thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Federal fiscal support surpassing economic losses from pandemic so far

While it hasn ’ t always come out smoothly , the massive amounts of money the federal government has pumped into the U.S. economy due to the pandemic has forestalled an even more severe downturn .
For example , U.S. households pulled down more income in April than they did before the pandemic started , housing markets are in a V-shaped recovery and a majority of small businesses are up and running again , many with the assistance of federal loans .
At the same time , commercial real estate delinquencies are soaring , more white-collar firms are dismissing workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are tanking , including a $ 3.3 billion hole in Colorado ’ s budget .
And while household incomes are up , many consumers remain unable or unwilling to spend as they did before .
Bankrate estimates that a quarter of U.S. households had no emergency savings , putting them in a bind when the economic downturn started .
On the flip side , about four in 10 households report having enough reserves to survive three months with a loss of income , Ali Wolf , chief economist with Meyers Research , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment benefits raise the share of households that can stay afloat for three months to 57 % .
Although sometimes criticized as overly generous , the extra $ 600 a week in federal unemployment benefits provided under the CARES Act pushes the financial survival rate up to 83 % .
Add in the extra $ 1,200 per person in Economic Impact Payments coming from the IRS and the share reaches 85 % , Wolf said .
“ The legislation passed so far has been enough to keep households whole through the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money ?
Many are paying their rent .
For the most part , people are saving their money , ” said Marc Goldwein , senior policy director with the Committee for A Responsible Budget , in a webinar Tuesday .
With so many businesses closed and people staying at home , consumer spending plunged 13.6 % in April , according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis .
Despite the heavy job losses that took down private employment compensation by nearly 9 % , personal incomes shot up 10.5 % , due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest surprise , households pocketed $ 1 out of ever $ 3 that they earned , which pushed the personal saving rate to a historic high of 33 % in April .
“ While not true for many individuals , it shows that at the aggregate the stimulus , at least initially , more than offset the aggregate economic loss from the shutdowns for the novel coronavirus , ” Contingent Macro Research said in a note in late May .
Normally , savings are good , but they can be too much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relies on consumer spending for 70 % of its activity .
“ Anything consistently above 15 % or 20 % is a dangerously high level , ” Wolf said .
One line of thought is that consumers , expecting that government support will dry up soon , are stockpiling money to protect against a more prolonged downturn .
But in doing so , they are prolonging the downturn .
Goldwein , who is normally a deficit hawk , said more federal support will be needed , especially to shore up state and local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to run deficits .
Absent that , another wave of public sector layoffs could happen later in the year .
“ When this is all done , we will need to figure out the debt issues .
It makes sense to borrow when you are in a recession , ” he said .
Wolf said it will get more complicated to get the pulse of the labor market in the weeks ahead .
To what degree are employees back because an employer has taken out a Payroll Protection Program loan , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs out ?
Already , Colorado is seeing several hotels , such as The Brown Palace and The St. Regis Aspen Resort , extend what were supposed to be temporary furloughs beyond six months .
Colorado ’ s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is expected to run dry by early summer , necessitating a loan from the federal government .
And while federal unemployment benefits will probably extend beyond July in some form , they are likely to be more targeted and smaller in size .
One positive for the economy is that more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 500 respondents taken at the end of May by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife estimates that nearly eight in 10 small businesses are either fully or partially reopened , with 41 % in the first camp and 38 % in the second .
Even as they move forward , small business owners are losing hope of a fast rebound .
In April , half thought it would take six months to a year for things to return to normal .
Now 55 % think it will take that long , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back to where they were .
“ Only 55 % anticipate rehiring or bringing back all their employees in the next six months .
There is a sizable contingent who won ’ t be able to return to their previous employer , ” Neil Bradley , chief policy officer at the chamber , said in a press call Wednesday morning .
A separate poll of more than 88,000 small businesses by Alignable , an online referral network .
found that 68 % of those surveyed were open , including 40 % that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have brought back only 47 % of their pre-COVID workforce , in part because fewer than half the customers have returned .
Job cuts are rising among white-collar firms such as Deloitte and Marcus & Millichap , which previously were considered immune from the hit that hotels , restaurants and retailers were taking .
As more firms realize that business won ’ t be back to February levels , they will have to make adjustments , Wolf said .
That will put further pressure on the commercial real estate market .
Delinquencies on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lodging properties and 10 % in retail .
An over-leveraged housing market may not tear through the economy like a wrecking ball this time around , but commercial real estate and excessive corporate debt could .
“ Commercial real estate needs a healthier labor market , ” Wolf said , adding that absent loan restructuring , fears are growing that rising defaults will impact the larger economy .
The CARES Act includes several provisions that protect the housing market , which was at the epicenter of the last recession .
Chief among them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which allow borrowers to ask for up to a year off from monthly payments .
About 8.5 % of borrowers have signed up for a plan , although many are still making their payments .
Forbearance plans will reduce distressed sales and foreclosures , which should help stabilize home prices .
But they will also mask the true health of the housing market .
Wolf said she is starting to track property tax delinquencies after a friend informed her they were filling up pages in Florida newspapers .
The Federal Reserve slashed its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ securities , pushing mortgage rates to historic lows .
That has helped fuel a resurgence in homebuying activity in metro Denver and other cities as restrictions lifted .
“ Purchase applications continued their recent ascent , increasing 5 percent last week and 18 percent compared to a year ago .
The pent-up demand from homebuyers returning to the market continues to support a recovery from the weekly declines observed earlier this spring , ” Joel Kan , associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting at the Mortgage Bankers Association , said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unexpected benefit of stimulus payments , some buyers are using them to purchase a home .
“ For people who were looking to buy , this is something that can get them closer to the down payment , ” Wolf said .
But that doesn ’ t mean that real estate will roar back to pre-COVID levels right away .
CoreLogic , a real estate research firm , estimates that by the first quarter of 2021 , metro Denver home prices will drop 3.5 % .
Incomes will be under pressure in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the markets where home prices have gotten the furthest ahead of income gains , said Selma Hepp , deputy chief economist with CoreLogic .
Put another way , metro Denver is an overvalued market .
While modest declines might sting recent buyers who made small down payments , they shouldn ’ t phase most owners , given that metro Denver has logged some of the largest home price gains since the last recession .
“ Given how much equity people have already gained over the last decade , the 3.5 % decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact , ” Hepp said .
But she doesn ’ t forecast home price appreciation returning to metro Denver until the second half of 2021 .

While it hasn’t always come out smoothly, the massive amounts of money the federal government has pumped into the U.S. economy due to the pandemic has forestalled an even more severe downturn.
For example, U.S. households pulled down more income in April than they did before the pandemic started, housing markets are in a V-shaped recovery and a majority of small businesses are up and running again, many with the assistance of federal loans.
At the same time, commercial real estate delinquencies are soaring, more white-collar firms are dismissing workers, and state and local government finances are tanking, including a $3.3 billion hole in Colorado’s budget.
And while household incomes are up, many consumers remain unable or unwilling to spend as they did before.
Bankrate estimates that a quarter of U.S. households had no emergency savings, putting them in a bind when the economic downturn started. On the flip side, about four in 10 households report having enough reserves to survive three months with a loss of income, Ali Wolf, chief economist with Meyers Research, said during a webinar on Wednesday.
State unemployment benefits raise the share of households that can stay afloat for three months to 57%. Although sometimes criticized as overly generous, the extra $600 a week in federal unemployment benefits provided under the CARES Act pushes the financial survival rate up to 83%. Add in the extra $1,200 per person in Economic Impact Payments coming from the IRS and the share reaches 85%, Wolf said.
“The legislation passed so far has been enough to keep households whole through the end of July. What are people doing with the money? Many are paying their rent. For the most part, people are saving their money,” said Marc Goldwein, senior policy director with the Committee for A Responsible Budget, in a webinar Tuesday.
With so many businesses closed and people staying at home, consumer spending plunged 13.6% in April, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Despite the heavy job losses that took down private employment compensation by nearly 9%, personal incomes shot up 10.5%, due to government payments.
And in perhaps the biggest surprise, households pocketed $1 out of ever $3 that they earned, which pushed the personal saving rate to a historic high of 33% in April.
“While not true for many individuals, it shows that at the aggregate the stimulus, at least initially, more than offset the aggregate economic loss from the shutdowns for the novel coronavirus,” Contingent Macro Research said in a note in late May.
Normally, savings are good, but they can be too much of a good thing in an economy that relies on consumer spending for 70% of its activity. “Anything consistently above 15% or 20% is a dangerously high level,” Wolf said.
One line of thought is that consumers, expecting that government support will dry up soon, are stockpiling money to protect against a more prolonged downturn. But in doing so, they are prolonging the downturn.
Goldwein, who is normally a deficit hawk, said more federal support will be needed, especially to shore up state and local government budgets, which aren’t allowed to run deficits. Absent that, another wave of public sector layoffs could happen later in the year.
“When this is all done, we will need to figure out the debt issues. It makes sense to borrow when you are in a recession,” he said.
Wolf said it will get more complicated to get the pulse of the labor market in the weeks ahead. To what degree are employees back because an employer has taken out a Payroll Protection Program loan, and will they remain employed when the money runs out? Already, Colorado is seeing several hotels, such as The Brown Palace and The St. Regis Aspen Resort, extend what were supposed to be temporary furloughs beyond six months.
Colorado’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is expected to run dry by early summer, necessitating a loan from the federal government. And while federal unemployment benefits will probably extend beyond July in some form, they are likely to be more targeted and smaller in size.
Businesses reopening
One positive for the economy is that more small businesses are reopening. A poll with 500 respondents taken at the end of May by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife estimates that nearly eight in 10 small businesses are either fully or partially reopened, with 41% in the first camp and 38% in the second.
Even as they move forward, small business owners are losing hope of a fast rebound. In April, half thought it would take six months to a year for things to return to normal. Now 55% think it will take that long, and 6% say things will never get back to where they were.
“Only 55% anticipate rehiring or bringing back all their employees in the next six months. There is a sizable contingent who won’t be able to return to their previous employer,” Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the chamber, said in a press call Wednesday morning.
A separate poll of more than 88,000 small businesses by Alignable, an online referral network. found that 68% of those surveyed were open, including 40% that were fully open. But those businesses have brought back only 47% of their pre-COVID workforce, in part because fewer than half the customers have returned.
Job cuts are rising among white-collar firms such as Deloitte and Marcus & Millichap, which previously were considered immune from the hit that hotels, restaurants and retailers were taking. As more firms realize that business won’t be back to February levels, they will have to make adjustments, Wolf said.
That will put further pressure on the commercial real estate market. Delinquencies on mortgage-backed securities are running 20% on lodging properties and 10% in retail. An over-leveraged housing market may not tear through the economy like a wrecking ball this time around, but commercial real estate and excessive corporate debt could.
“Commercial real estate needs a healthier labor market,” Wolf said, adding that absent loan restructuring, fears are growing that rising defaults will impact the larger economy.
Housing a bright spot
The CARES Act includes several provisions that protect the housing market, which was at the epicenter of the last recession. Chief among them are forbearance plans on federally-backed mortgages, which allow borrowers to ask for up to a year off from monthly payments. About 8.5% of borrowers have signed up for a plan, although many are still making their payments.
Forbearance plans will reduce distressed sales and foreclosures, which should help stabilize home prices. But they will also mask the true health of the housing market. Wolf said she is starting to track property tax delinquencies after a friend informed her they were filling up pages in Florida newspapers.
The Federal Reserve slashed its federal funds rate and aggressively purchased mortgage-backed securities, pushing mortgage rates to historic lows. That has helped fuel a resurgence in homebuying activity in metro Denver and other cities as restrictions lifted.
“Purchase applications continued their recent ascent, increasing 5 percent last week and 18 percent compared to a year ago. The pent-up demand from homebuyers returning to the market continues to support a recovery from the weekly declines observed earlier this spring,” Joel Kan, associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting at the Mortgage Bankers Association, said in a report.
And in a perhaps unexpected benefit of stimulus payments, some buyers are using them to purchase a home.
“For people who were looking to buy, this is something that can get them closer to the down payment,” Wolf said.
But that doesn’t mean that real estate will roar back to pre-COVID levels right away. CoreLogic, a real estate research firm, estimates that by the first quarter of 2021, metro Denver home prices will drop 3.5%.
Incomes will be under pressure in the months ahead, and metro Denver is among the markets where home prices have gotten the furthest ahead of income gains, said Selma Hepp, deputy chief economist with CoreLogic. Put another way, metro Denver is an overvalued market.
While modest declines might sting recent buyers who made small down payments, they shouldn’t phase most owners, given that metro Denver has logged some of the largest home price gains since the last recession.
“Given how much equity people have already gained over the last decade, the 3.5% decline won’t have such a significant impact,” Hepp said. But she doesn’t forecast home price appreciation returning to metro Denver until the second half of 2021.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Broncos grinding away during virtual offseason program, unsure of when they will return to practice

Broncos grinding away during virtual offseason program, unsure of when they will return to practice field

The Broncos are six weeks into their virtual offseason program , unsure of when they will be on the practice field much less be allowed to meet in-person at the team ’ s facility .
The first half of June is usually reserved for the final section of organized team activities and a mandatory minicamp .
But the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent shutdown have forced the Broncos and every NFL team to meet through video conference .
“ Right now , we won ’ t be on the field until training camp , ” coach Vic Fangio said earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now and then , then we ’ ll adjust.
” Fangio addressed a few football-related topics during his first media availability since April 25 : Quarterback Drew Lock is the no-doubt starter and no-doubt offensive leader after going 4-1 to close the season , a sample size impressive enough to convince general manager John Elway to sign Jeff Driskel as the back-up instead of creating a QB1 competition .
Lock is learning a new offense ( coordinator Pat Shurmur ) and working with a new quarterbacks coach ( Mike Shula ) .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s picked up right where he left off last year , ” Fangio said .
“ Drew came in here last year and everything was tough and new and not easy for him .
We eventually got him in there ( to play ) and he improved on a weekly basis .
He ’ s just continued that upward trend this offseason.
” Fangio said Lock has done a “ great job ” learning the offense and communicating with Shurmur and Shula .
Although they haven ’ t met face to face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lock at least have a foundation to a relationship because of Lock ’ s pre-draft visit to the New York Giants ( Shurmur was coach and Shula the offensive coordinator ) last year .
“ ( Lock is ) chomping at the bit and all is good on that front right now , ” Fangio said .
So what is the head coach ’ s role during this part of the offseason program ?
Even though he ’ s the defensive play-caller , Fangio said he joins offensive meetings as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the meetings , ” he said .
“ In a normal offseason , the first 3-4 weeks , even when I was a defensive coordinator , those weeks are for the position coaches to review things from the previous year , watch cut-ups they can learn from and then dive into re-learning the defense or offense and anything new we ’ re talking about doing schematically for the upcoming season.
” Fangio said he has talked to the players individually “ several times ” during the pandemic .
“ We will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them the way we have been the last couple months , ” he said .
Last week , NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said coaching staffs could soon return to their facility for the first time in nearly three months .
“ It would serve a good purpose for us as coaches to get back in there to where we can meet together and we can get used to the new ( safety ) protocol that all the buildings are going to have moving forward as it relates to the virus and the control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There would be a lot of good that could come out of that when it does happen .
Hopefully it will happen for us soon , but I really don ’ t know if and when that will happen.
” Because all teams are following the same stay-away rules , Fangio said the Broncos “ won ’ t be any more behind than anyone else is , ” when they report to training camp .
Unclear , once the league feels the conditions are safe enough for players to return to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently scheduled for late July , will start earlier to assimilate the rookies or the preseason game schedule will be reduced from four games .
Expectations for the Broncos may be higher internally and around the region than nationally .
Since the end of last year , the Broncos have added as many as 5-6 new offensive starters ( running back Melvin Gordon , right guard Graham Glasgow , receiver Jerry Jeudy , center Lloyd Cushenberry and , depending on the personnel , receiver KJ Hamler or tight end Nick Vannett ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bouye and defensive end Jurrell Casey ) .
“ We ’ ve just got to go out there and do it , ” Fangio said .
“ We have a lot of work ahead of us .
We did end the season on a high note .
We do believe we improved our roster , but that doesn ’ t mean anything .
I ’ m confident our guys will come in with the right attitude .
”

Meanwhile, in football news …
The Broncos are six weeks into their virtual offseason program, unsure of when they will be on the practice field much less be allowed to meet in-person at the team’s facility.
The first half of June is usually reserved for the final section of organized team activities and a mandatory minicamp. But the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent shutdown have forced the Broncos and every NFL team to meet through video conference.
“Right now, we won’t be on the field until training camp,” coach Vic Fangio said earlier this week. “If that changes between now and then, then we’ll adjust.”
As for football issues, Fangio addressed those, too.
Lock’s progress
Quarterback Drew Lock is the no-doubt starter and no-doubt offensive leader after going 4-1 to close the season, a sample size impressive enough to convince general manager John Elway to sign Jeff Driskel as the back-up instead of creating a QB1 competition.
Lock is learning a new offense (coordinator Pat Shurmur) and working with a new quarterbacks coach (Mike Shula). How goes it?
“I think he’s picked up right where he left off last year,” Fangio said. “Drew came in here last year and everything was tough and new and not easy for him. We eventually got him in there (to play) and he improved on a weekly basis. He’s continued that upward trend this offseason.”
Fangio said Lock has done a “great job” learning the offense and communicating with Shurmur and Shula. Although they haven’t met face to face to install plays, Shurmur, Shula and Lock at least have a foundation to a relationship because of Lock’s pre-draft visit to the New York Giants (Shurmur was coach and Shula the offensive coordinator) last year.
“(Lock is) chomping at the bit and all is good on that front right now,” Fangio said.
Fangio’s role
So what is the head coach’s role during this part of the offseason program? Even though he’s the defensive play-caller, Fangio said he joins offensive meetings as well.
“I do pop in and out of the meetings,” he said. “In a normal offseason, the first 3-4 weeks, even when I was a defensive coordinator, those weeks are for the position coaches to review things from the previous year, watch cut-ups they can learn from and then dive into re-learning the defense or offense and anything new we’re talking about doing schematically for the upcoming season.”
Fangio said he has talked to the players individually “several times” during the pandemic.
“We will continue to meet with them and communicate with them the way we have been the last couple months,” he said.
Returning to facility
On Thursday, the NFL office told teams that coaching staffs can return to their offices on Friday for the first time in nearly three months and also increased the number of people allowed in the facility from 75 to 100.
“It would serve a good purpose for us as coaches to get back in there to where we can meet together and we can get used to the new (safety) protocol that all the buildings are going to have moving forward as it relates to the virus and the control of it,” Fangio said earlier this week. “There would be a lot of good that could come out of that when it does happen.”
Because all teams are following the same stay-away rules, Fangio said the Broncos “won’t be any more behind than anyone else is,” when they report to training camp.
Unclear, once the league feels the conditions are safe enough for players to return to the facility, is if training camp, currently scheduled for late July, will start earlier to assimilate the rookies or the preseason game schedule will be reduced from four games.
High expectations?
Expectations for the Broncos may be higher internally and around the region than nationally.
Since the end of last year, the Broncos have added as many as 5-6 new offensive starters (running back Melvin Gordon, right guard Graham Glasgow, receiver Jerry Jeudy, center Lloyd Cushenberry and, depending on the personnel, receiver KJ Hamler or tight end Nick Vannett) and two defensive starters (cornerback A.J. Bouye and defensive end Jurrell Casey).
“We’ve just got to go out there and do it,” Fangio said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us. We did end the season on a high note. We do believe we improved our roster, but that doesn’t mean anything. I’m confident our guys will come in with the right attitude.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Ask Amy: Grieving dad struggles to move on

Dear Amy : Four years ago , I had a serious work-related accident .
I was getting ready for my fourth surgery .
It was a risky procedure , and there was a good chance I might never walk again .
I was terrified .
Right before my surgery my wife left , which , in itself was hard , but she abandoned all four of her children too .
Three of them were my stepchildren ( they were biologically hers ) .
The two years since she left have been extremely difficult because three of our four children stayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their biological father .
My surgery went very well .
It took a long time , but I can walk again .
My biggest worry has always been the kids , though .
My ex-wife ignores all of them .
She has never helped to support them .
They are so angry at her and I don ’ t want them to carry that anger and resentment , because that ’ s how I have been my whole life .
I want them to be happy .
I give them all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s abandonment has been devastating to all of them .
I don ’ t care about the pain she caused me personally , but my children want their mother .
It rips me apart that she only calls them every four or five weeks , and only sees them once or twice a year .
I ’ m just an old broken man that could really use some advice .
Dear Broken : For you to help your children through this estrangement , it is vital that you find ways to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a triumph .
Now you need to continue to expand and demonstrate your emotional resilience .
From your narrative , it seems that your ex ’ s reprehensible behavior has become a defining experience for you .
But it ’ s not .
What you are doing now – steadfastly parenting through this storm – this is what defines you !
You have to show your kids that life does go on , and that you – and they – have some control over what happens next .
I hope you will build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that become the defining next chapters .
Build your friendships with other adults .
Other successful single parents ( fathers and mothers ) will help to show you the way .
You might also explore the possibility of legally adopting your stepchildren , so that they will always know that you belong together .
Changing your legal status from stepdad to “ Dad , ” might help all of you to move on together as a family .
Dear Amy : I have been married for five years .
We have two beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typical ups and downs , we are happy .
In high school , I had a serious boyfriend for three years .
It was a very emotionally abusive and a very unhealthy relationship for me .
However , for the last year and a half , I have had dreams about this high school boyfriend every night !
Some dreams are a bit steamy , but most of them are like clips from an unlived life .
We ’ re doing daily tasks in our home , spending time with his family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , I ’ m so happy in these dreams !
My rational mind knows that there were few positive aspects to this relationship from over a decade ago , but what gives ?
A dream or two is one thing , but 18 months of them !
?
Dear Dreamer : Our subconscious sometimes emerges during dreams to help us resolve issues in our waking lives .
I suggest that you start writing down your dreams each day in order to look for emergent patterns that you could interpret .
The act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specifics in your dreamscape .
My own interpretation is that you might feel guilty for staying in such an unhealthy relationship for so long .
Rewriting the old script ( exploring the “ unlived life ” ) might be your mind ’ s way of trying to prompt an attitude of acceptance and forgiveness toward your younger self .
I hope you follow this prompt .
The fact that you are having these dreams every night without resolution is cause for concern .
A psychologist could help you to turn the corner and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheltering in Wisconsin ” expressed a coronavirus-related concern , and in your answer , you advised her to “ wipe ” shared handles with disinfectant .
Amy , these disinfectant wipes may not be as useful as you think in containing the virus .
Dear Concerned : If I were concerned about transmission from a doorknob , I would open the door using the wipe itself , in order to avoid direct contact .

Dear Amy: Four years ago, I had a serious work-related accident. I was getting ready for my fourth surgery. It was a risky procedure, and there was a good chance I might never walk again. I was terrified.
Right before my surgery my wife left, which, in itself was hard, but she abandoned all four of her children too. Three of them were my stepchildren (they were biologically hers).
The two years since she left have been extremely difficult because three of our four children stayed with me and the fourth moved in with their biological father. My surgery went very well. It took a long time, but I can walk again.
My biggest worry has always been the kids, though. My ex-wife ignores all of them. She has never helped to support them.
They are so angry at her and I don’t want them to carry that anger and resentment, because that’s how I have been my whole life. I want them to be happy.
I give them all the love I have, but their mother’s abandonment has been devastating to all of them. I don’t care about the pain she caused me personally, but my children want their mother.
It rips me apart that she only calls them every four or five weeks, and only sees them once or twice a year.
I’m just an old broken man that could really use some advice.
— Broken Heart
Dear Broken: For you to help your children through this estrangement, it is vital that you find ways to become less broken. Your physical recovery is a triumph. Now you need to continue to expand and demonstrate your emotional resilience.
From your narrative, it seems that your ex’s reprehensible behavior has become a defining experience for you. But it’s not. What you are doing now – steadfastly parenting through this storm – this is what defines you!
You have to show your kids that life does go on, and that you – and they – have some control over what happens next. I hope you will build a legacy of positive and hopeful experiences that become the defining next chapters. Build your friendships with other adults. Other successful single parents (fathers and mothers) will help to show you the way.
You might also explore the possibility of legally adopting your stepchildren, so that they will always know that you belong together. Changing your legal status from stepdad to “Dad,” might help all of you to move on together as a family.
Dear Amy: I have been married for five years. We have two beautiful boys. While we’ve had typical ups and downs, we are happy.
In high school, I had a serious boyfriend for three years. It was a very emotionally abusive and a very unhealthy relationship for me.
However, for the last year and a half, I have had dreams about this high school boyfriend every night!
Some dreams are a bit steamy, but most of them are like clips from an unlived life. We’re doing daily tasks in our home, spending time with his family, going out with friends.
The kicker is, I’m so happy in these dreams! My rational mind knows that there were few positive aspects to this relationship from over a decade ago, but what gives? A dream or two is one thing, but 18 months of them!?
— Confused Dreamer
Dear Dreamer: Our subconscious sometimes emerges during dreams to help us resolve issues in our waking lives. I suggest that you start writing down your dreams each day in order to look for emergent patterns that you could interpret. The act of writing will help you to recall specifics in your dreamscape.
My own interpretation is that you might feel guilty for staying in such an unhealthy relationship for so long. Rewriting the old script (exploring the “unlived life”) might be your mind’s way of trying to prompt an attitude of acceptance and forgiveness toward your younger self. I hope you follow this prompt.
The fact that you are having these dreams every night without resolution is cause for concern. A psychologist could help you to turn the corner and dream differently.
Dear Amy: “Sheltering in Wisconsin” expressed a coronavirus-related concern, and in your answer, you advised her to “wipe” shared handles with disinfectant.
Amy, these disinfectant wipes may not be as useful as you think in containing the virus.
— Concerned
Dear Concerned: If I were concerned about transmission from a doorknob, I would open the door using the wipe itself, in order to avoid direct contact.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--John Hickenlooper must testify Thursday, Denver judge rules

U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper can not block a subpoena to testify about his alleged violations of a gift ban , a Denver judge ruled late Wednesday .
Hickenlooper , a Democrat , is scheduled to testify before the state ’ s Independent Ethics Commission on Thursday morning about private jet flights he accepted from wealthy friends and businesses while governor .
Earlier this week , his attorney sought to quash a subpoena from the IEC , claiming it was a violation of due process rights for the commission to force Hickenlooper to testify virtually .
Late Wednesday night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagreed in a short written ruling .
He declined to block the IEC ’ s subpoena of Hickenlooper and declined to stop Thursday morning ’ s hearing .
“ For better or worse , ” the judge wrote , “ remote legal proceedings are the norm right now and the IEC has made an informed decision to proceed by video conference in order to avoid any additional delays in ( Hickenlooper ’ s ) case .
The court will not second-guess that decision.
” Whether Hickenlooper will abide by the subpoena remains unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 hours before the 9 a.m. hearing was set to begin — the Hickenlooper campaign said it was weighing its options .
“ Governor Hickenlooper has said for months he wants to testify , but even the Republicans behind this politically motivated complaint agreed an unreliable and glitchy virtual hearing would not protect his due process rights , ” said Melissa Miller , a spokeswoman for the Hickenlooper campaign .
“ The IEC asked for dates in August , which Governor Hickenlooper provided .
We are reviewing this decision and our next steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was represented by the Attorney General ’ s Office , told Baumann in a legal filing Wednesday afternoon that Hickenlooper ’ s claims were meritless .
“ Multiple federal and state courts have rejected constitutional challenges to hearings that are conducted in whole or in part by video conference , and for good reason , ” wrote Assistant Attorney General Gina M. Cannan .
Hickenlooper will face Andrew Romanoff in a Democratic primary June 30 .
The winner will take on Sen. Cory Gardner , a Yuma Republican , in early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 9 a.m. hearing can be found here .

U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper cannot block a subpoena to testify about his alleged violations of a gift ban, a Denver judge ruled late Wednesday.
Hickenlooper, a Democrat, is scheduled to testify before the state’s Independent Ethics Commission on Thursday morning about private jet flights he accepted from wealthy friends and businesses while governor. Earlier this week, his attorney sought to quash a subpoena from the IEC, claiming it was a violation of due process rights for the commission to force Hickenlooper to testify virtually.
Late Wednesday night, Denver District Court Judge Christopher J. Baumann disagreed in a short written ruling. He declined to block the IEC’s subpoena of Hickenlooper and declined to stop Thursday morning’s hearing.
“For better or worse,” the judge wrote, “remote legal proceedings are the norm right now and the IEC has made an informed decision to proceed by video conference in order to avoid any additional delays in (Hickenlooper’s) case. The court will not second-guess that decision.”
Whether Hickenlooper will abide by the subpoena remains unclear. Around 10 p.m. Wednesday night — 11 hours before the 9 a.m. hearing was set to begin — the Hickenlooper campaign said it was weighing its options.
“Governor Hickenlooper has said for months he wants to testify, but even the Republicans behind this politically motivated complaint agreed an unreliable and glitchy virtual hearing would not protect his due process rights,” said Melissa Miller, a spokeswoman for the Hickenlooper campaign.
“The IEC asked for dates in August, which Governor Hickenlooper provided. We are reviewing this decision and our next steps,” she added.
The IEC, which was represented by the Attorney General’s Office, told Baumann in a legal filing Wednesday afternoon that Hickenlooper’s claims were meritless.
“Multiple federal and state courts have rejected constitutional challenges to hearings that are conducted in whole or in part by video conference, and for good reason,” wrote Assistant Attorney General Gina M. Cannan.
Hickenlooper will face Andrew Romanoff in a Democratic primary June 30. The winner will take on Sen. Cory Gardner, a Yuma Republican, in early November.
A link to watch Thursday’s 9 a.m. hearing can be found here.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--PHOTOS: Denver officials join in seventh day of demonstrations after the killing of George Floyd

Mayor Michael Hancock joined thousands of protesters on Denver ’ s streets Wednesday , asking them if they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ on the issues that brought them there .
“ It ’ s easy to march @ @ @ @ @ to talk .
But the real success of this movement is when it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ mayor said .
“ If we ’ re all tired of talking then , yes @ @ @ @ @ to get to work.
” Hancock received a mostly warm reception at the seventh day @ @ @ @ @ death of George Floyd at police hands in Minneapolis last week .
Others cheered when @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Jared Polis for not attending any of the protests .
Despite threatening weather @ @ @ @ @ thousands returned downtown early Wednesday evening to protest Floyd ’ s death .

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Kenny White, who spoke up from the crowd about needing real change and reform after hearing Murphy Robinson, Denver Public Safety Director, right, speak his mind about overseeing the city's response to protests during a rally focused on unity, love, community, respect and understanding in Denver on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Organizers gave White the chance to speak his mind to the masses rather than shutting his voice out. He outlined that real change needs to happen rather than words about change in light of the deaths of black people at the hands of law enforcement.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--PHOTOS: Coloradans turn out for a sixth night of George Floyd protests

Thousands of demonstrators , stretching for blocks , took over downtown Denver Tuesday for a sixth night of protests , @ @ @ @ @ at least as big as previous nights , the mood was more relaxed and peaceful @ @ @ @ @ it was winding down without tear gas or other major conflicts .
At the height @ @ @ @ @ moved through town , from the Colorado Capitol to Civic Center and then toward the @ @ @ @ @ , “ No justice .
No peace , ” “ Out of your home !
@ @ @ @ @ and “ Hey hey , ho ho , these racist cops have got to go @ @

Thousands of demonstrators, stretching for blocks, took over downtown Denver Tuesday for a sixth night of protests, but while the crowds were at least as big as previous nights, the mood was more relaxed and peaceful and as midnight neared, it was winding down without tear gas or other major conflicts.
At the height of the protest, demonstrators moved through town, from the Colorado Capitol to Civic Center and then toward the 16th Street Mall, chanting, “No justice. No peace,” “Out of your home! Into the streets!” and “Hey hey, ho ho, these racist cops have got to go!”
Read the full story here.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Demonstrators take to Denver’s streets on foot and in cars for eighth day of George Floyd protests

Masses of peaceful demonstrators took to Denver ’ s streets on Thursday evening , stopping traffic as they chanted and marched for an eighth day in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis — the tragedy that ’ s launched a national movement seeking racial justice and law-enforcement reform .
Activities kicked off in late afternoon at Civic Center Park with a “ youth education ” event that featured young speakers , including a 7-year-old named Jacob , who told the crowd , “ Black lives matter as much as white lives matter.
” Not long after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Colfax Avenue to Speer Boulevard , where they stopped traffic marching up the usually-busy thoroughfare , a crowd that stretched blocks .
The protesters gathered on the large field outside the Auraria Campus ’ s Tivoli Student Union for what has become one of the signature moments of these demonstrations : hundreds of people lied face-down on the grass , their arms behind their backs , for nine minutes of silence — symbolizing the length of time a now-former Minneapolis police officer knelt on Floyd ’ s neck before he died .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd , telling The Denver Post afterward that the response to Floyd ’ s death feels different , more energetic than the movements that followed previous police killings of black men and women .
“ This is extraordinary , ” he said .
“ We dream about getting young people engaged in a cause.
” School board member Tay Anderson told the crowd he is introducing a proposal Friday to end the contract between Denver Public Schools and the Denver Police Department .
Across town at the Shorter Community AME Church , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot , getting ready for a caravan protest .
“ This is a space for black love and liberation , ” an organizer with Black Lives Matter 5280 said .
Cars were painted with phrases like “ Defund the police ” and “ End police brutality.
” Part of the idea behind the car caravan was to allow proper COVID-19 social distancing while still protesting — participants safely in their cars instead of marching shoulder-to-shoulder .
Fatima Thibou , 46 , said this was the first time she ’ s ever been to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , she was followed by a car while jogging in her Littleton neighborhood .
“ Because I ’ m black in Littleton , I ’ m being followed ?
” She said her eyes have been opened in the last few weeks .
“ And I feel like I can ’ t close them , ” she said .
She felt like she needed to be here , to be a part of something bigger .
Thursday evening ’ s demonstrations continued the clam and peaceful note that ’ s been struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The demonstrations late last week and over the weekend , and even into Monday night , were confrontational , and saw some crime and vandalism — each night ending in clouds of police tear gas and barrages of pepper balls .
Beginning Tuesday and continuing Wednesday , Denver police stepped back , allowing the protests to continue well past the the 9 p.m. emergency curfew that , unless extended , is now in its final night .
The demonstrations proceeded peacefully those nights without the clashes with police that marred earlier marches .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver police who distributed cases of bottled water .

Masses of peaceful demonstrators took to Denver’s streets Thursday evening on foot and in vehicles, with downtown marchers supplemented by a miles-long car caravan on this eighth straight day of activism in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In Denver as elsewhere across the nation, protesters continued to sound the alarm for racial justice and the need for law-enforcement reform following the death of another black man at the hands of police.
Activities kicked off in late afternoon at Civic Center Park with a “youth education” event that featured young speakers, including 8-year-old Mac Vasquez, addressing the crowd.
“I think people, I just, I don’t know why this is happening,” she said. “Because it’s just how they look. It’s just their skin. Really on the inside, they’re as nice, kind and unique as us.”
Across town around the Shorter Community AME Church, a couple hundred people gathered, gearing up for a parade of protest vehicles. Part of the idea behind the caravan was to allow proper COVID-19 social distancing while still demonstrating — participants safely in their cars instead of marching shoulder-to-shoulder.
Fatima Thibou, 46, said this was the first time she’s ever been to a protest. She said two weeks ago, she was followed by a car while jogging in her Littleton neighborhood. “Because I’m black in Littleton, I’m being followed?”
Thibou said her eyes have been opened in the last few weeks. “And I feel like I can’t close them,” she said.
Line stretches at least a mile, probably more. Twitter won’t let me post my full video of the line, so this is a snippet of a snippet of the crowd. pic.twitter.com/LbrurA7Jhg — Elise Schmelzer (@EliseSchmelzer) June 5, 2020
The protest vehicles at one point were packed tight along a 2 1/2-mile stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, from Colorado Boulevard to Quebec Street, with many more cars stretched out in line. People could be seen standing on the sides of the street, fists in the air.
“I just want to have a voice,” said Michael Carter, one of the participants. “Mess up some traffic, if that gets the message across.”
Downtown, the demonstrators around the Capitol and in Civic Center Park headed west on Colfax Avenue to Speer Boulevard, where they stopped traffic and marched up the usually-busy thoroughfare, a crowd that stretched blocks.
Obviously a very different feel from past nights, when Denver Police deployed tear gas and less lethal projectiles around this time pic.twitter.com/gxWIeVLLqc — Shelly Bradbury (@ShellyBradbury) June 5, 2020
The protesters gathered on the large field outside the Auraria Campus’s Tivoli Student Union for what has become one of the signature moments of these demonstrations: hundreds of people lied face-down on the grass, their arms behind their backs, for nine minutes of silence — symbolizing the length of time a now-former Minneapolis police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck before he died.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser addressed the crowd, telling The Denver Post afterward that the response to Floyd’s death feels different, more energetic than the movements that followed previous police killings of black men and women.
“This is extraordinary,” he said. “We dream about getting young people engaged in a cause.”
Similarly, marcher Alexis Ward said she feels the outrage and momentum in these protests is unlike anything she has seen in her lifetime. She thinks the video of Floyd’s death is part of the reason why.
“It gets shown, the wrong, the ugly, but it’s the truth,” she said.
She brought her 17-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son with her Thursday night, saying, “I’m tired of being in fear for their lives.”
Thursday evening’s demonstrations, which moved back to the Capitol and Civic Center Park, continued the clam and peaceful note that’s been struck the last few nights in Denver. The demonstrations late last week and over the weekend, and even into Monday night, were confrontational, and saw some crime and vandalism — each night ending in clouds of police tear gas and barrages of pepper balls.
Beginning Tuesday and continuing Wednesday, Denver police stepped back, allowing the protests to continue well past the 9 p.m. emergency curfew that, unless extended, was in its final night Thursday. The demonstrations proceeded peacefully those nights without the clashes with police that marred earlier marches.
On a warm Thursday evening, marchers were even met by Denver police officers distributing cases of bottled water.
As the 9 p.m. curfew approached, the youth-oriented gathering in Civic Center Park broke up, with families, children and young activists heading home. But there were at least three large protests Thursday night, and a different group returned to the Capitol about a half hour after curfew.
Someone brought along a projecter that beamed messages — “By Any Means Necessary,” “Black Lives Matter, “We Will Not Be Silent” and obscenities directed at President Donald Trump and the police — onto the front facade of the Capitol.
And then a large group of people began marching again.
“Show me what democracy looks like!” one demonstrator shouted “This is what democracy looks like!” the crowd roared back.
Around 10 p.m., police responded to a shooting in the area of Broadway and Colfax Avenue, but said it was likely unrelated to the protests. As detectives investigated the crime scene nearby, demonstrators maintained their vigil in front of the Capitol.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Colorado distributed nearly $2 billion in unemployment aid the past two months

More than 370,000 Colorado residents received unemployment benefits last month , and over the past two months , the state has sent out more than $ 1.9 billion in assistance , the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment reported Thursday .
About $ 700 million came from the Colorado Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund via traditional unemployment benefits , with $ 315 million distributed in April and $ 372 million in May , said Ryan Gedney , a senior economist with the CDLE , during a weekly video press conference .
The federal government added $ 1.2 billion under programs authorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 1 billion coming through Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation , which provides an extra $ 600 a week in assistance through the end of July .
Just under $ 200 million went to independent contractors and self-employed workers under Pandemic Unemployment Assitance , which helped 71,381 people last month .
“ In comparison , about $ 2.2 billion were paid out through state and federal UI benefits in 2010 , at the height of the Great Recession , ” Gedney said .
The unprecedented payouts are raising questions about how long the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depletes .
Initially , estimates were that it might run out at the end of June .
At the current pace of distributions , the $ 625 million to $ 650 million still left should last into August , aided by the addition of second-quarter insurance premium payments , Gedney said .
The fund will have enough money on June 30 to avoid triggering a big spike in premiums starting next year , but not enough to avoid solvency surcharges .
When the money runs out — something it has done twice before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with loans to ensure payments still go out .
“ Claimants won ’ t see an interruption in benefit payments , ” Gedney said .
Employers , however , likely face years of higher premium payments to replenish the fund and repay any federal loans taken out .
Cher Haavind , deputy executive director of CDLE , noted that more than 80 % of those who have applied for benefits in Colorado have received assistance , one of the highest rates of any state .
But CDLE continues to see a crushing volume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who call multiple times a day to get through — an issue the state is trying to address .
An ongoing problem involves people who file an initial claim and receive a personal identification number , but who fail to certify every two weeks and report the hours worked , or more likely , not worked .
“ You must certify to us on a regular basis that you are able , available and actively seeking work , ” said Haavind .
When people don ’ t certify eligibility , their claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still need assistance .
“ It makes our system think they have returned to work , ” she said .
For those who still need help , they have to start the claim process over , a hassle for everyone involved .

More than 370,000 Colorado residents received unemployment benefits last month, and over the past two months, the state has sent out more than $1.9 billion in assistance, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment reported Thursday.
About $700 million came from the Colorado Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund via traditional unemployment benefits, with $315 million distributed in April and $372 million in May, said Ryan Gedney, a senior economist with the CDLE, during a weekly video press conference.
The federal government added $1.2 billion under programs authorized by the CARES Act, with more than $1 billion coming through Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, which provides an extra $600 a week in assistance through the end of July. Just under $200 million went to independent contractors and self-employed workers under Pandemic Unemployment Assitance, which helped 71,381 people last month.
“In comparison, about $2.2 billion were paid out through state and federal UI benefits in 2010, at the height of the Great Recession,” Gedney said.
The unprecedented payouts are raising questions about how long the state trust fund will last before it depletes. Initially, estimates were that it might run out at the end of June. At the current pace of distributions, the $625 million to $650 million still left should last into August, aided by the addition of second-quarter insurance premium payments, Gedney said.
The fund will have enough money on June 30 to avoid triggering a big spike in premiums starting next year, but not enough to avoid solvency surcharges. When the money runs out — something it has done twice before — the federal government will step in with loans to ensure payments still go out.
“Claimants won’t see an interruption in benefit payments,” Gedney said. Employers, however, likely face years of higher premium payments to replenish the fund and repay any federal loans taken out.
Cher Haavind, deputy executive director of CDLE, noted that more than 80% of those who have applied for benefits in Colorado have received assistance, one of the highest rates of any state.
But CDLE continues to see a crushing volume at its call centers, often from people who call multiple times a day to get through — an issue the state is trying to address.
An ongoing problem involves people who file an initial claim and receive a personal identification number, but who fail to certify every two weeks and report the hours worked, or more likely, not worked.
“You must certify to us on a regular basis that you are able, available and actively seeking work,” said Haavind.
When people don’t certify eligibility, their claims are closed, whether or not they still need assistance.
“It makes our system think they have returned to work,” she said.
For those who still need help, they have to start the claim process over, a hassle for everyone involved.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--More than 200,000 Coloradans have now been tested for COVID-19

Colorado has now tested more than 200,000 residents for the new coronavirus , and found 300 additional cases between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon .
So far , 27,360 people have tested positive for the virus , out of 200,912 people who were swabbed .
That means about 14 % of tests were positive — still higher than the 10 % threshold some experts say signals a state is doing enough testing .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported two people who had COVID-19 had died on Wednesday , bringing the weekly total to three .
If the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be the lowest number of weekly deaths from the new virus since early March , but it ’ s too early to know for sure , because deaths are sometimes reported up to two weeks after a person expires .
CDPHE reports 1,512 people who had the virus have died — up 18 from the number reported the day before — and in 1,255 cases , the virus was listed as the cause of death .
That number was up just one from the prior day .
Because of the lag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state health officials on a given day didn ’ t all necessarily occur the day before .
The total number of hospitalizations rose slightly , from 4,443 to 4,460 , but the Colorado Hospital Association didn ’ t update its daily data on how many people were still receiving care .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado has now tested more than 200,000 residents for the new coronavirus, and found 300 additional cases between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon.
So far, 27,360 people have tested positive for the virus, out of 200,912 people who were swabbed. That means about 14% of tests were positive — still higher than the 10% threshold some experts say signals a state is doing enough testing.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported two people who had COVID-19 had died on Wednesday, bringing the weekly total to three.
If the toll doesn’t go up, it would be the lowest number of weekly deaths from the new virus since early March, but it’s too early to know for sure, because deaths are sometimes reported up to two weeks after a person expires.
CDPHE reports 1,512 people who had the virus have died — up 18 from the number reported the day before — and in 1,255 cases, the virus was listed as the cause of death. That number was up just one from the prior day.
Because of the lag in reporting, new deaths reported by state health officials on a given day didn’t all necessarily occur the day before.
The total number of hospitalizations rose slightly, from 4,443 to 4,460, but the Colorado Hospital Association didn’t update its daily data on how many people were still receiving care.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Four protesters file lawsuit seeking to ban Denver police from using tear gas, projectiles on protes

Four protesters file lawsuit seeking to ban Denver police from using tear gas, projectiles on protesters

Four Denver residents filed a lawsuit against the city Thursday afternoon , demanding that Denver police be barred from using @ @ @ @ @ weapons against people participating in the George Floyd protests .
The class action complaint claims @ @ @ @ @ the use of tear gas and pepper ball projectiles , by officers in hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ to the constitutional rights of protesters and bystanders.
” The plaintiffs are asking a Denver @ @ @ @ @ an injunction , banning the weapons ’ use immediately .
“ Officers have simply used @ @ @ @ @ show their dominance over protesters and the citizens of Denver and Colorado , ” the @ @ @ @ @ targeted citizens , journalists and medics seeking to aid those harmed by the devices , @ @ @ @ @ by Denver attorney Milo Schwab .
“ This pattern and practice of conduct by Denver @ @ @ @ @ , ” the lawsuit said .
The 25-page legal action asks the court to “ @ @ @ @ @ Denver from “ further violence and unconstitutional conduct .
”

Four Denver residents filed a lawsuit against the city Thursday afternoon, demanding that Denver police be barred from using tear gas and other non-lethal weapons against people participating in the George Floyd protests.
The class action complaint claims that police actions, including the use of tear gas and pepper ball projectiles, by officers in hundreds of incidents is “without regard to the constitutional rights of protesters and bystanders.” The plaintiffs are asking a Denver District Court judge to impose an injunction, banning the weapons’ use immediately.
“Officers have simply used these weapons to assert and show their dominance over protesters and the citizens of Denver and Colorado,” the lawsuit claims.
Police have targeted citizens, journalists and medics seeking to aid those harmed by the devices, according to the complaint filed by Denver attorney Milo Schwab.
“This pattern and practice of conduct by Denver police tramples on the Constitution,” the lawsuit said.
The 25-page legal action asks the court to “restrain” the city of Denver from “further violence and unconstitutional conduct.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Gyms can officially reopen in Colorado under new coronavirus guidelines

State health officials finalized long-awaited guidelines for reopening gyms , fitness classes , rec centers and other indoor sports facilities on Thursday , allowing them to operate at up to 25 % capacity or 50 people per room — whichever number is fewer — as long as members can stay 6 feet apart .
That ’ s a significant difference from the draft guidelines that were posted Tuesday for a public comment period that ended Wednesday .
Those guidelines said “ recreators ” would be permitted in groups of 10 people per room .
“ This is more than I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes me happy , ” said Crossfit Broadway owner Jason Kelly , who was already conducting classes of three or four people under Safer at Home guidelines previously in effect .
“ That ’ s a pretty large increase for us , so it fits our model of business a little bit better .
I think the membership is going to be very happy about it , that we can kind of resume some normalcy.
” Kristen Baylis , the owner of Pure Barre in Lakewood , plans to reopen Friday .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people per room to 25 % capacity or 50 people was a response to push-back from larger gyms , a completely different dynamic from her small boutique studio .
RELATED : Yoga studios , boutique fitness not sure if they ’ ll be able to make it through coronavirus closures “ If you were like a 24 Hour Fitness , you could have 10 and I could have 10 , ” Baylis said .
“ I think this is more friendly to the bigger gyms .
We ’ ll never have any more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing to highlight is that just like restaurants can ’ t survive long-term at 50 % capacity , gyms long-term can ’ t survive at 25 % capacity .
But in the short-term , at least this is a start to rebuilding our memberships.
” Kelsey Donahue , the regional manager for Orangetheory Fitness , said 25 % capacity might be problematic for their studios .
“ In our average-size studio , we have up to 45 people working out at once , ” Donahue said .
“ We ’ ll just have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , and if that works for us .
Is it even somewhat profitable to have only 11-person classes when we normally have up to 45 ?
” Other guidelines set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment say gyms should : • Discourage the use of shared equipment and ensure all equipment is cleaned and disinfected between each use .
• Close off series of lockers to promote distancing and reduce gatherings in restrooms , showers and locker rooms .
• Post signs for employees and customers outlining hand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 25 % capacity , or up to 50 people , and CDPHE says it is “ strongly encouraged ” to limit pool activity to lap swimming .
CDPHE also finalized its guidelinse for outdoor recreation , which can be found here .
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

State health officials finalized long-awaited guidelines for reopening gyms, fitness classes, rec centers and other indoor sports facilities on Thursday, allowing them to operate at up to 25% capacity or 50 people per room — whichever number is fewer — as long as members can stay 6 feet apart.
That’s a significant difference from the draft guidelines that were posted Tuesday for a public comment period that ended Wednesday. Those guidelines said “recreators” would be permitted in groups of 10 people per room.
“This is more than I thought they would do, so it makes me happy,” said Crossfit Broadway owner Jason Kelly, who was already conducting classes of three or four people under Safer at Home guidelines previously in effect. “That’s a pretty large increase for us, so it fits our model of business a little bit better. I think the membership is going to be very happy about it, that we can kind of resume some normalcy.”
Kristen Baylis, the owner of Pure Barre in Lakewood, plans to reopen Friday. She said she speculated the increase from 10 people per room to 25% capacity or 50 people was a response to push-back from larger gyms, a completely different dynamic from her small boutique studio.
RELATED: Yoga studios, boutique fitness not sure if they’ll be able to make it through coronavirus closures
“If you were like a 24 Hour Fitness, you could have 10 and I could have 10,” Baylis said. “I think this is more friendly to the bigger gyms. We’ll never have any more than 10 people. I think one thing to highlight is that, just like restaurants, we can’t survive long-term at 50% capacity, gyms long-term can’t survive at 25% capacity. But in the short-term, at least this is a start to rebuilding our memberships.”
Kelsey Donahue, the regional manager for Orangetheory Fitness, said 25% capacity might be problematic for their studios.
“In our average-size studio, we have up to 45 people working out at once,” Donahue said. “We’ll just have to figure out how that works for us, and if that works for us. Is it even somewhat profitable to have only 11-person classes when we normally have up to 45?”
Other guidelines set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment say gyms should:
Discourage the use of shared equipment and ensure all equipment is cleaned and disinfected between each use.
Close off series of lockers to promote distancing and reduce gatherings in restrooms, showers and locker rooms.
Provide access to hand sanitizer.
Request that staff members and guests wear face coverings.
Conduct symptom and temperature checks for employees.
Post signs for employees and customers outlining hand and respiratory hygiene.
Pools are limited to 25% capacity, or up to 50 people, and CDPHE says it is “strongly encouraged” to limit pool activity to lap swimming.
CDPHE also finalized its guidelinse for outdoor recreation, which can be found here.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Broncos podcast: Reviewing Vic Fangio and Kareem Jackson’s comments on racism and discrimination, pl

Broncos podcast: Reviewing Vic Fangio and Kareem Jackson’s comments on racism and discrimination, plus more analysis

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast , Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O ’ Halloran review @ @ @ @ @ ’ s comments this week on racism and discrimination in the wake of George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ protests .
Plus , an update on when coaches can return to team facilities — @ @ @ @ @ the NFL preseason firing up — as well as commentary on the failed 4th-and-15 proposal @ @ @ @ @ challenge rule and more .
Subscribe to our Broncos Insider newsletter to get the latest @ @ @ @ @ your inbox .

In this edition of the 1st-and-Orange podcast, Denver Post beat writers Kyle Newman and Ryan O’Halloran review Vic Fangio and Kareem Jackson’s comments this week on racism and discrimination in the wake of George Floyd’s death and nationwide protests.
Plus, an update on when coaches can return to team facilities — and the likely timeline of the NFL preseason firing up — as well as commentary on the failed 4th-and-15 proposal, the axed pass interference challenge rule and more.
Subscribe to the podcast
SoundCloud | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS
Subscribe to our Broncos Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--As Fox Hill opens its home showcase Friday near Parker, designs from $1.5M are already selling, as b

As Fox Hill opens its home showcase Friday near Parker, designs from $1.5M are already selling, as buyers seek space

For one sign of how the coronavirus crisis will affect the real estate market , consider that Fox Hill near Parker is set to open its showcase of custom home designs on large sites Friday , June 12 but one home already went under contract last week .
“ We ’ re getting sales to families that are rethinking how they want to live as the virus crisis recedes , ” says Paige McLaughlin , broker at Fox Hill , who wrote a contract on one of the three Custom Home Showcase designs at a price reported in excess of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of five sales in Fox Hill in just the past week—including three reservations for its acre-plus home sites that will yield homes similar to the three Showcase homes .
Meanwhile , Fox Hill was already seeing rapid sales of its homes earlier this year , when the virus crisis prompted a redesign of the home show event .
“ This is a sign that buyers are stepping back into the market , with a different view of what they want , ” says Robert August of North Star Synergies , planning the show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this is the Denver area ’ s first custom home show involving multiple builders in a single setting to take place in 12 years .
August also notes that custom home shows marked the openings of Stapleton in 2000 and of Lowry in 1998 .
One featuring solar energy in 1980 , drew more than 125,000 visitors .
August says that this show , featuring Colorado ’ s first farm-to-table community with farm amenities that supply residents with fresh produce , would draw tens-of-thousands of visitors in a normal year but distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend .
To visit the Showcase , sign up for a tour time at LiveInFoxHill.com and purchase a ticket for $ 12 weekends , $ 8 weekdays , kids $ 4 .
Net proceeds from ticket sales go to the American Heart Association , involved in Covid-19 research and to SECOR Cares , a charity supporting Southeast area families during the emergency .
Along with Fox Hill ’ s farm-to-table lifestyle , buyers will see energy ideas and novel ways of living , including multi-generational floor plans that allow aging parents to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes ) .
All homes are on acre-plus sites , an uncommon outdoor space that ’ s definitely motivating sales , McLaughlin says .
“ People want more room to live outdoors , but still want a reasonable commute to city attractions , ” she adds .
She and Brandy Pfalmer can arrange for you to get a private preview of the homes Sunday , June 7 , 1:00 -4:00 p.m. Fox Hill , south of Bayou Gulch Road on Flintwood Road , is 30 minutes from the Denver Tech Center , 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Camerata Homes , Gladstone Custom Homes and TM Grace Builders .
Visitors can also see the century-old farmhouse and barn that anchored Fox Hill when it was a working hay farm and its new , high-tech farm amenities , already producing food .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

For one sign of how the coronavirus crisis will affect the real estate market, consider that Fox Hill near Parker is set to open its showcase of custom home designs on large sites Friday, June 12 but one home already went under contract last week.
Custom Home Showcase for American Heart Association What: Fox Hill Custom Home Showcase, benefit show of 3 homes by custom builders, ideas on farm-to-table living, energy, water conservation
Fox Hill Custom Home Showcase, benefit show of 3 homes by custom builders, ideas on farm-to-table living, energy, water conservation Where: 2937 Hidden Den Ct, Franktown; from E-470 head south on Parker Rd 8 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd., left on Bayou Gulch, east 5 mi. to Flintwood, south
2937 Hidden Den Ct, Franktown; from E-470 head south on Parker Rd 8 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd., left on Bayou Gulch, east 5 mi. to Flintwood, south Tickets: Available online only, weekdays $8; weekend $12; kids $4
Available online only, weekdays $8; weekend $12; kids $4 When: Opens Friday June 12, sign up for time slots on the web; preview June 7, 1- 4:00p.m.
Opens Friday June 12, sign up for time slots on the web; preview June 7, 1- 4:00p.m. Phone: 303-620-6677
303-620-6677 More Info: LiveInFoxHill.com
“We’re getting sales to families that are rethinking how they want to live as the virus crisis recedes,” says Paige McLaughlin, broker at Fox Hill, who wrote a contract on one of the three Custom Home Showcase designs at a price reported in excess of $1.5 million.
It was one of five sales in Fox Hill in just the past week—including three reservations for its acre-plus home sites that will yield homes similar to the three Showcase homes.
Meanwhile, Fox Hill was already seeing rapid sales of its homes earlier this year, when the virus crisis prompted a redesign of the home show event.
“This is a sign that buyers are stepping back into the market, with a different view of what they want,” says Robert August of North Star Synergies, planning the show’s Friday opening.
August notes that this is the Denver area’s first custom home show involving multiple builders in a single setting to take place in 12 years. August also notes that custom home shows marked the openings of Stapleton in 2000 and of Lowry in 1998. One featuring solar energy in 1980, drew more than 125,000 visitors.
August says that this show, featuring Colorado’s first farm-to-table community with farm amenities that supply residents with fresh produce, would draw tens-of-thousands of visitors in a normal year but distancing requirements will doubtless limit how many can attend.
To visit the Showcase, sign up for a tour time at LiveInFoxHill.com and purchase a ticket for $12 weekends, $8 weekdays, kids $4. Net proceeds from ticket sales go to the American Heart Association, involved in Covid-19 research and to SECOR Cares, a charity supporting Southeast area families during the emergency.
Along with Fox Hill’s farm-to-table lifestyle, buyers will see energy ideas and novel ways of living, including multi-generational floor plans that allow aging parents to come home to live (featured in two homes).
All homes are on acre-plus sites, an uncommon outdoor space that’s definitely motivating sales, McLaughlin says. “People want more room to live outdoors, but still want a reasonable commute to city attractions,” she adds. She and Brandy Pfalmer can arrange for you to get a private preview of the homes Sunday, June 7, 1:00 -4:00 p.m.
Fox Hill, south of Bayou Gulch Road on Flintwood Road, is 30 minutes from the Denver Tech Center, 20 minutes from Light Rail. Builders include Camerata Homes, Gladstone Custom Homes and TM Grace Builders. Visitors can also see the century-old farmhouse and barn that anchored Fox Hill when it was a working hay farm and its new, high-tech farm amenities, already producing food.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Denver police open investigation after viral video shows cops firing pepper balls at car as man scre

Denver police open investigation after viral video shows cops firing pepper balls at car as man screams his pregnant girlfriend is inside

Denver police Chief Paul Pazen launched an internal investigation into officers after a viral video showed them firing a barrage of pepper balls at a man standing beside his car and shouting that his pregnant girlfriend was inside .
The video was recorded on May 29 during the second night of George Floyd protests .
In the video clip , a man stands outside a dark sedan that has stopped in the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Broadway .
He screams at about a half-dozen police officers , wearing helmets and gas masks , standing nearby on Broadway .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit his car .
As the man screams , police tell him to drive away but he refuses and continues to yell at officers “ ( Expletive ) I ain ’ t going no where , ” he shouts .
“ Shoot it again.
” Police fired multiple shots , hitting the car and sending clouds of powder rising off the hood and windshield .
Audio from a police scanner is heard in the background and sirens are blaring nearby .
The man spins and screams : “ There is a pregnant woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the car and drives off .
Pazen is listed as a complainant in the case .
The couple has not filed a complaint , according to a Denver police tweet .
Police said they ’ ve identified the people in the video and are attempting to contact them .

Denver police Chief Paul Pazen launched an internal investigation into officers after a viral video showed them firing a barrage of pepper balls at a man standing beside his car and shouting that his pregnant girlfriend was inside.
The video was recorded on May 29 during the second night of George Floyd protests.
Warning: This video contains graphic language
In the video clip, a man stands outside a dark sedan that has stopped in the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Broadway. He screams at about a half-dozen police officers, wearing helmets and gas masks, standing nearby on Broadway. The man is angered because a projectile had hit his car.
As the man screams, police tell him to drive away but he refuses and continues to yell at officers
“(Expletive) I ain’t going no where,” he shouts. “Shoot it again.”
Police fired multiple shots, hitting the car and sending clouds of powder rising off the hood and windshield. Audio from a police scanner is heard in the background and sirens are blaring nearby.
The man spins and screams: “There is a pregnant woman in the car!” He gets in the car and drives off.
Pazen is listed as a complainant in the case. The couple has not filed a complaint, according to a Denver police tweet. Police said they’ve identified the people in the video and are attempting to contact them.


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Kyle Shanahan praises Colin Kaepernick, feels he deserves admiration for taking stand

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan praised former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for trying to bring the issue of racism and police brutality to light with his protests during the national anthem in the 2016 season .
The issues surrounding Kaepernick ’ s stance have resurfaced this week as many players and teams in the league have been protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Floyd was a black man who was handcuffed as a police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes .
Officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder .
New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being criticized for reiterating his opposition to Kaepernick ’ s protest .
“ What he was doing was a big deal , ” Shanahan said Thursday about Kaepernick .
“ Whether you disagree with how he did it or not doesn ’ t matter .
It ’ s three years later and there ’ s still some people not understanding what his message was .
Too many people aren ’ t understanding the message that everyone ’ s been giving for a long time , and Colin did it the strongest out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ton for that and admire him.
” Kaepernick protested police brutality and racism during the 2016 season with the 49ers by taking a knee during the national anthem .
He was joined by several teammates and others throughout the league .
Shanahan arrived in San Francisco as coach the following year and wanted to go a different direction at quarterback .
Kaepernick opted out of his contract before getting released and has not been signed by another team since .
A handful of players protested in subsequent years but it had mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organization led by CEO Jed York would support any player who took part in a protest this season .
“ I ’ m all for protests , I ’ m all for change , ” he said .
“ I hope the protests cause change .
Whatever we got to do to get the change I ’ m for it .
I know our organization is , I know Jed is , I know our players are .
We always have been.
” Shanahan said he ’ s been talking to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd ’ s killing and said it ’ s important for white people not to be “ ignorant ” about the prevalence of racism and to understand black people are scared .
He said there ’ s been talk about what the team can do to address the problems and said the most important thing is to stress the importance of voting and to provide good examples for young people .
“ We ’ d like to do something collectively as a team , ” he said .
“ That ’ s something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main thing is , is how do you do it now , how do you do it a week from now , and how do you do it every day of your life.
” Shanahan said the NFL isn ’ t immune from criticism around issues of race .
The league has only four minority head coaches and just two general managers .
Of 13 coach openings the past two seasons , only two have gone to minorities , with Miami hiring Brian Flores in 2019 and Washington hiring Ron Rivera this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There were eight minority head coaches as recently as 2014 .
The league announced changes last month to strengthen the “ Rooney Rule , ” which was passed in 2003 to increase diversity among coaches and in the front office .
“ How the heck are there only four black coaches out of 32 head coaches .
How are there only two GMs ?
” Shanahan said .
“ The majority of our players are black .
So the fact that there ’ s that few , that ’ s not debatable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are openly thinking they ’ re doing it .
But that ’ s what the problem is .
That number is not debatable .
That is an issue .
I think we talked about it a lot .
It is something that has to get better.
” Shanahan ’ s staff includes an Arab American defensive coordinator in Robert Saleh , a black special teams coordinator in Richard Hightower and an openly gay woman assistant in Katie Sowers .
“ We have everything , ” Shanahan said .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re trying to be diverse .
It ’ s just because I ’ ve been around these people and they are really good at what they do and we can ’ t win without these people .
That ’ s just how it works out .
”

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan praised former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for trying to bring the issue of racism and police brutality to light with his protests during the national anthem in the 2016 season.
The issues surrounding Kaepernick’s stance have resurfaced this week as many players and teams in the league have been protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd was a black man who was handcuffed as a police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes. Officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder.
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees also apologized Thursday after being criticized for reiterating his opposition to Kaepernick’s protest.
“What he was doing was a big deal,” Shanahan said Thursday about Kaepernick. “Whether you disagree with how he did it or not doesn’t matter. It’s three years later and there’s still some people not understanding what his message was. Too many people aren’t understanding the message that everyone’s been giving for a long time, and Colin did it the strongest out of anyone. People should respect him a ton for that and admire him.”
Kaepernick protested police brutality and racism during the 2016 season with the 49ers by taking a knee during the national anthem. He was joined by several teammates and others throughout the league.
Shanahan arrived in San Francisco as coach the following year and wanted to go a different direction at quarterback. Kaepernick opted out of his contract before getting released and has not been signed by another team since.
A handful of players protested in subsequent years but it had mostly faded by last season. Shanahan said the organization led by CEO Jed York would support any player who took part in a protest this season.
“I’m all for protests, I’m all for change,” he said. “I hope the protests cause change. Whatever we got to do to get the change I’m for it. I know our organization is, I know Jed is, I know our players are. We always have been.”
Shanahan said he’s been talking to his players all week about the issues surrounding Floyd’s killing and said it’s important for white people not to be “ignorant” about the prevalence of racism and to understand black people are scared.
He said there’s been talk about what the team can do to address the problems and said the most important thing is to stress the importance of voting and to provide good examples for young people.
“We’d like to do something collectively as a team,” he said. “That’s something we’re still discussing. But the main thing is, is how do you do it now, how do you do it a week from now, and how do you do it every day of your life.”
Shanahan said the NFL isn’t immune from criticism around issues of race. The league has only four minority head coaches and just two general managers. Of 13 coach openings the past two seasons, only two have gone to minorities, with Miami hiring Brian Flores in 2019 and Washington hiring Ron Rivera this offseason after he was fired in Carolina.
There were eight minority head coaches as recently as 2014. The league announced changes last month to strengthen the “Rooney Rule,” which was passed in 2003 to increase diversity among coaches and in the front office.
“How the heck are there only four black coaches out of 32 head coaches. How are there only two GMs?” Shanahan said. “The majority of our players are black. So the fact that there’s that few, that’s not debatable. I don’t know if people are openly thinking they’re doing it. But that’s what the problem is. That number is not debatable. That is an issue. I think we talked about it a lot. It is something that has to get better.”
Shanahan’s staff includes an Arab American defensive coordinator in Robert Saleh, a black special teams coordinator in Richard Hightower and an openly gay woman assistant in Katie Sowers.
“We have everything,” Shanahan said. “It’s not just to show people that we’re trying to be diverse. It’s just because I’ve been around these people and they are really good at what they do and we can’t win without these people. That’s just how it works out.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-04--Colorado churches, gyms, pools can reopen at reduced capacities — and businesses can now refuse serv

Colorado churches, gyms, pools can reopen at reduced capacities — and businesses can now refuse service to the unmasked

Gov .
Jared Polis gave Colorado businesses the authority Thursday to refuse service to customers not wearing masks as state health officials issued new guidance allowing houses of worship , gyms , parks and swimming pools to reopen to limited capacities .
The state ’ s guidance documents for personal and outdoor recreation , as well as churches , synagogues and mosques , are similar to drafts issued earlier this week , but with some changes — marking the latest step toward restoring civic and recreational functions that were curtailed this spring in the push to slow the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can now reopen at 50 % capacity or with up to 50 people in the worship space , whichever is fewer .
For both indoor and outdoor worship , participants should be spaced 6 feet apart .
And it ’ s recommended that all congregants wear masks .
The new guidance for reopening gyms , fitness classes , rec centers and other indoor sports facilities allows them to operate at up to 25 % capacity or 50 people per room — whichever number is fewer — as long as members can stay 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different from the draft guidelines , which said “ recreators ” would be permitted in groups of 10 people per room .
“ This is more than I thought they would do , so it makes me happy , ” said Crossfit Broadway owner Jason Kelly , who was already conducting classes of three or four people under the state ’ s previous “ safer at home ” guidelines .
Under the new guidance , outdoor swimming pools can reopen to 50 % capacity or up to 50 people , whichever is fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open to up to 10 people at a time , with proper 6-foot social distancing .
At a wide-ranging news conference , the governor also outlined the possibility of allowing some visitors to nursing homes , announced $ 44 million in federal funds will go toward high-need schools and expressed support for demonstrations against racism and police brutality — while also worrying aloud that the protests will lead to a surge in COVID-19 cases .
And as more and more of Colorado comes back online , Polis described facial coverings as the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
Under an executive order , businesses will be able to ask people who don ’ t wear masks to leave , in the same way they require shirts and shoes , he said .
Polis unveiled a video advertisement , which promised , “ Our masks are our passport to the Colorado we love.
” He also specifically called out men , who may be more reluctant to wear masks because they fear appearing weak or “ uncool.
” “ A mask-wearing culture is our ticket to reopening sooner , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people wear masks in public , the less social distancing is required.
” While masks are an important strategy to slow the spread of the coronavirus , they ’ re not a replacement for other social distancing measures , said Elizabeth Carlton , an assistant professor of environmental and occupational health at the Colorado School of Public Health .
It ’ s also important to identify and isolate people with symptoms , and to avoid being close to other people for long periods of time , especially when gathering indoors , she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Health announced projections that Colorado could face a bigger spike in COVID-19 cases over the summer than it had in April if people relax their social distancing too much .
In some modeled scenarios , hospital intensive-care units could be overwhelmed .
“ If we go back to where we were with our contacts before the pandemic , we could be in bad shape for the summer , ” Carlton said .
Polis also pledged the state would release guidance for nursing homes in the near future , to allow people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve tested negative for the new virus in the previous 48 hours .
He called the proposal a “ Lifeline Pass , ” which would require relatives to show no symptoms and have no known exposure to the virus .
Testing for the virus can result in false negatives , and some people show no symptoms , so it ’ s not clear the pass process would ensure no one carrying COVID-19 is allowed to visit .
The pass is needed to balance older people ’ s need for social support with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable population , Polis said .
More than half of Colorado ’ s coronavirus deaths have been among people living in facilities for senior citizens or those with disabilities .
“ We can not sacrifice our elders in an effort to save them , ” he said .

Gov. Jared Polis gave Colorado businesses the authority Thursday to refuse service to customers not wearing masks as state health officials issued new guidance allowing houses of worship, gyms, parks and swimming pools to reopen to limited capacities.
The state’s guidance documents for personal and outdoor recreation, as well as churches, synagogues and mosques, are similar to drafts issued earlier this week, but with some changes — marking the latest step toward restoring civic and recreational functions that were curtailed this spring in the push to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Houses of worship in Colorado can now reopen at 50% capacity or with up to 50 people in the worship space, whichever is fewer. For both indoor and outdoor worship, participants should be spaced 6 feet apart. And it’s recommended that all congregants wear masks.
The new guidance for reopening gyms, fitness classes, rec centers and other indoor sports facilities allows them to operate at up to 25% capacity or 50 people per room — whichever number is fewer — as long as members can stay 6 feet apart. That’s a different from the draft guidelines, which said “recreators” would be permitted in groups of 10 people per room.
“This is more than I thought they would do, so it makes me happy,” said Crossfit Broadway owner Jason Kelly, who was already conducting classes of three or four people under the state’s previous “safer at home” guidelines.
Under the new guidance, outdoor swimming pools can reopen to 50% capacity or up to 50 people, whichever is fewer. And playgrounds at parks can now open to up to 10 people at a time, with proper 6-foot social distancing.
At a wide-ranging news conference, the governor also outlined the possibility of allowing some visitors to nursing homes, announced $44 million in federal funds will go toward high-need schools and expressed support for demonstrations against racism and police brutality — while also worrying aloud that the protests will lead to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
And as more and more of Colorado comes back online, Polis described facial coverings as the key to completely reopening the state’s economy. Under an executive order, businesses will be able to ask people who don’t wear masks to leave, in the same way they require shirts and shoes, he said.
Polis unveiled a video advertisement, which promised, “Our masks are our passport to the Colorado we love.” He also specifically called out men, who may be more reluctant to wear masks because they fear appearing weak or “uncool.”
“A mask-wearing culture is our ticket to reopening sooner,” the governor said. “The more people wear masks in public, the less social distancing is required.”
While masks are an important strategy to slow the spread of the coronavirus, they’re not a replacement for other social distancing measures, said Elizabeth Carlton, an assistant professor of environmental and occupational health at the Colorado School of Public Health. It’s also important to identify and isolate people with symptoms, and to avoid being close to other people for long periods of time, especially when gathering indoors, she said.
Earlier this week, the School of Public Health announced projections that Colorado could face a bigger spike in COVID-19 cases over the summer than it had in April if people relax their social distancing too much. In some modeled scenarios, hospital intensive-care units could be overwhelmed.
“If we go back to where we were with our contacts before the pandemic, we could be in bad shape for the summer,” Carlton said.
Polis also pledged the state would release guidance for nursing homes in the near future, to allow people to visit their relatives if they’ve tested negative for the new virus in the previous 48 hours.
He called the proposal a “Lifeline Pass,” which would require relatives to show no symptoms and have no known exposure to the virus. Testing for the virus can result in false negatives, and some people show no symptoms, so it’s not clear the pass process would ensure no one carrying COVID-19 is allowed to visit.
The pass is needed to balance older people’s need for social support with the deadly toll the virus takes on a vulnerable population, Polis said. More than half of Colorado’s coronavirus deaths have been among people living in facilities for senior citizens or those with disabilities.
“We cannot sacrifice our elders in an effort to save them,” he said.
Denver Post staff writer John Meyer contributed to this report.