thedenverpost--2020-08-22--Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars: Who has the edge, five things to watch and predictions

Who has the edge ?
Tyler Seguin probably needs to get back to being Dallas ’ most dangerous forward if the Stars hope to hang with the Avalanche .
The regular-season leading scorer , Seguin is looking for his first goal and has just three assists in eight playoff games ( he missed one because he was “ unfit to play ” ) .
But Dallas has star rookie sniper Denis Gurianov , who had four goals in a wild Game 6 victory over Calgary , and top-end veteran talent in Joe Pavelski , Jamie Benn , Alexander Radulov , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stars bounced back and won from two-goal deficits eight times during the regular season , so a 2-0 lead doesn ’ t mean much to these guys .
The Avalanche , meanwhile , has centers Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri and a load of dangerous wingers who were awesome in the first round against Arizona .
Colorado wants to roll four lines , and is the deeper club up front .
Depth usually prevails in the playoffs .
EDGE : Avalanche It ’ s going to be fun to watch two of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dallas ’ Miro Heiskanen and the Avs ’ Cale Makar — the top two blueliners selected in the 2017 draft .
The Stars could have had Makar at No .
3 overall but chose Heiskanen .
Makar went fourth to Colorado .
Both are elite skating playmakers who run the top power-play .
Heiskanen leads all NHL blue-liners in playoff scoring with 12 points , just one behind overall leader MacKinnon .
John Klingberg and Esa Lindell are also puck-moving defensemen for the Stars and Jamie “ Big Rig ” Oleksiak is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet in the corner or in front of the net .
Colorado is stout from top to bottom on the back end and loves to quickly move the puck up ice .
There is no shortage of talent and the Avs ’ Erik Johnson and Ian Cole are the hardcore veteran D you want on your side .
EDGE : Avalanche The Stars will begin the series with 5-foot-11 Anton Khudobin , who has statistically outplayed opening-night 6-7 starter Ben Bishop in the regular season and playoffs .
But given that the Avalanche @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darcy Kuepmer twice in the first round , Bishop could play a factor .
The Denver-born Bishop is champing at the bit for a chance .
Colorado will begin with Philipp Grubauer and have Pavel Francouz ready for relief .
Grubauer went 4-0 against Arizona and is the Avs ’ leader in net for the second straight year in the conference semifinals .
Edge : Even Colorado was an NHL-best 35 % ( 7-of-20 ) with the man-advantage in the first round and is playing with extraordinary confidence .
The Avs went a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Arizona .
The top unit with Makar , MacKinnon , Kadri , Gabe Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen is making tape-to-tape passes and producing creative ways to score in all areas of the offensive zone .
For Dallas , Heiskanen and Klingberg are very good up high and Benn is always dangerous around the net .
Edge : Avalanche Blocking shots is often the key to a successful PK and both teams have the players willing to do that .
In these playoffs , Colorado is killing penalties at a sizzling 88 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Avalanche Interim Stars coach Rick Bowness took over for Jim Montgomery in December and probably hasn ’ t gotten out of his players what Montgomery did .
But Bowness , 65 , has been coaching in the league since 1984 and certainly has extensive experience .
The Avs ’ Jared Bednar is looking for his third professional championship as a head coach — first in the NHL .
Edge : Even 1 .
The Avalanche struggled in regular season against Stars .
Colorado played Dallas four times and came out on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice in regulation , 2-1 and 4-1 , before a pair of midseason overtime losses ( one via shootout ) .
However , in round-robin seeding play , Colorado rolled through Dallas , 4-0 , for an Avs victory in Edmonton .
2 .
Dallas has already proven its playoff resilience .
In Game 6 against the Calgary Flames , the Stars trailed 3-0 in the first period — and proceeded to score seven consecutive goals ( including four from rookie forward Denis Gurianov ) .
It marked the sixth time an NHL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first period , then came back to win a series-ending game .
3 .
Will fatigue become a factor ?
The NHL didn ’ t wait for all of its first-round games to end before firing up the second round .
The Avs have played games on 5 of the last 10 days .
The Stars have played six games over 11 days .
Colorado players touted the benefit of practicing at high-altitude when Avs training camp resumed in July .
Time to show that conditioning on the ice .
4 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be challenged .
Colorado ’ s goalie tandem was hardly tested against the Coyotes , with the Avs carrying a hefty shots-on-goal advantage over five games ( 185-108 ) .
Expect Dallas to be much more aggressive offensively with Gurianov and center Joe Pavelski currently tied for the NHL lead in playoff goals scored , along with Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri , at six apiece .
5 .
Will Nathan MacKinnon ’ s hot streak continue ?
The Avs ’ MVP finalist leads the NHL with 13 points ( four goals ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bubble .
MacKinnon — already world-renowned for his offensive skill — has taken great strides to become one of the league ’ s best two-way forwards .
He ’ s unafraid to initiate contact on the forecheck or drop gloves when necessary .
Mike Chambers , Avalanche beat writer : Based on how the Avs breezed past Arizona in the first round with a relentless attack and highly dangerous power play , I don ’ t see them losing this series .
That said , Dallas has a veteran team capable of winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win one or two in overtime , it could be a tight series .
Avalanche in six .
Kyle Fredrickson , Avalanche beat writer : The Avalanche lived up to its billing in the first round , but let ’ s be honest , Arizona lacked the overall roster talent to make it a challenge .
That ’ s not the case in Round 2 .
Dallas has the goaltending , defensive commitment and scoring prowess to push Colorado to the brink .
But I expect goalie Philipp Grubauer to show up big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avalanche in seven .
Sean Keeler , columnist : The longer Ben Bishop — 4-2 in his last six regular-season meetings against the Avs , giving up just nine goals — stays away from this series , the better .
Dallas backup goalie Anton Khudobin ’ s got a killer D in front of him , but ultimately , Colorado ’ s superior depth , and Nazem Kadri ’ s hot hand , should win out .
Advantage : Irresistible force .
Avalanche in seven .
Mark Kiszla , sports columnist : Four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quest for Cup .
And luck plays a role in journey .
Colorado gets easier second-round draw than Vegas .
Every little bit helps .
Avalanche in six .
Lori Punko , deputy sports editor : There is no doubt the Avalanche has offensive fire-power , outscoring the Coyotes 22-8 — with 11 of those goals coming on the power play .
Conversely , Dallas has one of the NHL ’ s top defenses .
Stars ’ defenseman Miro Heiskanen has 12 playoff points , just one behind the Avs ’ Nathan MacKinnon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advantage over a Dallas penalty-kill that has given up seven goals in nine playoff games .
Avalanche in six

Mike Chambers, Kyle Fredrickson, Mark Kiszla, Sean Keeler, Lori Punko

Who has the edge?
FORWARDS
Tyler Seguin probably needs to get back to being Dallas’ most dangerous forward if the Stars hope to hang with the Avalanche. The regular-season leading scorer, Seguin is looking for his first goal and has just three assists in eight playoff games (he missed one because he was “unfit to play”). But Dallas has star rookie sniper Denis Gurianov, who had four goals in a wild Game 6 victory over Calgary, and top-end veteran talent in Joe Pavelski, Jamie Benn, Alexander Radulov, Blake Comeau and Andrew Cogliano. The Stars bounced back and won from two-goal deficits eight times during the regular season, so a 2-0 lead doesn’t mean much to these guys. The Avalanche, meanwhile, has centers Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri and a load of dangerous wingers who were awesome in the first round against Arizona. Colorado wants to roll four lines, and is the deeper club up front. Depth usually prevails in the playoffs. EDGE: Avalanche
DEFENSEMEN
It’s going to be fun to watch two of the best young defensemen in the league in Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen and the Avs’ Cale Makar — the top two blueliners selected in the 2017 draft. The Stars could have had Makar at No. 3 overall but chose Heiskanen. Makar went fourth to Colorado. Both are elite skating playmakers who run the top power-play. Heiskanen leads all NHL blue-liners in playoff scoring with 12 points, just one behind overall leader MacKinnon. John Klingberg and Esa Lindell are also puck-moving defensemen for the Stars and Jamie “Big Rig” Oleksiak is the guy you don’t want to meet in the corner or in front of the net. Colorado is stout from top to bottom on the back end and loves to quickly move the puck up ice. There is no shortage of talent and the Avs’ Erik Johnson and Ian Cole are the hardcore veteran D you want on your side. EDGE: Avalanche
GOALTENDING
The Stars will begin the series with 5-foot-11 Anton Khudobin, who has statistically outplayed opening-night 6-7 starter Ben Bishop in the regular season and playoffs. But given that the Avalanche forced the benching of Arizona’s Darcy Kuepmer twice in the first round, Bishop could play a factor. The Denver-born Bishop is champing at the bit for a chance. Colorado will begin with Philipp Grubauer and have Pavel Francouz ready for relief. Grubauer went 4-0 against Arizona and is the Avs’ leader in net for the second straight year in the conference semifinals. Edge: Even
Tale of the tape Colorado Dallas Goals-per-game 3.37 2.58 Goals-against-average 2.71 2.52 Power play 19.1% 21.1% Penalty killing 81.4% 79.7% * Regular season stats
POWER PLAY
Colorado was an NHL-best 35% (7-of-20) with the man-advantage in the first round and is playing with extraordinary confidence. The Avs went a combined 6-of-11 in the last two games against Arizona. The top unit with Makar, MacKinnon, Kadri, Gabe Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen is making tape-to-tape passes and producing creative ways to score in all areas of the offensive zone. For Dallas, Heiskanen and Klingberg are very good up high and Benn is always dangerous around the net. Edge: Avalanche
PENALTY KILLING
Blocking shots is often the key to a successful PK and both teams have the players willing to do that. In these playoffs, Colorado is killing penalties at a sizzling 88% and Dallas is 76.7%. Edge: Avalanche
COACHING
Interim Stars coach Rick Bowness took over for Jim Montgomery in December and probably hasn’t gotten out of his players what Montgomery did. But Bowness, 65, has been coaching in the league since 1984 and certainly has extensive experience. The Avs’ Jared Bednar is looking for his third professional championship as a head coach — first in the NHL. Edge: Even
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1. The Avalanche struggled in regular season against Stars. Colorado played Dallas four times and came out on the other side 0-2-2. The Avs fell twice in regulation, 2-1 and 4-1, before a pair of midseason overtime losses (one via shootout). However, in round-robin seeding play, Colorado rolled through Dallas, 4-0, for an Avs victory in Edmonton.
2. Dallas has already proven its playoff resilience. In Game 6 against the Calgary Flames, the Stars trailed 3-0 in the first period — and proceeded to score seven consecutive goals (including four from rookie forward Denis Gurianov). It marked the sixth time an NHL playoff team has ever trailed 3-0 in the first period, then came back to win a series-ending game.
3. Will fatigue become a factor? The NHL didn’t wait for all of its first-round games to end before firing up the second round. The Avs have played games on 5 of the last 10 days. The Stars have played six games over 11 days. Colorado players touted the benefit of practicing at high-altitude when Avs training camp resumed in July. Time to show that conditioning on the ice.
4. Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz will finally be challenged. Colorado’s goalie tandem was hardly tested against the Coyotes, with the Avs carrying a hefty shots-on-goal advantage over five games (185-108). Expect Dallas to be much more aggressive offensively with Gurianov and center Joe Pavelski currently tied for the NHL lead in playoff goals scored, along with Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri, at six apiece.
5. Will Nathan MacKinnon’s hot streak continue? The Avs’ MVP finalist leads the NHL with 13 points (four goals) and an eight-game points streak inside the Edmonton bubble. MacKinnon — already world-renowned for his offensive skill — has taken great strides to become one of the league’s best two-way forwards. He’s unafraid to initiate contact on the forecheck or drop gloves when necessary.
Avs-Stars predictions
Mike Chambers, Avalanche beat writer: Based on how the Avs breezed past Arizona in the first round with a relentless attack and highly dangerous power play, I don’t see them losing this series. That said, Dallas has a veteran team capable of winning some games. If the Stars can win one or two in overtime, it could be a tight series. Avalanche in six.
Kyle Fredrickson, Avalanche beat writer: The Avalanche lived up to its billing in the first round, but let’s be honest, Arizona lacked the overall roster talent to make it a challenge. That’s not the case in Round 2. Dallas has the goaltending, defensive commitment and scoring prowess to push Colorado to the brink. But I expect goalie Philipp Grubauer to show up big when the Avs need it most. Avalanche in seven.
Sean Keeler, columnist: The longer Ben Bishop — 4-2 in his last six regular-season meetings against the Avs, giving up just nine goals — stays away from this series, the better. Dallas backup goalie Anton Khudobin’s got a killer D in front of him, but ultimately, Colorado’s superior depth, and Nazem Kadri’s hot hand, should win out. Advantage: Irresistible force. Avalanche in seven.
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Four Ws down, 12 to go in quest for Cup. And luck plays a role in journey. Colorado gets easier second-round draw than Vegas. Every little bit helps. Avalanche in six.
Lori Punko, deputy sports editor: There is no doubt the Avalanche has offensive fire-power, outscoring the Coyotes 22-8 — with 11 of those goals coming on the power play. Conversely, Dallas has one of the NHL’s top defenses. Stars’ defenseman Miro Heiskanen has 12 playoff points, just one behind the Avs’ Nathan MacKinnon with 13. But the Avs have the advantage over a Dallas penalty-kill that has given up seven goals in nine playoff games. Avalanche in six


thedenverpost--2020-08-22--Will Rockies fare better at Dodger Stadium without fans in attendance?

Four decks full of rowdy fans , a blaring sound system that shakes players to their core , and a very good local baseball team make Chavez Ravine a very difficult place for visiting teams .
Last year , the Dodgers went 59-22 in their home ballpark , the best home record in the National League .
The Rockies were 1-8 there , and all-time , they are 82-143 in Los Angeles .
“ When this place has fans in it , it is a very hostile environment , ” Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland said Friday before the Rockies took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is scheduled to start Saturday night ’ s game .
“ It ’ s very loud , ” Freeland continued .
“ They have a lot of loud music , they have a lot of fans and it ’ s a bit of an intimidating atmosphere .
“ And , honestly , you look at their lineup and they obviously have a World Series caliber ( team ) .
You put those two together , it doesn ’ t make winning here easy .
But at the same time , they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , there are no fans in the stands and it might be making a difference .
The Dodgers entered Friday ’ s game with an 8-5 mark at home vs. an 11-3 record on the road .
Road warriors .
The Rockies entered Friday ’ s play with a 1.63 road ERA through 10 games , the lowest road ERA in the majors .
Overall , the Rockies have given up only 1.01 home runs per game , the third-lowest mark in the majors , trailing only Cleveland ( 0.97 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last season , however , the Dodgers hit 44 homers in their 19 games against Colorado .
According to STATS , LLC , that number was tied for the most home runs vs. an opponent in a single season in National League history .
Cincinnati hit 44 off the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956 .
Tap time .
Outfielder Raimel Tapia was in the leadoff spot for the second consecutive game Friday .
It could be , if not a permanent move , then at least something manager Bud Black will use frequently .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead off tonight and we ’ ll see what we do moving forward , ” Black said .
“ But Tapia has had experience as a leadoff hitter in the minor leagues .
He feels comfortable there .
So I can see this continuing as long as his performance continues to be where it is right now.
” Tapia batted leadoff for the first time this season on Thursday and drew a career-high four walks .
Friday marked the 10th consecutive start for the left-handed hitter .
Over the previous nine games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one double , one triple , five RBIs , eight walks and a .541 on-base percentage .
Harvey update .
The Rockies recalled left-hander James Pazos from their alternate training site Friday after placing right-hander Joe Harvey on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow sprain .
Harvey was pulled out of Thursday ’ s game against Houston in the sixth inning after feeling his elbow tighten up .
“ Joe went through an MRI and some scans ( Thursday ) , ” Black said .
“ It showed a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re going to continue to assess it .
It doesn ’ t look as though anything is pending or is long term ( that ) might affect Joe.
” On Deck Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland ( 2-1 , 2.56 ERA ) at Dodgers RHP Dustin May ( 1-1 , 3.00 ) 7:10 p.m. Saturday , Dodger Stadium TV : AT & T SportsNet Radio : KOA 850 AM/94.1 AM Freeland is 5-for-5 in quality starts this season and has been Colorado ’ s most consistent pitcher .
He ’ s coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houston in which he pitched six innings , allowing two runs on seven hits .
He struck out two and walked none .
Freeland has a 3.96 ERA in five career starts at Dodger Stadium , where he ’ s struck out 14 and walked 14 but only served up one homer .
Freeland ’ s WHIP at Chavez Ravine is a relatively high 1.680 .
A.J .
Pollock has hit Freeland hard , batting .400 ( 8-for-20 ) with two home runs .
May allowed two runs on seven hits and struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a no-decision versus the Angels on Sunday .
He needed 88 pitches to get through his short outing .
He has not allowed more than two runs in any start this season but he ’ s made it to the sixth inning just twice .
May ’ s primary pitch is a two-seam fastball that averages 97.9 mph .
May has faced the Rockies just once , throwing one inning of relief last season .
Trending : Raimel Tapia entered Friday night ’ s game hitting .414 ( 12-for-29 ) in his past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his last 16 at-bats .
At issue : The Rockies entered the three-game weekend series at Los Angeles 4-20 in the past 24 games vs. the Dodgers since Sept. 9 , 2018 .
Also , the Rockies have lost 13 of the last 14 games at Dodger Stadium since July 1 , 2018 .
Pitching Probables : Sunday : Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela ( 3-0 , 3.90 ) at Dodgers RHP Ross Stripling ( 3-1 , 5.61 ) , 2:10 p.m. , ATTRM Monday : Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani ( 0-1 , 3.77 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-2 , 2.59 ) , 7:40 p.m. , ATTRM Tuesday : Rockies RHP German Marquez ( 2-4 , 4.38 ) at Diamondbacks TBD , 7:40 p.m. , ATTRM

Dodger Stadium is an inhospitable host.
Four decks full of rowdy fans, a blaring sound system that shakes players to their core, and a very good local baseball team make Chavez Ravine a very difficult place for visiting teams.
Last year, the Dodgers went 59-22 in their home ballpark, the best home record in the National League. The Rockies were 1-8 there, and all-time, they are 82-143 in Los Angeles.
“When this place has fans in it, it is a very hostile environment,” Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland said Friday before the Rockies took the field at Dodger Stadium. Freeland is scheduled to start Saturday night’s game.
“It’s very loud,” Freeland continued. “They have a lot of loud music, they have a lot of fans and it’s a bit of an intimidating atmosphere.
“And, honestly, you look at their lineup and they obviously have a World Series caliber (team). You put those two together, it doesn’t make winning here easy. But at the same time, they’re playing the same game.”
This season, of course, there are no fans in the stands and it might be making a difference. The Dodgers entered Friday’s game with an 8-5 mark at home vs. an 11-3 record on the road.
Road warriors. The Rockies entered Friday’s play with a 1.63 road ERA through 10 games, the lowest road ERA in the majors. Overall, the Rockies have given up only 1.01 home runs per game, the third-lowest mark in the majors, trailing only Cleveland (0.97) and Houston (1.00).
Last season, however, the Dodgers hit 44 homers in their 19 games against Colorado. According to STATS, LLC, that number was tied for the most home runs vs. an opponent in a single season in National League history. Cincinnati hit 44 off the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956.
Tap time. Outfielder Raimel Tapia was in the leadoff spot for the second consecutive game Friday. It could be, if not a permanent move, then at least something manager Bud Black will use frequently.
“It makes sense for him to lead off tonight and we’ll see what we do moving forward,” Black said. “But Tapia has had experience as a leadoff hitter in the minor leagues. He feels comfortable there. So I can see this continuing as long as his performance continues to be where it is right now.”
Tapia batted leadoff for the first time this season on Thursday and drew a career-high four walks. Friday marked the 10th consecutive start for the left-handed hitter. Over the previous nine games, he hit .414 (12-for-29) with one double, one triple, five RBIs, eight walks and a .541 on-base percentage.
Harvey update. The Rockies recalled left-hander James Pazos from their alternate training site Friday after placing right-hander Joe Harvey on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow sprain. Harvey was pulled out of Thursday’s game against Houston in the sixth inning after feeling his elbow tighten up.
“Joe went through an MRI and some scans (Thursday),” Black said. “It showed a little bit of trauma to the elbow joint. We’re going to continue to assess it. It doesn’t look as though anything is pending or is long term (that) might affect Joe.”
On Deck
Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (2-1, 2.56 ERA) at Dodgers RHP Dustin May (1-1, 3.00)
7:10 p.m. Saturday, Dodger Stadium
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 AM
Freeland is 5-for-5 in quality starts this season and has been Colorado’s most consistent pitcher. He’s coming off a tough, 2-1 loss at Houston in which he pitched six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. He struck out two and walked none. Freeland has a 3.96 ERA in five career starts at Dodger Stadium, where he’s struck out 14 and walked 14 but only served up one homer. Freeland’s WHIP at Chavez Ravine is a relatively high 1.680. A.J. Pollock has hit Freeland hard, batting .400 (8-for-20) with two home runs. May allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out two over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Sunday. He needed 88 pitches to get through his short outing. He has not allowed more than two runs in any start this season but he’s made it to the sixth inning just twice. May’s primary pitch is a two-seam fastball that averages 97.9 mph. May has faced the Rockies just once, throwing one inning of relief last season.
Trending: Raimel Tapia entered Friday night’s game hitting .414 (12-for-29) in his past nine games, with seven hits in his last 16 at-bats.
At issue: The Rockies entered the three-game weekend series at Los Angeles 4-20 in the past 24 games vs. the Dodgers since Sept. 9, 2018. Also, the Rockies have lost 13 of the last 14 games at Dodger Stadium since July 1, 2018.
Pitching Probables:
Sunday: Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (3-0, 3.90) at Dodgers RHP Ross Stripling (3-1, 5.61), 2:10 p.m., ATTRM
Monday: Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani (0-1, 3.77) at Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (3-2, 2.59), 7:40 p.m., ATTRM
Tuesday: Rockies RHP German Marquez (2-4, 4.38) at Diamondbacks TBD, 7:40 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-08-22--Nuggets coach Michael Malone questions roster’s “toughness” after Game 3 disaster

To paraphrase that ancient philosopher Mike Tyson , everybody ’ s got a plan — until they get punched in the mouth .
And right now , the blood ’ s gushing from the lips of the Denver Nuggets like a chocolate fountain .
“ I think we gave in too easy , ” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said , bluntly , after his squad was crushed for the second time in three days by the Utah Jazz on Friday , saddling Denver with a 2-1 deficit in their best-of-seven series .
“ Our group has to be a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trailed Game 3 by an 11-5 score four minutes in and 20-12 six minutes after that .
The Jazz stormed to a 25-14 lead at the end of the first period and kept its feet squarely on Denver ’ s collective throats for the rest of the afternoon .
“ Sometimes , we think we ’ re good when we ’ re down 12 ( in ) the first ( quarter ) , ” said guard Jamal Murray , who was largely a non-factor again , misfiring on 6-of-8 3-point attempts and 11-of-16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got to hold ourselves to a higher standard individually , as a squad , and as a three seed.
” Like their collective mentality , the math continues to not add up .
Unless you ’ re trying to piece together a surefire formula for going home from the bubble early .
Once Utah got the Nuggets on the canvas , Murray and company pretty much stayed there .
The Jazz had it going everywhere , draining 18-of-37 attempts from beyond the arc ( 48.7 % ) and dribble-driving mercilessly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuggets 48-32 in the paint .
“ We talked about , going in , how we have yet to take anything away from them , ” Malone said .
“ You can ’ t get beat from the 3-point line , you can ’ t get beat in the paint , and you can ’ t get beat on the glass .
And that ’ s what ’ s been happening for three games now , where we ’ ve been dominated in all three of those areas .
So I would say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malone did like one stretch Friday : A run in the final four minutes of the second quarter in which the Nuggets outscored Utah 14-6 , trimming the Jazz ’ s cushion to 17 at the break .
“ Obviously , our performance ( Friday ) was nowhere close to being good enough — from an effort standpoint , from a competition standpoint , from a discipline standpoint , ” Malone groused .
“ We had a stretch , I ’ d say maybe the last four minutes of the second quarter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , where guys were actually playing hard , competing every possession .
But you can ’ t do that for four minutes and expect to be in a game .
“ They ’ re playing at a different level than us right now , and we have to somehow find a way to not only match that , but exceed that , going into Game 4 ( Sunday ) .
”

To paraphrase that ancient philosopher Mike Tyson, everybody’s got a plan — until they get punched in the mouth. And right now, the blood’s gushing from the lips of the Denver Nuggets like a chocolate fountain.
“I think we gave in too easy,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said, bluntly, after his squad was crushed for the second time in three days by the Utah Jazz on Friday, saddling Denver with a 2-1 deficit in their best-of-seven series. “Our group has to be a lot more mentally tough.”
The third-seeded Nuggets trailed Game 3 by an 11-5 score four minutes in and 20-12 six minutes after that. The Jazz stormed to a 25-14 lead at the end of the first period and kept its feet squarely on Denver’s collective throats for the rest of the afternoon.
“Sometimes, we think we’re good when we’re down 12 (in) the first (quarter),” said guard Jamal Murray, who was largely a non-factor again, misfiring on 6-of-8 3-point attempts and 11-of-16 overall from the floor. “We’ve got to hold ourselves to a higher standard individually, as a squad, and as a three seed.”
Like their collective mentality, the math continues to not add up. Unless you’re trying to piece together a surefire formula for going home from the bubble early.
Once Utah got the Nuggets on the canvas, Murray and company pretty much stayed there. The Jazz had it going everywhere, draining 18-of-37 attempts from beyond the arc (48.7%) and dribble-driving mercilessly to get easy looks underneath, outscoring the Nuggets 48-32 in the paint.
“We talked about, going in, how we have yet to take anything away from them,” Malone said. “You can’t get beat from the 3-point line, you can’t get beat in the paint, and you can’t get beat on the glass. And that’s what’s been happening for three games now, where we’ve been dominated in all three of those areas. So I would say, definitely, it starts there.”
Malone did like one stretch Friday: A run in the final four minutes of the second quarter in which the Nuggets outscored Utah 14-6, trimming the Jazz’s cushion to 17 at the break.
“Obviously, our performance (Friday) was nowhere close to being good enough — from an effort standpoint, from a competition standpoint, from a discipline standpoint,” Malone groused. “We had a stretch, I’d say maybe the last four minutes of the second quarter, where that looked like playoff basketball to me, where guys were actually playing hard, competing every possession. But you can’t do that for four minutes and expect to be in a game.
“They’re playing at a different level than us right now, and we have to somehow find a way to not only match that, but exceed that, going into Game 4 (Sunday).”


thedenverpost--2020-08-22--A 59 for Scheffler, a near-miss for Dustin Johnson in Boston

NORTON , Mass .
— It took a disappointing par for Scottie Scheffler to realize he was making enough birdies to have a shot at 59 , and he seized on the chance Friday with four birdies over his last five holes to post the 12th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history .
For the longest time , it looked like his 59 might not even be the best of the day at The Northern Trust .
As Scheffler was signing his card , Dustin Johnson had already set off on an explosive start that put some buzz into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course .
He was 9 under through eight holes , and with two birdies to start the back nine , Johnson was 11 under through 11 holes .
And then he turned into a par machine , with only two good looks at birdie the rest of the way , and one decision he ’ d like to have back .
Johnson hit driver on the par-5 18th into a slope of grungy grass , when a 3-wood was all he would have needed to have a mid-iron into the green .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wedge to 25 feet and two-putted for a seventh straight par .
Johnson shot a 60 , had a two-shot lead , and it almost felt as though condolences were in order .
“ If I hit the fairway there , it ’ s a pretty easy 4 .
But I didn ’ t , so shot 60 , ” Johnson said .
“ That ’ s OK , though .
I ’ m pretty happy with it .
Pretty happy with my position leading into the weekend.
” Johnson was at 15-under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Cameron Davis ( 66 ) .
Scheffler finished with two putts from across the 18th green for his 12th birdie , knocking in his last putt from 4 feet .
“ You don ’ t really get a putt for 59 often , so I was quite nervous over the putt , but that ’ s nothing new , ” Scheffler said .
“ I get nervous over every shot .
That ’ s just playing competitive golf.
” Not since the John Deere Classic in 2010 have two players had 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That contributed to Tiger Woods feeling irritated by his pedestrian 71 that allowed him to make the cut on the number and left him 12 shots back .
“ I just didn ’ t quite have it , ” Woods said .
“ I was close to snapping a couple clubs today , but I didn ’ t , so that ’ s a positive.
” Scheffler , the smooth 24-year-old rookie from Texas , didn ’ t do hardly anything wrong .
Two good wedges from tough spots around the green set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pouring them in .
That included a 6-foot par putt on the 17th hole that set up the birdie he needed for a 59 .
On the 18th , his tee shot hopped out of the rough and into the first cut .
From 215 yards , he wisely aimed toward the left section of the green , hit 5-iron just short and had two putts from 85 feet for a 59 .
He rolled the long eagle attempt about 4 feet short , went over to his bag for a swig of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calmly rolled it in .
Scheffler was trying to make as many birdies as possible .
It was only after he missed a 10-foot birdie chance on the 13th that he began to realize what he was doing .
“ I was like , ‘ Oh , man , that would have been a nice one to go in ’ because I was playing really good at that point , ” he said .
“ Kind of clicked like , ‘ Hey , I have a chance to do something pretty cool today.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a 59 or better on the PGA Tour .
This stood out as the 59 that generated the least amount of excitement , not on a spectator-free course with no scoreboards in the groups .
Scheffler played with Kevin Streelman and Tony Finau , and only one of them knew what was going on .
“ We don ’ t have the sign bearers , so I brought it up to Tony on 17 green , and he had no idea , ” Streelman said .
“ He thought it was 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m like , ‘ No , he ’ s like 11 right now.
’ That ’ s the difference .
There would definitely have been electricity , fans running in .
He still had the pressure to step up there on 18 and make that nice up-and-down , and he played awesome .
So did Johnson .
He made it look so easy that Marc Leishman , playing in his group , starting wondering about the lowest score anyone ever shot .
“ A 59 didn ’ t even seem like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holed a 40-foot eagle putt on No .
2 .
He hit driver to 4 feet for eagle on No .
4 .
The rest of his birdie putts were in range , mostly from 12 feet or closer .
And he kept making them , until the birdies dried up quickly .
Johnson missed a 12-footer on the 13th and a 10-footer on the 17th .
And then he failed to make birdie on the last hole , the easiest of the day on the TPC Boston .
A 59 is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Travelers Championship in 2016 — but it ’ s still considered golf ’ s magic number .
It was the second time Scheffler shot 59 this year .
He also had one during with friends in Dallas when the tour shut down for three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Johnson will have to wait .
“ I wanted to shoot 59 .
I ’ ve never done it , ” he said .
“ Not that I remember , ” Johnson said , breaking into a smile before adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d remember that.
” Meanwhile , the FedEx Cup playoffs ended early for some two dozen players who missed the cut and were assured of not making the top 70 who advance to the BMW Championship next week .
That includes Phil Mickelson , Justin Rose , Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka , who withdrew before the tournament began .

NORTON, Mass. — It took a disappointing par for Scottie Scheffler to realize he was making enough birdies to have a shot at 59, and he seized on the chance Friday with four birdies over his last five holes to post the 12th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history.
For the longest time, it looked like his 59 might not even be the best of the day at The Northern Trust.
As Scheffler was signing his card, Dustin Johnson had already set off on an explosive start that put some buzz into the TPC Boston even without any spectators on the course.
Birdie. Eagle. Birdie. Eagle. Birdie.
He was 9 under through eight holes, and with two birdies to start the back nine, Johnson was 11 under through 11 holes.
And then he turned into a par machine, with only two good looks at birdie the rest of the way, and one decision he’d like to have back. Johnson hit driver on the par-5 18th into a slope of grungy grass, when a 3-wood was all he would have needed to have a mid-iron into the green. He had to lay up, hit wedge to 25 feet and two-putted for a seventh straight par.
Johnson shot a 60, had a two-shot lead, and it almost felt as though condolences were in order.
“If I hit the fairway there, it’s a pretty easy 4. But I didn’t, so shot 60,” Johnson said. “That’s OK, though. I’m pretty happy with it. Pretty happy with my position leading into the weekend.”
Johnson was at 15-under 127, two shots ahead of Scheffler and Cameron Davis (66). Scheffler finished with two putts from across the 18th green for his 12th birdie, knocking in his last putt from 4 feet.
“You don’t really get a putt for 59 often, so I was quite nervous over the putt, but that’s nothing new,” Scheffler said. “I get nervous over every shot. That’s just playing competitive golf.”
Not since the John Deere Classic in 2010 have two players had 60 or lower on the same day. That contributed to Tiger Woods feeling irritated by his pedestrian 71 that allowed him to make the cut on the number and left him 12 shots back.
“I just didn’t quite have it,” Woods said. “I was close to snapping a couple clubs today, but I didn’t, so that’s a positive.”
Scheffler, the smooth 24-year-old rookie from Texas, didn’t do hardly anything wrong. Two good wedges from tough spots around the green set up birdies early, and he kept pouring them in. That included a 6-foot par putt on the 17th hole that set up the birdie he needed for a 59.
On the 18th, his tee shot hopped out of the rough and into the first cut. From 215 yards, he wisely aimed toward the left section of the green, hit 5-iron just short and had two putts from 85 feet for a 59. He rolled the long eagle attempt about 4 feet short, went over to his bag for a swig of water while waiting his turn, and calmly rolled it in.
Scheffler was trying to make as many birdies as possible. It was only after he missed a 10-foot birdie chance on the 13th that he began to realize what he was doing.
“I was like, ‘Oh, man, that would have been a nice one to go in’ because I was playing really good at that point,” he said. “Kind of clicked like, ‘Hey, I have a chance to do something pretty cool today.’”
That makes five straight years with a 59 or better on the PGA Tour.
This stood out as the 59 that generated the least amount of excitement, not on a spectator-free course with no scoreboards in the groups. Scheffler played with Kevin Streelman and Tony Finau, and only one of them knew what was going on.
“We don’t have the sign bearers, so I brought it up to Tony on 17 green, and he had no idea,” Streelman said. “He thought it was 7 or 8 (under) and I’m like, ‘No, he’s like 11 right now.’ That’s the difference. There would definitely have been electricity, fans running in. He still had the pressure to step up there on 18 and make that nice up-and-down, and he played awesome.
“He played perfect golf today.”
So did Johnson. He made it look so easy that Marc Leishman, playing in his group, starting wondering about the lowest score anyone ever shot. “A 59 didn’t even seem like a question,” Leishman said.
Johnson holed a 40-foot eagle putt on No. 2. He hit driver to 4 feet for eagle on No. 4. The rest of his birdie putts were in range, mostly from 12 feet or closer. And he kept making them, until the birdies dried up quickly.
Johnson missed a 12-footer on the 13th and a 10-footer on the 17th. And then he failed to make birdie on the last hole, the easiest of the day on the TPC Boston.
A 59 is no longer the record — Furyk shot 58 at the Travelers Championship in 2016 — but it’s still considered golf’s magic number. It was the second time Scheffler shot 59 this year. He also had one during with friends in Dallas when the tour shut down for three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Johnson will have to wait.
“I wanted to shoot 59. I’ve never done it,” he said.
Never?
“Not that I remember,” Johnson said, breaking into a smile before adding, “And I think I’d remember that.”
Meanwhile, the FedEx Cup playoffs ended early for some two dozen players who missed the cut and were assured of not making the top 70 who advance to the BMW Championship next week. That includes Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka, who withdrew before the tournament began.


thedenverpost--2020-08-22--Loughlin, Giannulli get prison time in college bribery plot

BOSTON — Apologizing publicly for the first time for crimes their lawyers insisted for months they didn ’ t commit , “ Full House ” star Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband , Mossimo Giannulli , were sentenced to prison Friday for using their wealth and privilege to cheat their daughters ’ way into the college of their choice .
The two-month prison sentence for Loughlin and five-month term for Giannulli bring to a close the legal saga for the highest-profile parents ensnared in the college admissions bribery scheme — a scandal that rocked the U.S. educational system and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go to get their kids into elite universities .
Fighting back tears , Loughlin told the judge her actions “ helped exacerbate existing inequalities in society ” and pledged to do everything in her power to use her experience as a “ catalyst to do good.
” Her lawyer said she began volunteering with special needs students at an elementary school .
“ I made an awful decision .
I went along with a plan to give my daughters an unfair advantage in the college admissions process and in doing so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be swayed from my moral compass , ” Loughlin , 56 , said during the hearing held via videoconference because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Hours before in a separate hearing , Giannulli , whose Mossimo clothing had long been a Target brand until recently , told the judge he “ deeply ” regrets the harm to his daughters , wife and others .
“ I take full responsibility for my conduct .
I am ready to accept the consequences and move forward , with the lessons I ’ ve learned from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a stoic statement .
In her lawyer ’ s own words , Loughlin became the “ undisputed face of the national scandal ” thanks to her fame .
Her arrest shattered her clean image and destroyed her acting career .
“ Lori lost the acting career she spent 40 years building , ” attorney BJ Trach said .
“ She has become intertwined with the college admissions scandal.
” Attorneys for the couple described them as devoted parents motivated by a love for their children .
Trach alluded to bullying endured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giannulli — a social media star who has a popular YouTube channel — since the charges were made public .
The bullying forced the family to hire security for their daughters , Trach said .
U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton expressed outrage at the couple ’ s greed , calling Loughlin ’ s life “ charmed ” and a “ fairytale , ” with success and plentiful wealth .
“ Yet you stand before me a convicted felon and for what ?
For the inexplicable desire to grasp even more , ” Gorton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered to surrender Nov. 19 .
Under the plea deals with prosecutors — unusual because the proposed terms were binding once accepted , instead of granting the judge sentencing discretion — Giannulli will also pay a $ 250,000 fine and perform 250 hours of community service .
Loughlin will pay a $ 150,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service .
Loughlin , who gained fame for her role as the wholesome Aunt Becky in the sitcom “ Full House ” that ran from the late 1980s to mid-1990s , and Giannulli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the case federal prosecutors dubbed “ Operation Varsity Blues , ” which uncovered hefty bribes to get undeserving kids into college with rigged test scores or fake athletic credentials .
Nearly 30 parents have pleaded guilty while 10 are headed to trial .
Unlike other prominent parents charged in the case who quickly admitted to the charges — including “ Desperate Housewives ” actor Felicity Huffman — Loughlin and Giannulli fiercely fought the allegations for more than a year , with their lawyers accusing prosecutors of withholding evidence that would exonerate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments about the allegations in the months after their arrest and guilty plea and — unlike other parents in the case — did not submit letters expressing regret or notes of support from family and friends to the judge in the days leading up to their sentencing , although Gorton said the defense provided two letters in support of Loughlin on Friday .
Prosecutors described Giannulli as “ the more active participant in the scheme , ” though they said Loughlin “ was nonetheless fully complicit.
” Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right and wrong , ” which “ deserves a meaningful sentence of imprisonment.
” The couple worked with the admissions consultant at the center of the scheme — Rick Singer— to pay half a million dollars in bribes to get their daughters into USC as crew recruits .
Singer , who has also pleaded guilty , was expected to testify against them had they gone to trial .
Investigators recorded phone calls and emails showing the couple worked with Singer to secure admission with fake athletic profiles depicting their children as star rowers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls “ to become complicit in crime , ” instructing them to pose on rowing machines for photos — Singer told them he needed a picture of their older daughter looking “ like a real athlete ” — and warning their younger daughter not to say too much to her high school counselor .
Giannulli angrily confronted the counselor for questioning their crew credentials , according to court documents .
Loughlin ’ s lawyer said she had little direct communication with Singer and never saw the fraudulent athletic profiles made for the teens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not a single one had less active participation in the scheme than Lori , ” Trach said .
Giannulli ’ s and Loughlin ’ s prison terms are in line with the sentences other parents have gotten so far .
The harshest punishment has gone to Douglas Hodge , a former CEO of a top investment company , who got nine months for paying bribes totaling $ 850,000 to get four of his children into the University of Southern California and Georgetown University as athletic recruits .
Huffman served nearly two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying $ 15,000 to have someone correct her daughter ’ s entrance exam answers .
Also Friday , prosecutors announced charges against another parent , who authorities said has also agreed to plead guilty .
Mark Hauser , a California insurance and private equity executive , agreed to pay $ 40,000 , to rig his daughter ’ s ACT exam , prosecutors said .
An attorney for Hauser declined to comment .

BOSTON — Apologizing publicly for the first time for crimes their lawyers insisted for months they didn’t commit, “Full House” star Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, were sentenced to prison Friday for using their wealth and privilege to cheat their daughters’ way into the college of their choice.
The two-month prison sentence for Loughlin and five-month term for Giannulli bring to a close the legal saga for the highest-profile parents ensnared in the college admissions bribery scheme — a scandal that rocked the U.S. educational system and laid bare the lengths some wealthy parents will go to get their kids into elite universities.
Fighting back tears, Loughlin told the judge her actions “helped exacerbate existing inequalities in society” and pledged to do everything in her power to use her experience as a “catalyst to do good.” Her lawyer said she began volunteering with special needs students at an elementary school.
“I made an awful decision. I went along with a plan to give my daughters an unfair advantage in the college admissions process and in doing so I ignored my intuition and allowed myself to be swayed from my moral compass,” Loughlin, 56, said during the hearing held via videoconference because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hours before in a separate hearing, Giannulli, whose Mossimo clothing had long been a Target brand until recently, told the judge he “deeply” regrets the harm to his daughters, wife and others.
“I take full responsibility for my conduct. I am ready to accept the consequences and move forward, with the lessons I’ve learned from this experience,” Giannulli, 57, said in a stoic statement.
In her lawyer’s own words, Loughlin became the “undisputed face of the national scandal” thanks to her fame. Her arrest shattered her clean image and destroyed her acting career.
“Lori lost the acting career she spent 40 years building,” attorney BJ Trach said. “She has become intertwined with the college admissions scandal.”
Attorneys for the couple described them as devoted parents motivated by a love for their children. Trach alluded to bullying endured by their daughters, including Olivia Jade Giannulli — a social media star who has a popular YouTube channel — since the charges were made public. The bullying forced the family to hire security for their daughters, Trach said.
U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton expressed outrage at the couple’s greed, calling Loughlin’s life “charmed” and a “fairytale,” with success and plentiful wealth.
“Yet you stand before me a convicted felon and for what? For the inexplicable desire to grasp even more,” Gorton said.
Both Loughlin and Giannulli were ordered to surrender Nov. 19.
Under the plea deals with prosecutors — unusual because the proposed terms were binding once accepted, instead of granting the judge sentencing discretion — Giannulli will also pay a $250,000 fine and perform 250 hours of community service. Loughlin will pay a $150,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.
Loughlin, who gained fame for her role as the wholesome Aunt Becky in the sitcom “Full House” that ran from the late 1980s to mid-1990s, and Giannulli were among 50 people charged last year in the case federal prosecutors dubbed “Operation Varsity Blues,” which uncovered hefty bribes to get undeserving kids into college with rigged test scores or fake athletic credentials. Nearly 30 parents have pleaded guilty while 10 are headed to trial.
Unlike other prominent parents charged in the case who quickly admitted to the charges — including “Desperate Housewives” actor Felicity Huffman — Loughlin and Giannulli fiercely fought the allegations for more than a year, with their lawyers accusing prosecutors of withholding evidence that would exonerate the couple.
The duo made no public comments about the allegations in the months after their arrest and guilty plea and — unlike other parents in the case — did not submit letters expressing regret or notes of support from family and friends to the judge in the days leading up to their sentencing, although Gorton said the defense provided two letters in support of Loughlin on Friday.
Prosecutors described Giannulli as “the more active participant in the scheme,” though they said Loughlin “was nonetheless fully complicit.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney said Giannulli displayed “a complete disregard for right and wrong,” which “deserves a meaningful sentence of imprisonment.”
The couple worked with the admissions consultant at the center of the scheme — Rick Singer— to pay half a million dollars in bribes to get their daughters into USC as crew recruits. Singer, who has also pleaded guilty, was expected to testify against them had they gone to trial.
Investigators recorded phone calls and emails showing the couple worked with Singer to secure admission with fake athletic profiles depicting their children as star rowers.
Prosecutors said the couple allowed the girls “to become complicit in crime,” instructing them to pose on rowing machines for photos — Singer told them he needed a picture of their older daughter looking “like a real athlete” — and warning their younger daughter not to say too much to her high school counselor. Giannulli angrily confronted the counselor for questioning their crew credentials, according to court documents.
Loughlin’s lawyer said she had little direct communication with Singer and never saw the fraudulent athletic profiles made for the teens.
“Of all the parents charged, not a single one had less active participation in the scheme than Lori,” Trach said.
Giannulli’s and Loughlin’s prison terms are in line with the sentences other parents have gotten so far. The harshest punishment has gone to Douglas Hodge, a former CEO of a top investment company, who got nine months for paying bribes totaling $850,000 to get four of his children into the University of Southern California and Georgetown University as athletic recruits.
Huffman served nearly two weeks behind bars last year after admitting to paying $15,000 to have someone correct her daughter’s entrance exam answers.
Also Friday, prosecutors announced charges against another parent, who authorities said has also agreed to plead guilty. Mark Hauser, a California insurance and private equity executive, agreed to pay $40,000, to rig his daughter’s ACT exam, prosecutors said. An attorney for Hauser declined to comment.


thedenverpost--2020-08-22--Editorial: Fracas at Denver encampment captures bad behavior by all

Several videos recorded last week capture the ongoing conflict between those occupying Denver ’ s streets during the day and night — either out of protest or homelessness — and the police who are trying to keep public spaces accessible to everyone .
Some of the protesters in the videos ( certainly not all ) come across as raving lunatics and one Denver police officer looks dangerously out-of-control as he hits people with his baton .
And then there ’ s Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca adding immature and dangerous advice to the fracas : “ Let them hit you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bears a higher liability now .
Sue these ( expletive ) cops.
” The exchange deserves some analysis , as the conflict shows no signs of ending .
These clashes are not serving anyone ’ s best interests .
Service providers to the homeless are being driven away and protesters lose their moral high-ground when they behave badly .
The videos show police setting up a perimeter around a tent near 29th and Welton .
Protesters hold onto the tent and crowd the police line expressing dismay that the campsite is being removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gun ( which turned out to be a BB or pellet gun ) , an arrest was made , and two officers were injured when protesters started hitting and kicking them .
CdeBaca said in a text message Thursday : “ After the sweep was completed , they returned to terrorize the people who stayed to clean the area.
” We ’ re sure that the body cameras on the officers can help sort out the vast difference between these accounts and Denver police should promptly release those videos to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oversight process of the Denver Police Department .
While we wait , there are a few easy conclusions : Police can not lose their cool during these encounters .
As CdeBaca ’ s comments confirm , one goal of protesters ’ bad behavior is to incite police to violence .
Police must be flawless in these encounters They are trained professionals entrusted with guns and dangerous tools .
Indiscriminately hitting protesters with a tool capable of breaking bones and damaging organs , can not be the response .
Now if the baton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitting and kicking police ( the video does not definitively show what came before the baton was pulled ) then police must defend themselves .
CdeBaca ’ s comments , captured on a video she recorded and posted , express a sentiment that opponents to recent police reforms passed into law by the Colorado General Assembly warned was a possible unintended consequence .
Senate Bill 217 is a much-needed change to law that we supported .
Among other things it opened the possibility of civil lawsuits against police for excessive use of force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other professionals , police should be held personally , financially accountable when their gross negligence results in harm .
Cynics say that folks looking for a payday will try to incite cops into a physical altercation .
CdeBaca stopped short of encouraging that type of deliberate behavior , but we expect elected officials to exercise calm under pressure and not to shout suggestions that may inflame an already tense situation .
Drawing attention to the plight of Denver ’ s poor or exposing police misdeeds with recorded videos are noble goals — winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with police is not noble .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Several videos recorded last week capture the ongoing conflict between those occupying Denver’s streets during the day and night — either out of protest or homelessness — and the police who are trying to keep public spaces accessible to everyone. Some of the protesters in the videos (certainly not all) come across as raving lunatics and one Denver police officer looks dangerously out-of-control as he hits people with his baton.
And then there’s Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca adding immature and dangerous advice to the fracas: “Let them hit you. Every single one of these cops bears a higher liability now. Sue these (expletive) cops.”
The exchange deserves some analysis, as the conflict shows no signs of ending. These clashes are not serving anyone’s best interests. Service providers to the homeless are being driven away and protesters lose their moral high-ground when they behave badly.
The videos show police setting up a perimeter around a tent near 29th and Welton. Protesters hold onto the tent and crowd the police line expressing dismay that the campsite is being removed.
Holy shit. I had not seen the video yet.@DenverPolice were indiscriminately assaulting people yesterday. This is absolutely deplorable. On the heels of @MayorHancock's statement in solidarity with them, is anyone shocked that this is how they act? pic.twitter.com/9qdqbnSldu — 𝑽𝑰𝑵𝑪𝑬 (@VinnieChant) August 20, 2020
Police say that a man pulled a gun (which turned out to be a BB or pellet gun), an arrest was made, and two officers were injured when protesters started hitting and kicking them.
CdeBaca said in a text message Thursday: “After the sweep was completed, they returned to terrorize the people who stayed to clean the area.”
We’re sure that the body cameras on the officers can help sort out the vast difference between these accounts and Denver police should promptly release those videos to the public. The incident will be reviewed by the oversight process of the Denver Police Department.
While we wait, there are a few easy conclusions:
Police cannot lose their cool during these encounters. As CdeBaca’s comments confirm, one goal of protesters’ bad behavior is to incite police to violence. Police must be flawless in these encounters They are trained professionals entrusted with guns and dangerous tools. Indiscriminately hitting protesters with a tool capable of breaking bones and damaging organs, cannot be the response. Now if the baton strikes are aimed at protesters who are hitting and kicking police (the video does not definitively show what came before the baton was pulled) then police must defend themselves.
CdeBaca’s comments, captured on a video she recorded and posted, express a sentiment that opponents to recent police reforms passed into law by the Colorado General Assembly warned was a possible unintended consequence. Senate Bill 217 is a much-needed change to law that we supported. Among other things it opened the possibility of civil lawsuits against police for excessive use of force cases. The idea is that like other professionals, police should be held personally, financially accountable when their gross negligence results in harm. Cynics say that folks looking for a payday will try to incite cops into a physical altercation. CdeBaca stopped short of encouraging that type of deliberate behavior, but we expect elected officials to exercise calm under pressure and not to shout suggestions that may inflame an already tense situation.
Drawing attention to the plight of Denver’s poor or exposing police misdeeds with recorded videos are noble goals — winning big financial settlements for intentionally provoked altercations with police is not noble.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-08-21--Colorado National Guard called to help battle wildfires

The Colorado National Guard was activated Friday afternoon to help in the battle against wildfires in Colorado .
Gov .
Jared Polis “ verbally authorized ” the guard to assist the State Emergency Operations Center and incident commanders fighting wildfires , according to a news release .
A Colorado Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter aircrew is on standby at the High-Altitude Army National Guard Training Site in Gypsum .
The helicopter and its crew can provide a search and rescue capability to incident commanders if needed .
Members of the high-altitude training site have helped rescue almost 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unit inception in 1986 , the release said .
“ Whether it ’ s the fight against COVID or the fight against drought-induced wildfires , Colorado ’ s National Guard is ready to rise to the challenge to help our communities , ” said Gov .
Polis , in the release .
“ We are thankful to the Guardsmen and women for their support during this challenging time.
” State emergency officials have requested about 30 national guard soldiers to help around the clock with traffic control in Larimer County where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are always ready , always there to assist our local and state partners during these challenging times , ” said U.S. Army Brig .
Gen. Laura Clellan , in the release .
The guard ’ s mobile testing and training teams can provide COVID-19 tests to firefighters .

The Colorado National Guard was activated Friday afternoon to help in the battle against wildfires in Colorado.
Gov. Jared Polis “verbally authorized” the guard to assist the State Emergency Operations Center and incident commanders fighting wildfires, according to a news release.
A Colorado Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter aircrew is on standby at the High-Altitude Army National Guard Training Site in Gypsum. The helicopter and its crew can provide a search and rescue capability to incident commanders if needed.
Members of the high-altitude training site have helped rescue almost 500 people in Colorado’s mountains since the unit inception in 1986, the release said.
“Whether it’s the fight against COVID or the fight against drought-induced wildfires, Colorado’s National Guard is ready to rise to the challenge to help our communities,” said Gov. Polis, in the release. “We are thankful to the Guardsmen and women for their support during this challenging time.”
State emergency officials have requested about 30 national guard soldiers to help around the clock with traffic control in Larimer County where the Cameron Peak fire is burning.
“We are always ready, always there to assist our local and state partners during these challenging times,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura Clellan, in the release.
The guard’s mobile testing and training teams can provide COVID-19 tests to firefighters.


thedenverpost--2020-08-21--Jazz obliterates Nuggets in ugly Game 3 pounding, takes 2-1 series lead

Donovan Mitchell ’ s tomahawk slam had so much power it could ’ ve burst the NBA ’ s bubble .
Nuggets coach Michael Malone stood stone-faced , arms crossed and barely turned his head to watch .
No one on the court – not even Nikola Jokic , who ’ d thrown the careless turnover – even faked an attempt to give chase .
Even with 13 minutes left in the game , Mitchell ’ s third-quarter demolition was the moment the Jazz took a 2-1 series lead .
The dunk put an embarrassing exclamation point on Denver ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still had a fourth quarter to play .
The Jazz throttled the Nuggets in Friday ’ s Game 3 , 124-87 , leaving no doubt who the favorite to win this first-round playoff series was .
Were it not for Denver ’ s riveting overtime win in Game 1 , they ’ d be looking at a 3-0 series deficit .
Mitchell ’ s mammoth dunk may have unofficially sealed it , but according to Malone , the game was over probably an hour earlier .
“ We lost this game at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the second quarter , ” Malone said .
It was then , after Rudy Gobert ’ s already strong start to Friday ’ s game , that he continued to undress Jokic inside .
After a smattering of layups , dunks , finger rolls and hook shots , all of which were barely contested , Gobert was already sitting on 12 points and seven rebounds at the end of the first quarter .
The Jazz closed on a 12-4 run to open up a double-digit lead .
An impartial observer might ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be on the court , their long faces and dejected body language suggesting otherwise .
Barely two minutes later , Utah had already rained three 3-pointers , two of which came from Game 3 addition Mike Conley .
He had missed the first two games for the birth of his son , and made up for his absences in short order .
Conley ’ s third 3-pointer of the game gave the Jazz a 34-16 lead just moments into the second quarter .
At that point , Malone had seen enough .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ That was , everything after that , the second half and the last eight minutes of the second quarter , was just window dressing.
” Malone said before the game he felt there were times during Game 2 the Nuggets played with the urgency of a regular-season affair .
If that was the case , then Denver ’ s effort for most of the first half Friday was that of a glorified scrimmage .
Game 1 hero Jamal Murray was neutralized yet again by Jazz wing Royce O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often what the team feeds off , and O ’ Neale ’ s stout defense has all-but suffocated Murray ’ s impact .
His 12 points and six assists , like in Game 2 , were well below the production levels Denver needs from him .
“ So we just got ta look in the mirror and come back ready to play , because they ’ re playing out of their mind right now , just shooting the ball really well , ” Murray said .
“ They ’ re playing with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s time for us to get ours back.
” Jokic finished with 15 points and six assists , while his Utah counterpart , Gobert , imposed his will in the paint .
Gobert had 24 points and 14 rebounds , his rim-rattling dunks setting the tone from the opening tip .
“ To be honest , I think I just missed shots , ” Jokic said .
“ I mean , I took all the shots that I wanted .
I mean the shots that I took , I ’ ll sleep really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drained seven of Utah ’ s 18 3-pointers and gashed open the wound that served as the basis for the Game 2 blowout .
Malone projected an easy attitude between Games 2 and 3 , illustrative of a coach who ’ d pointed out his team ’ s lapses and was eager to see whether they ’ d gain a foothold .
That was decidedly not the case as the Jazz showed , again , that Denver ’ s defense offers the resistance of a summer breeze .
“ I like to believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though you wouldn ’ t tell that by how we ’ re playing right now , ” Malone said Thursday .

Donovan Mitchell’s tomahawk slam had so much power it could’ve burst the NBA’s bubble.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone stood stone-faced, arms crossed and barely turned his head to watch. No one on the court – not even Nikola Jokic, who’d thrown the careless turnover – even faked an attempt to give chase.
Even with 13 minutes left in the game, Mitchell’s third-quarter demolition was the moment the Jazz took a 2-1 series lead. The dunk put an embarrassing exclamation point on Denver’s 30-point deficit, and the Nuggets still had a fourth quarter to play.
The Jazz throttled the Nuggets in Friday’s Game 3, 124-87, leaving no doubt who the favorite to win this first-round playoff series was. Were it not for Denver’s riveting overtime win in Game 1, they’d be looking at a 3-0 series deficit.
Mitchell’s mammoth dunk may have unofficially sealed it, but according to Malone, the game was over probably an hour earlier.
“We lost this game at the end of the first quarter, start of the second quarter,” Malone said.
It was then, after Rudy Gobert’s already strong start to Friday’s game, that he continued to undress Jokic inside. After a smattering of layups, dunks, finger rolls and hook shots, all of which were barely contested, Gobert was already sitting on 12 points and seven rebounds at the end of the first quarter. The Jazz closed on a 12-4 run to open up a double-digit lead.
An impartial observer might’ve questioned whether the Nuggets even wanted to be on the court, their long faces and dejected body language suggesting otherwise.
Barely two minutes later, Utah had already rained three 3-pointers, two of which came from Game 3 addition Mike Conley. He had missed the first two games for the birth of his son, and made up for his absences in short order.
Conley’s third 3-pointer of the game gave the Jazz a 34-16 lead just moments into the second quarter. At that point, Malone had seen enough.
“It was a wrap,” he said. “That was, everything after that, the second half and the last eight minutes of the second quarter, was just window dressing.”
Malone said before the game he felt there were times during Game 2 the Nuggets played with the urgency of a regular-season affair. If that was the case, then Denver’s effort for most of the first half Friday was that of a glorified scrimmage.
Game 1 hero Jamal Murray was neutralized yet again by Jazz wing Royce O’Neale. Murray’s energy is often what the team feeds off, and O’Neale’s stout defense has all-but suffocated Murray’s impact. His 12 points and six assists, like in Game 2, were well below the production levels Denver needs from him.
“So we just gotta look in the mirror and come back ready to play, because they’re playing out of their mind right now, just shooting the ball really well,” Murray said. “They’re playing with a lot of confidence, so it’s time for us to get ours back.”
Jokic finished with 15 points and six assists, while his Utah counterpart, Gobert, imposed his will in the paint. Gobert had 24 points and 14 rebounds, his rim-rattling dunks setting the tone from the opening tip.
“To be honest, I think I just missed shots,” Jokic said. “I mean, I took all the shots that I wanted. I mean the shots that I took, I’ll sleep really good.”
As will Conley, who drained seven of Utah’s 18 3-pointers and gashed open the wound that served as the basis for the Game 2 blowout.
Malone projected an easy attitude between Games 2 and 3, illustrative of a coach who’d pointed out his team’s lapses and was eager to see whether they’d gain a foothold. That was decidedly not the case as the Jazz showed, again, that Denver’s defense offers the resistance of a summer breeze.
“I like to believe that I am a defensive-minded coach, even though you wouldn’t tell that by how we’re playing right now,” Malone said Thursday.


thedenverpost--2020-08-21--Former teacher at Vista Peak High School gets 90-day jail sentence for attempted sexual assault of a

Former teacher at Vista Peak High School gets 90-day jail sentence for attempted sexual assault of a student

A former high school drama teacher was sentenced to 90 days in jail for attempted sexual assault of a child by a person in a position of trust .
Gabriel Alsina , 37 , was sentenced last week to jail followed by five years of sex offender intensive supervised probation , according to an Arapahoe County District Attorney ’ s news release .
Alsina must now register as a sex offender and surrender his teaching license .
Alsina pleaded guilty on June 8 to attempted sex assault on a child by one in a position of trust , a felony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement .
Alsina was the drama teacher at Vista Peak High School in Aurora when he met his victim , who was his student , according to the release .
Prosecutors said Alsina assaulted the victim at school , in his car and in his home over a two-year period .
“ Adults should never manipulate children and take advantage of them , but he took advantage of her for his own ego , ” Deputy District Attorney Lisa Gramer said in the news release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school thinking their children are going to be safe .
The teacher should not be one of the things they are afraid of.
” The victim and her parents also spoke before Arapahoe County District Court Judge Shay Whitaker .
“ I was sexually abused by a teacher who wheedled his way into my heart , ” the victim said .
“ His hands were constantly touching me in ways no adult should be touching a child .
A teacher meant to protect me was the one hurting me .
“ I silenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want justice for the little girl he hurt .
”

A former high school drama teacher was sentenced to 90 days in jail for attempted sexual assault of a child by a person in a position of trust.
Gabriel Alsina, 37, was sentenced last week to jail followed by five years of sex offender intensive supervised probation, according to an Arapahoe County District Attorney’s news release. Alsina must now register as a sex offender and surrender his teaching license.
Alsina pleaded guilty on June 8 to attempted sex assault on a child by one in a position of trust, a felony, according to the release. Other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Alsina was the drama teacher at Vista Peak High School in Aurora when he met his victim, who was his student, according to the release. Prosecutors said Alsina assaulted the victim at school, in his car and in his home over a two-year period.
“Adults should never manipulate children and take advantage of them, but he took advantage of her for his own ego,” Deputy District Attorney Lisa Gramer said in the news release. “Parents send their kids to school thinking their children are going to be safe. The teacher should not be one of the things they are afraid of.”
The victim and her parents also spoke before Arapahoe County District Court Judge Shay Whitaker.
“I was sexually abused by a teacher who wheedled his way into my heart,” the victim said. “His hands were constantly touching me in ways no adult should be touching a child. A teacher meant to protect me was the one hurting me.
“I silenced myself for a predator … Now I want justice for the little girl he hurt.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-22--5 tips for making remote education a success, whether you’re a student, parent or teacher

It ’ s officially back-to-school season , and for many families this year that means switching gears to start the academic year remotely .
Virtual learning was new to many parents , students and teachers this spring when the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close , and some found the transition from in-person to online classes to be a challenge .
This fall Coloradans are increasingly having to adapt to this format , as concerns about the virus keep schools from reopening and more parents opt for an educational stopgap rather than a return to traditional learning .
Armed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family or teacher can make it work , said Faylyn Emma , a high school math teacher at Colorado Connections Academy , which specializes in online education and serves more than 2,000 students throughout the Centennial State .
Here are five tips to making remote education a success in your household .
Children thrive when they have a routine , and that includes when school takes place from home , Emma said .
Parents may want to get their kids up and ready for the school day like they normally would to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn .
Depending on the school and teacher , learning may be synchronous , meaning live in real time , or asynchronous , meaning lessons are prepared ahead of time and completed on the students schedule .
That offers parents flexibility to develop a school schedule that works for their circumstances or their child ’ s individual needs .
It also helps to look at the week ahead holistically , she said .
“ See what ’ s on the schedule for the week and map it out with what you plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lunch and family activities , ” Emma said .
She suggests having a designated space for schoolwork where students have access to their computer , a charger and other supplies , but are also removed from distractions around the house .
“ Chunk ” out the day and know when to take breaks Traditional classes are composed of about 15 to 20 minutes of instruction and 15 to 20 minutes of guided practice , Emma said .
Families should plan their day in what she calls “ learning chunks ” like this to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Students will have a very difficult time sitting in front of their computer for hours on end , so you ’ ll want to chunk those learning blocks to about 30 or 50 minutes , ” Emma said .
That gives students time to learn the information , comprehend it and then apply it .
Families should also work breaks into their school schedules , which will not only help students recharge but also give them a break from staring at a screen .
High school students at Colorado Connections Academy spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while younger students work about four to five hours per day .
“ I would not recommend any consistent screen time for more than 45 minutes to an hour without taking some sort of break in between , even if it ’ s a brief 5 to 10 minutes , ” Emma said .
Blue light glasses can also help kids suffering from screen-induced headaches , as can printing certain activities to be completed on paper , she said .
When education is happening remotely , the best thing teachers , parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Emma said .
Parents and students need to provide their instructor with a good phone number and email address to follow up on assignments and vice versa , so families can reach out when they need classroom support .
Attending live lessons is another good way to ensure you ’ ll reach the teacher , Emma said .
Should communication with a family drop off , Emma said she has also used postcards or home visits to touch base .
“ We will use all of that to make sure that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
As a virtual educator , Emma believes her job is as much about facilitating students to become independent learners as is it about academic instruction .
That means familiarizing students with the vocabulary related to online platforms , making it easy for them to access course materials and developing clear instructions on how lessons should be completed , she said .
This also helps set expectations .
Teachers should also consider students who have a learning difference and tailor instructions to fit those preferences , she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and learn the curriculum , and how can you make sure that ’ s happening ?
” Emma said .
“ Encouraging them to have that ownership of their learning really does help with the process.
” Be patient , especially with yourself Both families and educators are bound to encounter challenges with online education , and Emma advocates for both parties not to be hard on themselves .
There will be assignments that slip through the cracks .
There will be situations that impede the school day .
The most important thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , she said — “ just like we teach our students you ’ re not going to ace every test .
“ Sometimes we learn from our mistakes or through failing , ” Emma said .
“ There ’ s nothing wrong with trying something you think might help and if it doesn ’ t try something else.
” Get more tips from our full interview with Faylyn Emma on Instagram .

It’s officially back-to-school season, and for many families this year that means switching gears to start the academic year remotely.
Virtual learning was new to many parents, students and teachers this spring when the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close, and some found the transition from in-person to online classes to be a challenge. This fall Coloradans are increasingly having to adapt to this format, as concerns about the virus keep schools from reopening and more parents opt for an educational stopgap rather than a return to traditional learning.
Armed with the right tools and strategies, any family or teacher can make it work, said Faylyn Emma, a high school math teacher at Colorado Connections Academy, which specializes in online education and serves more than 2,000 students throughout the Centennial State.
Here are five tips to making remote education a success in your household.
Build a routine
Children thrive when they have a routine, and that includes when school takes place from home, Emma said. Parents may want to get their kids up and ready for the school day like they normally would to help get them in the habit of preparing to learn.
Depending on the school and teacher, learning may be synchronous, meaning live in real time, or asynchronous, meaning lessons are prepared ahead of time and completed on the students schedule. That offers parents flexibility to develop a school schedule that works for their circumstances or their child’s individual needs.
It also helps to look at the week ahead holistically, she said.
“See what’s on the schedule for the week and map it out with what you plan to accomplish each day including breaks, lunch and family activities,” Emma said.
She suggests having a designated space for schoolwork where students have access to their computer, a charger and other supplies, but are also removed from distractions around the house.
“Chunk” out the day and know when to take breaks
Traditional classes are composed of about 15 to 20 minutes of instruction and 15 to 20 minutes of guided practice, Emma said. Families should plan their day in what she calls “learning chunks” like this to make the school day more manageable.
“Students will have a very difficult time sitting in front of their computer for hours on end, so you’ll want to chunk those learning blocks to about 30 or 50 minutes,” Emma said. That gives students time to learn the information, comprehend it and then apply it.
Families should also work breaks into their school schedules, which will not only help students recharge but also give them a break from staring at a screen. High school students at Colorado Connections Academy spend about six hour per day on coursework, while younger students work about four to five hours per day.
“I would not recommend any consistent screen time for more than 45 minutes to an hour without taking some sort of break in between, even if it’s a brief 5 to 10 minutes,” Emma said.
Blue light glasses can also help kids suffering from screen-induced headaches, as can printing certain activities to be completed on paper, she said.
Keep in touch
When education is happening remotely, the best thing teachers, parents and students can do is communicate regularly, Emma said.
Parents and students need to provide their instructor with a good phone number and email address to follow up on assignments and vice versa, so families can reach out when they need classroom support. Attending live lessons is another good way to ensure you’ll reach the teacher, Emma said.
Should communication with a family drop off, Emma said she has also used postcards or home visits to touch base.
“We will use all of that to make sure that a student is OK and doing their learning,” she said.
Be proactive
As a virtual educator, Emma believes her job is as much about facilitating students to become independent learners as is it about academic instruction. That means familiarizing students with the vocabulary related to online platforms, making it easy for them to access course materials and developing clear instructions on how lessons should be completed, she said. This also helps set expectations.
Teachers should also consider students who have a learning difference and tailor instructions to fit those preferences, she said.
“What do students need to access and learn the curriculum, and how can you make sure that’s happening?” Emma said. “Encouraging them to have that ownership of their learning really does help with the process.”
Be patient, especially with yourself
Both families and educators are bound to encounter challenges with online education, and Emma advocates for both parties not to be hard on themselves. There will be assignments that slip through the cracks. There will be situations that impede the school day. The most important thing is that you don’t give up, she said — “just like we teach our students you’re not going to ace every test.
“Sometimes we learn from our mistakes or through failing,” Emma said. “There’s nothing wrong with trying something you think might help and if it doesn’t try something else.”
Get more tips from our full interview with Faylyn Emma on Instagram.


thedenverpost--2020-08-22--Denver residents to vote on repeal of pit bull ban; Aurora postpones similar decision

As cities and counties across the country repeal breed-specific laws banning pit bulls , Denver and its largest neighbor , Aurora , are now on different trajectories with their bans .
Denver City Council cemented a measure Monday that will ask voters in November whether to repeal the city ’ s long-standing pit bull ban , replacing it with a type of restricted license .
Aurora City Council rejected a similar ballot measure Monday in favor of strengthening current aggressive animal laws before trying to repeal the ban .
The American Veterinary Medical Association estimated in 2017 that some 900 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of breed-specific legislation , but many are beginning to reverse course .
Similar bans were repealed recently in the Kansas City metro area and Sioux City , Iowa , among other places .
In addition , Castle Rock ’ s Town Council repealed its ban in 2018 .
Denver Councilman Chris Herndon ’ s proposed repeal passed the City Council earlier this year , but it was vetoed by Mayor Michael Hancock .
All the while , Aurora residents and officials have been having similar conversations .
The talks are often emotional , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog attacks or known someone who has .
Even Hancock has said he was bitten by a pit bull as a child .
But there are others who , while understanding the trepidation , argue that the data shows the breed-specific laws aren ’ t effective and have historically even been used to target communities of color .
When he voted for Herndon ’ s first repeal attempt this year , Councilman Jolon Clark said he had concerns about the move but he couldn ’ t ignore the data that veterinarians and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the repeal .
Now the decision is up to Denver voters .
If they approve the repeal , city officials will effectively create a restricted license for pit bulls .
If owners — limited to two pit bulls per home — pay a higher fee than is required for other dogs , maintain appropriate paperwork and have no issues for three years , then the restriction would be removed .
Aurora will move much slower , if it repeals its ban at all .
A ballot measure had been proposed for Colorado ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council there shot it down Monday on a 7-3 vote .
Instead , the group will consider a proposal to strengthen the city ’ s existing dangerous dog laws , which would offer municipal judges more flexibility in handling attack cases , said Nancy Sheffield , interim director of housing and community services .
The council will see how well that law works , if it ’ s approved , before determining whether to place a measure to repeal the city ’ s pit bull ban on the 2021 ballot at the earliest @

As cities and counties across the country repeal breed-specific laws banning pit bulls, Denver and its largest neighbor, Aurora, are now on different trajectories with their bans.
Denver City Council cemented a measure Monday that will ask voters in November whether to repeal the city’s long-standing pit bull ban, replacing it with a type of restricted license. Aurora City Council rejected a similar ballot measure Monday in favor of strengthening current aggressive animal laws before trying to repeal the ban.
The American Veterinary Medical Association estimated in 2017 that some 900 cities across the country have some form of breed-specific legislation, but many are beginning to reverse course. Similar bans were repealed recently in the Kansas City metro area and Sioux City, Iowa, among other places. In addition, Castle Rock’s Town Council repealed its ban in 2018.
Denver Councilman Chris Herndon’s proposed repeal passed the City Council earlier this year, but it was vetoed by Mayor Michael Hancock.
All the while, Aurora residents and officials have been having similar conversations.
The talks are often emotional, peppered with those who have suffered from dog attacks or known someone who has. Even Hancock has said he was bitten by a pit bull as a child.
But there are others who, while understanding the trepidation, argue that the data shows the breed-specific laws aren’t effective and have historically even been used to target communities of color.
When he voted for Herndon’s first repeal attempt this year, Councilman Jolon Clark said he had concerns about the move but he couldn’t ignore the data that veterinarians and other experts had shown him in support of the repeal.
Now the decision is up to Denver voters. If they approve the repeal, city officials will effectively create a restricted license for pit bulls. If owners — limited to two pit bulls per home — pay a higher fee than is required for other dogs, maintain appropriate paperwork and have no issues for three years, then the restriction would be removed.
Aurora will move much slower, if it repeals its ban at all.
A ballot measure had been proposed for Colorado’s third-largest city, but the City Council there shot it down Monday on a 7-3 vote. Instead, the group will consider a proposal to strengthen the city’s existing dangerous dog laws, which would offer municipal judges more flexibility in handling attack cases, said Nancy Sheffield, interim director of housing and community services.
The council will see how well that law works, if it’s approved, before determining whether to place a measure to repeal the city’s pit bull ban on the 2021 ballot at the earliest.


thedenverpost--2020-08-22--Nearly 200 townhomes coming to former CDOT complex in southeast Denver

Demolition work is expected to get underway next week on a former Colorado Department of Transportation regional headquarters in southeast Denver , the first step in bringing 198 new homes to the area .
Arapahoe County-based builder Lokal Homes has been tapped to turn the former CDOT Region 1 complex into the Hub at Virginia Village , a collection of market-rate townhomes scheduled to rise on the property , at 2000 S. Holly St. northeast of the Holly and East Evans Avenue intersection , over the next few years .
It ’ s a rare infill housing development in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ We ’ re excited because we ’ re a local builder in the area , ” Robyn Asbury , Lokal ’ s vice president of sales and marketing , said Friday .
“ It ’ s such a great location .
We ’ re looking forward to creating a fun , liveable product that will fit in with in the neighborhood.
” If site work goes as planned Lokal will get started on its model homes in March , Asbury said , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home sites yet .
Builder Capital , a Maryland company specializing in providing lot financing for home builders , partnered with investment firm 400 Capital Management to acquire the lots , according to a news release last week .
The deal closed last month , Asbury said .
Builder Capital has a land banking agreement with Lokal and will sell the lots to the company in stages as development progresses , a strategy meant to keep pressure off of Lokal ’ s balance sheet and make it easier for the company to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to the news release .
The three companies worked together last year on a land banking arrangement covering 425 lots spread across Aurora , Commerce City and Colorado Springs .
“ Builder Capital is pleased to enhance its footprint in the western region of the U.S. with a great builder like Lokal Homes and is honored to be part of Lokal ’ s continual growth in the state of Colorado , ” Bill Southworth , Builder ’ s managing director , said in a statement .
Before Builder Capital came into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquired the property in early 2018 through a complicated , $ 19.3 million deal negotiated by city officials that also transferred CDOT ’ s now-former headquarters at 4201 E. Arkansas Ave. to Kentro .
Kentro received City Council approval to develop a mixed-use project including 150 below-market apartments at the Arkansas Avenue property in December 2018 .
Kentro is still the master plan developer for the South Holly site and is working with another group , McDermott Properties , to build a 63-unit affordable housing complex for seniors on the northern portion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jimmy Balafas .
That project should break ground in fall 2021 .
Kentro will share infrastructure expenses with Lokal , Balafas said .
“ We selected Lokal as our partner because they are Denver natives , and they plan to build homes in an attainable price range , starting in the low ( $ 400,000 range ) , ” Balafas wrote in an email to The Denver Post .
City Councilman Paul Kashmann , whose District 6 includes both former CDOT properties , said Denver needs more housing for people at all income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing more homes priced for working family built in Virginia Village .
Real estate site Zillow pegs the median home value in the neighborhood today at more than $ 500,000 .
“ We ’ ve got all the $ 2,200-a-month studio apartments we need , ” Kashmann said .
“ We need housing that allows people to begin building wealth for their family and security for their family .
”

Demolition work is expected to get underway next week on a former Colorado Department of Transportation regional headquarters in southeast Denver, the first step in bringing 198 new homes to the area.
Arapahoe County-based builder Lokal Homes has been tapped to turn the former CDOT Region 1 complex into the Hub at Virginia Village, a collection of market-rate townhomes scheduled to rise on the property, at 2000 S. Holly St. northeast of the Holly and East Evans Avenue intersection, over the next few years. It’s a rare infill housing development in a city where demand for for-sale homes seems only to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re excited because we’re a local builder in the area,” Robyn Asbury, Lokal’s vice president of sales and marketing, said Friday. “It’s such a great location. We’re looking forward to creating a fun, liveable product that will fit in with in the neighborhood.”
If site work goes as planned Lokal will get started on its model homes in March, Asbury said, but the company doesn’t own the home sites yet.
Builder Capital, a Maryland company specializing in providing lot financing for home builders, partnered with investment firm 400 Capital Management to acquire the lots, according to a news release last week. The deal closed last month, Asbury said.
Builder Capital has a land banking agreement with Lokal and will sell the lots to the company in stages as development progresses, a strategy meant to keep pressure off of Lokal’s balance sheet and make it easier for the company to build homes at “attainable price points,” according to the news release. The three companies worked together last year on a land banking arrangement covering 425 lots spread across Aurora, Commerce City and Colorado Springs.
“Builder Capital is pleased to enhance its footprint in the western region of the U.S. with a great builder like Lokal Homes and is honored to be part of Lokal’s continual growth in the state of Colorado,” Bill Southworth, Builder’s managing director, said in a statement.
Before Builder Capital came into the picture, Denver developer Kentro Group acquired the property in early 2018 through a complicated, $19.3 million deal negotiated by city officials that also transferred CDOT’s now-former headquarters at 4201 E. Arkansas Ave. to Kentro. Kentro received City Council approval to develop a mixed-use project including 150 below-market apartments at the Arkansas Avenue property in December 2018.
Kentro is still the master plan developer for the South Holly site and is working with another group, McDermott Properties, to build a 63-unit affordable housing complex for seniors on the northern portion of the site, according to Kentro co-founder Jimmy Balafas. That project should break ground in fall 2021.
Kentro will share infrastructure expenses with Lokal, Balafas said.
“We selected Lokal as our partner because they are Denver natives, and they plan to build homes in an attainable price range, starting in the low ($400,000 range),” Balafas wrote in an email to The Denver Post.
City Councilman Paul Kashmann, whose District 6 includes both former CDOT properties, said Denver needs more housing for people at all income levels and he is looking forward to seeing more homes priced for working family built in Virginia Village. Real estate site Zillow pegs the median home value in the neighborhood today at more than $500,000.
“We’ve got all the $2,200-a-month studio apartments we need,” Kashmann said. “We need housing that allows people to begin building wealth for their family and security for their family.”