent over 1,000 hours in the White House Situation Room providing the intelligence assessments which informed critical U.S. national security policy decisions — including the raid that rendered justice for the victims of 9/11 .
Since I have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered with a political party .
I remain an independent with a history of voting for candidates I believe in — I focused on their policy and not their party .
Before this election , I have never spoken out for or against a candidate for any office .
But I can be silent no longer .
In the summer of 1976 , I was 14 years old and new to Colorado , my father took command of the Western Region ’ s National Guard .
I enrolled in the brand-new Smoky Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far eastern boundary of Aurora .
As a military brat , I was accustomed to moving around and not putting down roots — but as readers will know well , Colorado has a way of pulling on your heart and it became home .
It remains so as my family spends as much time as possible in our Dillon residence .
Upon graduating from Cornell University , I joined the intelligence community as an analyst during President Ronald Reagan ’ s increasing investments in defense — a buildup that culminated in the collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the decade .
In my nearly four decades of service , I had the privilege of serving under six presidents — four Republican and two Democrat .
The constant across all of those administrations was the oath I took to “ protect and defend ” the Constitution against “ all enemies — foreign and domestic.
” I know what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of our government — intellectual curiosity , the strength of moral purpose and a commitment to selfless service .
Broadly speaking , I can personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by those they elected to fill critical national security positions .
There is one important exception to that statement — our current president .
I have briefed him up close — and I have seen and felt the effect of his faults on our nation ’ s security .
Out of respect for the confidential nature of Oval Office conversations , I will not provide details .
Suffice to say that the person you see presiding over COVID-19 press conferences is the same one in the privacy of his office .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not comport with his personal world view .
Thus , the conversations are erratic and less than fully thoughtful .
While it is natural for there to be tension between the intelligence community and senior policymakers , President Donald Trump ’ s decision to rely upon the word of dictators like Vladimir Putin is an unprecedented betrayal of his oath to the Constitution .
Our current president bases his decisions on his instincts , and his instincts are based upon a personal value proposition — what ’ s in it for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump comes up tragically short .
He fails to protect our soldiers when bounties are placed on their heads by his friend Vladimir .
And not only does he not respect their service , but President Trump also belittles combat heroes who were taken as prisoners of war .
As a nation , we were fortunate that a true crisis did not occur during his first three years in office .
Then 2020 happened .
This has been an unprecedented year for which many of us were not prepared .
In moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and deserve — a leader who will put the country first .
Full stop .
Because the reality and the science of COVID-19 conflicted with his personal views , President Trump knowingly downplayed the pandemic .
This is not about the economy , taxes , health care or any other normal ballot considerations .
This is about American lives unnecessarily lost .
This is about businesses unnecessarily closed .
This is about being guided by service to all Americans .
This is about centering decisions on a higher morality .
President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrates that he is not concerned about any of this .
And as damaging as his faulty leadership has been , four more years would be devastating .
We must elect a thoughtful , moral , responsible , respectful leader on Nov. 3 .
Our current president is not that leader .
Robert Cardillo retired as the director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency after 36 years of public service that also included serving as deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Acting J2 — a first for a civilian — in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chiefs of Staff , Admiral Mike Mullen .
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 .

I spent over 300 mornings in the Oval Office briefing the president and his senior staff. I had the privilege to manage, edit and deliver the president’s Daily Brief a summary of the most timely and critical intelligence threats to the U.S. from 2010 to 2014.
As a Deputy on the National Security Council, I spent over 1,000 hours in the White House Situation Room providing the intelligence assessments which informed critical U.S. national security policy decisions — including the raid that rendered justice for the victims of 9/11.
Since I have been eligible to vote, I have never registered with a political party. I remain an independent with a history of voting for candidates I believe in — I focused on their policy and not their party. Before this election, I have never spoken out for or against a candidate for any office.
But I can be silent no longer.
In the summer of 1976, I was 14 years old and new to Colorado, my father took command of the Western Region’s National Guard. I enrolled in the brand-new Smoky Hill High School on what was then the far eastern boundary of Aurora. As a military brat, I was accustomed to moving around and not putting down roots — but as readers will know well, Colorado has a way of pulling on your heart and it became home. It remains so as my family spends as much time as possible in our Dillon residence.
Upon graduating from Cornell University, I joined the intelligence community as an analyst during President Ronald Reagan’s increasing investments in defense — a buildup that culminated in the collapse of the Soviet Union by the end of the decade. In my nearly four decades of service, I had the privilege of serving under six presidents — four Republican and two Democrat. The constant across all of those administrations was the oath I took to “protect and defend” the Constitution against “all enemies — foreign and domestic.”
I know what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of our government — intellectual curiosity, the strength of moral purpose and a commitment to selfless service. Broadly speaking, I can personally attest that Americans were very well served by those they elected to fill critical national security positions.
There is one important exception to that statement — our current president.
I have briefed him up close — and I have seen and felt the effect of his faults on our nation’s security. Out of respect for the confidential nature of Oval Office conversations, I will not provide details. Suffice to say that the person you see presiding over COVID-19 press conferences is the same one in the privacy of his office. He has little patience for facts or data that do not comport with his personal world view. Thus, the conversations are erratic and less than fully thoughtful.
While it is natural for there to be tension between the intelligence community and senior policymakers, President Donald Trump’s decision to rely upon the word of dictators like Vladimir Putin is an unprecedented betrayal of his oath to the Constitution. Our current president bases his decisions on his instincts, and his instincts are based upon a personal value proposition — what’s in it for me?
As a Commander in Chief, President Trump comes up tragically short. He fails to protect our soldiers when bounties are placed on their heads by his friend Vladimir. And not only does he not respect their service, but President Trump also belittles combat heroes who were taken as prisoners of war.
As a nation, we were fortunate that a true crisis did not occur during his first three years in office.
Then 2020 happened. This has been an unprecedented year for which many of us were not prepared. In moments of crisis, the American people demand — and deserve — a leader who will put the country first. Full stop. Because the reality and the science of COVID-19 conflicted with his personal views, President Trump knowingly downplayed the pandemic.
This is not about the economy, taxes, health care or any other normal ballot considerations. This is about American lives unnecessarily lost. This is about businesses unnecessarily closed. This is about being guided by service to all Americans. This is about centering decisions on a higher morality. President Trump’s actions — and inaction — demonstrates that he is not concerned about any of this.
And as damaging as his faulty leadership has been, four more years would be devastating.
We must elect a thoughtful, moral, responsible, respectful leader on Nov. 3. Our current president is not that leader.
Robert Cardillo retired as the director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency after 36 years of public service that also included serving as deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Acting J2 — a first for a civilian — in support of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.
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.