thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Rockies Mailbag: Have fans seen last of Nolan Arenado in purple pinstripes at Coors Field?

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .
Hey Patrick , I have a big-picture question .
With the prognosis of baseball returning this season with no fans and the reasonable possibility of next season with no fans , what are the chances of Rockies fans being able to see Nolan Arenado in a Rockies uniform IN PERSON ?
With this season already lost as far as no fans at the ballpark , and his opt-out clause at end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him being traded even before that , it seems to me that the odds of seeing Nolan play in person for the Rockies again seem very slim at best .
Patrick , do you think we ’ ll ever see Nolan Arenado at Coors Field in a Rockies uniform again ?
I ’ m afraid this may be his last season here .
Wow , Douglas and John , that ’ s a gloomy thought .
I had not considered the Arenado issue from the angle that Rockies fans will never see him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a bummer .
On the bright side , I still think there ’ s a very slight chance that a limited number of fans might be able to watch games in person at Coors Field late this season — if there is a season .
But the heart of your question is legitimate .
I ’ m convinced that Arenado , barring an injury or something else unforeseen , will opt out after 2021 .
Before the coronavirus pandemic struck , I thought there was a good chance he would be traded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the Rockies were not in contention .
That ’ s not going to happen now , of course , meaning that an Arenado trade will once again become a hot topic during the 2020-21 offseason .
But things are even more complicated now because teams are losing a lot of money this year .
Is another team going to want to take on Arenado ’ s $ 35 million paycheck for the 2021 season ?
I have my doubts .
My bottom line : I think Arenado will play for the Rockies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado uniform to begin 2021 but will be gone before the 2021 trade deadline .
Are there players in the upcoming MLB draft that strike you as a particularly good fit for the Rockies ?
Hello fellow Patrick .
One thing is for sure , the draft will be shorter and much easier to follow this year .
The MLB draft will take place June 10 and will be only five rounds .
Normally , the draft lasts 40 rounds .
FYI , the Rockies are scheduled to have the following six picks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on their radar ?
My colleague , Kyle Newman , follows the draft and the minors much closer than I do , so I ’ ll defer to him on this topic .
This is what Kyle wrote recently : “ If recent history is any indication , the Rockies will be selecting college players , and specifically college pitchers , high .
This draft is deep in that regard .
Colorado ’ s drafted a college pitcher with at least one of its first three selections in each of the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t used their first three selections on all high schoolers since 2015.
” ESPN ’ s mock draft has the Rockies ’ selecting right-handed pitcher Emerson Hancock out of Georgia in the first round and South Carolina right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski in the competitive Round A. Jim Callis of MLB.com predicts the Rockies will take Louisville lefty Reid Detmers .
Kyle Glaser of Baseball America , however , believes the Rockies need outfield depth and talent for the future , so there is speculation that the Rockies will use their first pick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Arkansas .
I love the game of baseball , but the players union and the owners both repulse me .
My latest reason to despise them ?
Two words : Blake Snell .
What an ungrateful , self-absorbed , out-of-touch prima donna .
I work in a hospital .
Him ?
He ’ s 60-feet , 6-inches away from the nearest human in his job .
Guys like him make me hope there ’ s no season .
Nolan Arenado should stay away from those comments — you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest idiot in the room .
It took me 13 years to get over 1994 .
If they do it again , I ’ m not coming back .
Allen , many fans share your point of view .
I addressed this topic in my last mailbag and I also asked Arenado about it in a recent Q & A .
As I ’ ve said before , I thought Snell ’ s comments were callous and tone-deaf and a big mistake .
I agree with the players ’ position that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I understand why they reject the idea of revenue sharing , but they don ’ t need Snell shooting his mouth off .
Some players are so cocooned in their baseball world that they have no understanding of what regular people go through .
Major League Baseball and the MLBPA are going to have to reach some sort of compromise — and soon — if they are going to save what ’ s left of the 2020 season .
The problem is , the two sides don ’ t trust each other .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ save 2020 season considered “ non-starter ” by players • Rockies blow another late lead , lose again to Dodgers in MLB The Show 20 • With western powers boasting plenty of pop , Rockies face designated hitter challenge in 2020 • Rockies blow lead in 9th , lose to Dodgers in MLB The Show 20 • Ranking the Top 10 best Colorado-born baseball players in major-league history I miss having that stalwart at first base .
Andres Galarraga , Todd Helton and even Justin Morneau were solid there .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has a power bat and is solid in the field .
Do you know what the timeline would be for him to make the majors ?
Toglia , a talented , powerful switch-hitter , batted .248 with nine homers and 26 RBIs for Class-A , short-season Boise last summer .
He ’ s still finding his way , like all young players .
But the Rockies are very high on him .
Toglia struck out 25 % of the time , a tick above the league average of 23 % .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus .
There almost certainly won ’ t be minor-league baseball this year , so he ’ ll lose a year of true development .
I think Toglia was bound for High-A Lancaster this summer with the slight possibility of a jump to Double-A Hartford .
As for a timeline to make the majors , I would think 2022 is a reasonable goal , barring injuries .
Also , Kyle Newman had a good end-of-season podcast with Togila back in September .
You can listen to it here .
Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rushmore of Rockies pitchers ?
I feel like with batters , it ’ s a no-brainer in Larry Walker , Todd Helton and Nolan Arenado with some debate for the fourth spot ( I like Vinny Castilla , personally ) .
But with pitchers , it ’ s a whole other story .
So , Ubaldo Jimenez and who else ?
Nathan , that ’ s a very tough question .
I agree on Jimenez .
I would also include lefty Jorge De La Rosa and right-handers Aaron Cook and German Marquez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the best Rockies ’ best pitcher to ever take the mound .
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.
Hey Patrick, I have a big-picture question. With the prognosis of baseball returning this season with no fans and the reasonable possibility of next season with no fans, what are the chances of Rockies fans being able to see Nolan Arenado in a Rockies uniform IN PERSON? With this season already lost as far as no fans at the ballpark, and his opt-out clause at end of next year and the possibility of him being traded even before that, it seems to me that the odds of seeing Nolan play in person for the Rockies again seem very slim at best.
— Douglas, Denver
Patrick, do you think we’ll ever see Nolan Arenado at Coors Field in a Rockies uniform again? I’m afraid this may be his last season here.
— John, Denver
Wow, Douglas and John, that’s a gloomy thought. I had not considered the Arenado issue from the angle that Rockies fans will never see him play in person again. That would be a bummer.
On the bright side, I still think there’s a very slight chance that a limited number of fans might be able to watch games in person at Coors Field late this season — if there is a season.
But the heart of your question is legitimate. I’m convinced that Arenado, barring an injury or something else unforeseen, will opt out after 2021. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, I thought there was a good chance he would be traded by the July 31 deadline, especially if the Rockies were not in contention.
That’s not going to happen now, of course, meaning that an Arenado trade will once again become a hot topic during the 2020-21 offseason. But things are even more complicated now because teams are losing a lot of money this year. Is another team going to want to take on Arenado’s $35 million paycheck for the 2021 season? I have my doubts.
My bottom line: I think Arenado will play for the Rockies in 2020 and will be in a Colorado uniform to begin 2021 but will be gone before the 2021 trade deadline.
Are there players in the upcoming MLB draft that strike you as a particularly good fit for the Rockies?
— Patrick Lawrence, Colorado Springs
Hello fellow Patrick. One thing is for sure, the draft will be shorter and much easier to follow this year. The MLB draft will take place June 10 and will be only five rounds. Normally, the draft lasts 40 rounds.
FYI, the Rockies are scheduled to have the following six picks over the five rounds:
Ninth overall (first round)
35th overall (competitive Round A)
46th overall (second round)
81st overall (third round)
110th (fourth round)
140th (fifth round)
So who is on their radar? My colleague, Kyle Newman, follows the draft and the minors much closer than I do, so I’ll defer to him on this topic.
This is what Kyle wrote recently: “If recent history is any indication, the Rockies will be selecting college players, and specifically college pitchers, high. This draft is deep in that regard. Colorado’s drafted a college pitcher with at least one of its first three selections in each of the last four drafts, and the Rockies haven’t used their first three selections on all high schoolers since 2015.”
ESPN’s mock draft has the Rockies’ selecting right-handed pitcher Emerson Hancock out of Georgia in the first round and South Carolina right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski in the competitive Round A.
Jim Callis of MLB.com predicts the Rockies will take Louisville lefty Reid Detmers.
Kyle Glaser of Baseball America, however, believes the Rockies need outfield depth and talent for the future, so there is speculation that the Rockies will use their first pick to draft Heston Kjerstad, an outfielder from the University of Arkansas.
I love the game of baseball, but the players union and the owners both repulse me. My latest reason to despise them? Two words: Blake Snell. What an ungrateful, self-absorbed, out-of-touch prima donna. I work in a hospital. Him? He’s 60-feet, 6-inches away from the nearest human in his job. Guys like him make me hope there’s no season. Nolan Arenado should stay away from those comments — you don’t have to have the back of the biggest idiot in the room. It took me 13 years to get over 1994. If they do it again, I’m not coming back.
— Allen, San Antonio
Allen, many fans share your point of view. I addressed this topic in my last mailbag and I also asked Arenado about it in a recent Q&A. As I’ve said before, I thought Snell’s comments were callous and tone-deaf and a big mistake. I agree with the players’ position that they have to make a united stand and I understand why they reject the idea of revenue sharing, but they don’t need Snell shooting his mouth off. Some players are so cocooned in their baseball world that they have no understanding of what regular people go through.
Major League Baseball and the MLBPA are going to have to reach some sort of compromise — and soon — if they are going to save what’s left of the 2020 season. The problem is, the two sides don’t trust each other.
I miss having that stalwart at first base. Andres Galarraga, Todd Helton and even Justin Morneau were solid there. I’m curious about Rockies prospect Michael Toglia. He has a power bat and is solid in the field. Do you know what the timeline would be for him to make the majors?
— Tyson Madison, Aurora
Toglia, a talented, powerful switch-hitter, batted .248 with nine homers and 26 RBIs for Class-A, short-season Boise last summer. He’s still finding his way, like all young players. But the Rockies are very high on him. Toglia struck out 25% of the time, a tick above the league average of 23%.
His climb toward the majors will be slowed because of the coronavirus. There almost certainly won’t be minor-league baseball this year, so he’ll lose a year of true development. I think Toglia was bound for High-A Lancaster this summer with the slight possibility of a jump to Double-A Hartford. As for a timeline to make the majors, I would think 2022 is a reasonable goal, barring injuries.
Also, Kyle Newman had a good end-of-season podcast with Togila back in September. You can listen to it here.
Patrick, who’s on your Mt. Rushmore of Rockies pitchers? I feel like with batters, it’s a no-brainer in Larry Walker, Todd Helton and Nolan Arenado with some debate for the fourth spot (I like Vinny Castilla, personally). But with pitchers, it’s a whole other story. So, Ubaldo Jimenez and who else?
–– Nathan S., Fort Collins
Nathan, that’s a very tough question. I agree on Jimenez. I would also include lefty Jorge De La Rosa and right-handers Aaron Cook and German Marquez. I think Marquez has a chance to be the best Rockies’ best pitcher to ever take the mound.
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Colorado Avalanche’s odds to win the Stanley Cup with the new 24-team playoff format

The NHL on Tuesday announced if the season resumes , it will forego the remainder of the regular season for a 24-team playoff .
So what does the expanded playoffs mean for the Avalanche ?
It ’ s a pretty bright outlook for Colorado and summer hockey , according to oddsmaker betonline.ag .
The Avs are tied for the best odds ( 15-to-4 ) with the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Western Conference .
To win the Stanley Cup , Colorado has 13/2 odds , tied for No .
1 with the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chicago Blackhawks , who have 60/1 odds to win the West and 125/1 to win it all .
The playoffs would start , at the earliest , in the first half of July .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers !
Subscribe to The Denver Post ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first month and only $ 6.99/month thereafter .
Cancel anytime .
+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Ryan O ’ Halloran here .
+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .
The NHL became the first North American professional league to unveil a return-to-play plan Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoff format .
Read more… Keeler : Karl Dorrell deserves “ a bit of a pass ” from CU Buffs fans this fall , ESPN ’ s Chris Fowler says No Laviska Shenault .
No Steven Montez .
No spring practice .
Even before the coronavirus shook his best-laid plans like a snow globe , new CU football coach Karl Dorrell was pushing a boulder in Boulder upslope , against the wind .
Read more… Nuggets Journal : Adam Silver has chance to experiment with NBA ’ s return .
Should he take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ web of decisions , with lives possibly at stake and millions of dollars to potentially be recovered should the NBA season return , Silver has to ask himself one fundamental question : How much risk can the league tolerate in its attempt to resume the 2019-20 season ?
Read more… + MLB ’ s financial proposal to save 2020 season considered “ non-starter ” by players + As Rocky Mountain National Park starts to reopen this week , here ’ s what will be available and what won ’ t .
+ Pac-12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting June 15 + Colorado state parks just became the coolest kid in school — but my mom was right , popularity isn ’ t all that .
+ Rockies blow another late lead , lose again to Dodgers in MLB The Show 20 .
+ World TeamTennis plans to have fans at West Virginia matches .
If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ danielboniface .

The NHL on Tuesday announced if the season resumes, it will forego the remainder of the regular season for a 24-team playoff. So what does the expanded playoffs mean for the Avalanche?
It’s a pretty bright outlook for Colorado and summer hockey, according to oddsmaker betonline.ag.
The Avs are tied for the best odds (15-to-4) with the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Western Conference. To win the Stanley Cup, Colorado has 13/2 odds, tied for No. 1 with the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning.
At the bottom of the list are the Chicago Blackhawks, who have 60/1 odds to win the West and 125/1 to win it all.
The playoffs would start, at the earliest, in the first half of July.
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
Must-Read
The NHL became the first North American professional league to unveil a return-to-play plan Tuesday when commissioner Gary Bettman announced a 24-team playoff format. Read more…
No Laviska Shenault. No Steven Montez. No spring practice. Even before the coronavirus shook his best-laid plans like a snow globe, new CU football coach Karl Dorrell was pushing a boulder in Boulder upslope, against the wind. Read more…
Now faced with a complex web of decisions, with lives possibly at stake and millions of dollars to potentially be recovered should the NBA season return, Silver has to ask himself one fundamental question: How much risk can the league tolerate in its attempt to resume the 2019-20 season? Read more…
Quick Hits
+ MLB’s financial proposal to save 2020 season considered “non-starter” by players
+ CU Buffs lose basketball assistant coach to Arizona State
+ In-person classes key for return of CU Buffs sports
+ As Rocky Mountain National Park starts to reopen this week, here’s what will be available and what won’t.
+ Pac-12 to allow voluntary in-person workouts on campus starting June 15
+ Colorado state parks just became the coolest kid in school — but my mom was right, popularity isn’t all that.
+ Rockies blow another late lead, lose again to Dodgers in MLB The Show 20.
+ NASCAR champ Kyle Busch backs masks in public as common courtesy.
+ World TeamTennis plans to have fans at West Virginia matches.
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--With two days’ notice, Colorado restaurants take varying approaches to reopening

Even as Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis eases restrictions , allowing dine-in service to resume as it has in several other states , Colorado restaurants aren ’ t all rushing to open their doors .
Over the holiday weekend , Polis set a restaurant reopening date of May 27 and released guidelines for restaurants to allow them to operate at a maximum 50 % capacity — but with no more than 50 patrons inside — with tables spaced six feet apart and only parties of eight or fewer allowed .
Mayor Michael Hancock on Monday said that Denver , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the state , adding only that diners as well as restaurant employees would be required to wear masks “ except while eating and drinking , ” according to a city release .
With two days notice , restaurant owners scrambled to decide when and how to reopen , with some opting out altogether for another week or more .
“ I know many places are trying to normalize all the reminders of a pandemic situation , but I can not get behind that , ” Christine Parisi , president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street , told The Denver Post .
“ Rules , masks , signage , side eyes from other customers watching everyone ’ s move , constant sanitizing sessions , varying degrees of the public ’ s reaction to the requirements of the public … all make for a tangled web of very uncomfortable scenarios for a small business and my staff , ” she said .
Parisi said she would hold off on any scaled re-openings until Monday , June 8 .
Other owners have set their own opening dates throughout the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to training staff .
“ A lot of this does not have to do with the restaurant being physically ready , ” said Linda Hampsten Fox , who owns The Bindery in Lower Highland .
“ I think psychologically and emotionally , we ’ re going to use this time now to really get the team ready.
” Hampsten Fox and about 75 % of her pre-coronavirus team have been working throughout the pandemic on designing new table layouts , creating an indoor-outdoor dining space and installing a greenhouse in the restaurant ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors inside , and vice versa .
They ’ ll take advantage of existing patio space and wrap it around the restaurant but will still only be able to seat as much as 50 % of their previous capacity , she said .
“ This story is not ending , we are still in a pandemic … It ’ s the next two , four , six months that ’ s going to really be important to all of us ( restaurants ) , ” she said .
During a Tuesday press conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledge the pain that our restaurants have been through.
” Restaurants employ around 300,000 workers or 10 % of the state ’ s workforce , according to data from the Colorado Restaurant Association .
In a poll taken by that association earlier this month , more than 100 Colorado restaurants reported that under the new guidelines , they will still have to consider closing permanently in less than three months .
Longtime restaurateur Frank Bonanno owns 10 Denver concepts plus a major downtown food hall .
And while he is opening some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ ll be facing big decisions later this summer about which of them to keep alive as soon as his Paycheck Protection loan runs out .
“ Obviously the restaurant industry was a bigger industry than most people thought , quite honestly , ” Bonanno said .
“ People just don ’ t realize because we ’ re not a big lobbyist group .
We don ’ t ask for a lot of help .
We kind of fly under the radar , and now people are realizing … .
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transitioned from stay-at-home order to safer-at-home recommendation , he ’ s asking Coloradans now to make the best decisions for themselves regarding dining out .
He acknowledged that there will be some risk in going out to eat now , “ but I think for our state , it ’ s a matter of survival , and really it ’ s a matter of when — not if — we want to do it in as safe a way as possible , ” he said .
As safe as possible means more for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , than state and city guidelines require .
Starting next Tuesday , she ’ ll open her restaurant at 30 % capacity , using all disposable dishes and serving ware and only allowing dining groups of four or less .
“ We ’ re really letting our team guide us in terms of what makes them feel safe and comfortable in this new world of ours , ” she said .
“ I think just trying to make it ridiculously clear , from a visibility standpoint , what our expectations ( of customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social media as well … and inundating people with information is our initial approach.
” For Ariss and others , their own guidelines are clear , while their customers ’ are not .
“ We just know that there ’ s gon na be a lot of pushback from guests , and I think that ’ s the scariest part of all of this , ” she said .
After seeing footage of massive holiday crowds at restaurants and other public spaces all over the country this weekend , Bonanno agreed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be paying attention and asking customers to comply with distancing , mask-wearing and more protocols .
“ Believe me , we don ’ t need to close again in September or October because this has come full circle , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t need to be the Ozarks , so we ’ re going to do our part.
” Subscribe to our food newsletter , Stuffed , to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox .

Even as Colorado Gov. Jared Polis eases restrictions, allowing dine-in service to resume as it has in several other states, Colorado restaurants aren’t all rushing to open their doors.
Over the holiday weekend, Polis set a restaurant reopening date of May 27 and released guidelines for restaurants to allow them to operate at a maximum 50% capacity — but with no more than 50 patrons inside — with tables spaced six feet apart and only parties of eight or fewer allowed.
Mayor Michael Hancock on Monday said that Denver, too, could reopen its restaurants Wednesday alongside the rest of the state, adding only that diners as well as restaurant employees would be required to wear masks “except while eating and drinking,” according to a city release.
With two days notice, restaurant owners scrambled to decide when and how to reopen, with some opting out altogether for another week or more.
“I know many places are trying to normalize all the reminders of a pandemic situation, but I cannot get behind that,” Christine Parisi, president of Parisi and Firenze a Tavola on Tennyson Street, told The Denver Post.
“Rules, masks, signage, side eyes from other customers watching everyone’s move, constant sanitizing sessions, varying degrees of the public’s reaction to the requirements of the public … all make for a tangled web of very uncomfortable scenarios for a small business and my staff,” she said.
Parisi said she would hold off on any scaled re-openings until Monday, June 8. Other owners have set their own opening dates throughout the next month, and now the focus shifts to training staff.
“A lot of this does not have to do with the restaurant being physically ready,” said Linda Hampsten Fox, who owns The Bindery in Lower Highland. “I think psychologically and emotionally, we’re going to use this time now to really get the team ready.”
Hampsten Fox and about 75% of her pre-coronavirus team have been working throughout the pandemic on designing new table layouts, creating an indoor-outdoor dining space and installing a greenhouse in the restaurant’s bakery and market to bring the outdoors inside, and vice versa.
They’ll take advantage of existing patio space and wrap it around the restaurant but will still only be able to seat as much as 50% of their previous capacity, she said.
“This story is not ending, we are still in a pandemic … It’s the next two, four, six months that’s going to really be important to all of us (restaurants),” she said.
During a Tuesday press conference, Polis said he wanted to “acknowledge the pain that our restaurants have been through.”
Restaurants employ around 300,000 workers or 10% of the state’s workforce, according to data from the Colorado Restaurant Association. In a poll taken by that association earlier this month, more than 100 Colorado restaurants reported that under the new guidelines, they will still have to consider closing permanently in less than three months.
Longtime restaurateur Frank Bonanno owns 10 Denver concepts plus a major downtown food hall. And while he is opening some of his restaurants on Wednesday, he says he’ll be facing big decisions later this summer about which of them to keep alive as soon as his Paycheck Protection loan runs out.
“Obviously the restaurant industry was a bigger industry than most people thought, quite honestly,” Bonanno said. “People just don’t realize because we’re not a big lobbyist group. We don’t ask for a lot of help. We kind of fly under the radar, and now people are realizing … .”
In the same way that Gov. Polis transitioned from stay-at-home order to safer-at-home recommendation, he’s asking Coloradans now to make the best decisions for themselves regarding dining out. He acknowledged that there will be some risk in going out to eat now, “but I think for our state, it’s a matter of survival, and really it’s a matter of when — not if — we want to do it in as safe a way as possible,” he said.
As safe as possible means more for Whitney Ariss, co-owner of The Preservery, than state and city guidelines require. Starting next Tuesday, she’ll open her restaurant at 30% capacity, using all disposable dishes and serving ware and only allowing dining groups of four or less.
“We’re really letting our team guide us in terms of what makes them feel safe and comfortable in this new world of ours,” she said. “I think just trying to make it ridiculously clear, from a visibility standpoint, what our expectations (of customers) are … being really really verbal on social media as well … and inundating people with information is our initial approach.”
For Ariss and others, their own guidelines are clear, while their customers’ are not. “We just know that there’s gonna be a lot of pushback from guests, and I think that’s the scariest part of all of this,” she said.
After seeing footage of massive holiday crowds at restaurants and other public spaces all over the country this weekend, Bonanno agreed. He said he and his employees will be paying attention and asking customers to comply with distancing, mask-wearing and more protocols.
“Believe me, we don’t need to close again in September or October because this has come full circle,” he said. “We don’t need to be the Ozarks, so we’re going to do our part.”
Subscribe to our food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Denver weather: Mostly sunny with thunderstorms possible in the afternoon

Temperatures will climb to 79 degrees in Denver Wednesday , but there will be a chance of thunderstorms in the @ @ @ @ @ National Weather Service .
There will be light winds from the north reaching 5-7 mph @ @ @ @ @ get to 15 mph , according to forecasters .
There will be possible rain and @ @ @ @ @ a low of 53 degrees .
More of the same on Thursday with the high @ @ @ @ @ Friday , the high will be 87 degrees with a chance of rain and thunderstorms @ @ @ @ @ to the NWS .

Get that umbrella ready.
Temperatures will climb to 79 degrees in Denver Wednesday, but there will be a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
There will be light winds from the north reaching 5-7 mph in the morning but could get to 15 mph, according to forecasters.
There will be possible rain and thunderstorms in the evening with a low of 53 degrees.
More of the same on Thursday with the high reaching 75 degrees.
On Friday, the high will be 87 degrees with a chance of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon, according to the NWS.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Hypocrisy gone viral? Officials set bad COVID-19 examples.

PARIS — “ Do as I say , but not as I do ” was the message many British saw in the behavior of Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s key aide , who traveled hundreds of miles with coronavirus symptoms during the country ’ s lockdown .
While Dominic Cummings has faced calls for his firing but support from his boss over his journey from London to the northern city of Durham in March , few countries seem immune to the perception that politicians and top officials are bending the rules that their own governments wrote during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , global decision-makers have frequently set bad examples , whether it ’ s refusing to wear masks or breaking confinement rules aimed at protecting their citizens from COVID-19 .
Some are punished when they ’ re caught , others publicly repent , while a few just shrug off the violations during a pandemic that has claimed more than 350,000 lives worldwide .
Here are some notable examples : NEW ZEALAND HEALTH MINISTER CALLS HIMSELF AN “ IDIOT ” In April , New Zealand ’ s health minister was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defying the country ’ s strict lockdown measures .
David Clark drove 19 kilometers ( 12 miles ) to the beach to take a walk with his family as the government was asking people to make historic sacrifices by staying at home .
“ I ’ ve been an idiot , and I understand why people will be angry with me , ” Clark said .
He also earlier acknowledged driving to a park near his home to go mountain biking .
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said normally she would fire Clark but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive disruption in its health sector while it was fighting the virus .
Instead , she stripped Clark of his role as associate finance minister and demoting him to the bottom of the Cabinet rankings .
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said it pained him not to embrace supporters during tours because of health risks , but he made a remarkable exception in March , shaking hands with the elderly mother of imprisoned drug kingpin Joaquin “ El Chapo ” Guzmán .
Asked about shaking her hand when the government was urging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obrador said it would have been disrespectful not to .
“ It ’ s very difficult humanly , ” he said .
“ I ’ m not a robot.
” The decision to wear a mask in public is becoming a political statement in the U.S.
It ’ s been stoked by Trump — who didn ’ t wear a mask during an appearance at a facility making them — and some other Republicans , who have questioned the value of masks .
This month , pandemic politics shadowed Trump ’ s trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making lifesaving medical devices .
He did not publicly wear a face covering despite a warning from the state ’ s top law enforcement officer that refusing to do so might lead to a ban on his return .
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden , meanwhile , wore a mask along with his wife , Jill , as they laid a wreath Monday at a Delaware veterans ’ memorial — his first public appearance since mid-March .
Trump later retweeted Fox News analyst Brit Hume ’ s criticism of Biden for wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence was criticized for not wearing a mask while on a visit to the Mayo Clinic .
While the rest of Israel was instructed not to gather with their extended families for traditional Passover Seder in April , Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin hosted their adult children for the festive holiday meal , drawing fierce criticism on social media .
Israeli television showed a photo of Avner Netanyahu , the premier ’ s younger son , attending the Seder at his father ’ s official residence .
Benjamin Netanyahu later apologized in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adhered more closely to the regulations .
French President Emmanuel Macron also has been inconsistent with masks , leaving the French public confused .
Although Macron has sometimes appeared in a mask for visits at hospitals and schools , it ’ s a different story in the Elysee presidential palace and for speeches .
During a visit to a Paris hospital on May 15 , Macron initially wore a mask to chat with doctors but then removed it to talk with union workers .
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also faced criticism this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a factory for a photo where everyone removed their masks .
The only time Russian President Vladimir Putin wore protective gear in public was on March 24 , when he visited a top coronavirus hospital in Moscow .
Before donning a hazmat suit , Putin shook hands with Dr. Denis Protsenko , the head of the hospital .
Neither wore masks or gloves , and a week later , Protsenko tested positive for the virus .
That raised questions about Putin ’ s health , but the Kremlin said he was fine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-to-face meetings , according to the Kremlin website .
He and others didn ’ t wear masks during those meetings , and Putin also didn ’ t cover his face for events marking Nazi Germany ’ s defeat in World War II .
When asked why Putin doesn ’ t wear a mask during public appearances , spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin has a different approach to protecting the president ’ s health .
“ When it comes to public events , we ask medical workers to test all the participants in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Puerto Rico Gov .
Wanda Vázquez was criticized for not always wearing a mask despite holding new conferences ordering people to cover their face outside their homes and inside businesses .
A member of the opposition Popular Democratic Party also filed a police complaint last week against members of Vázquez ’ s New Progressive Party , alleging they violated a curfew by gathering to inaugurate the party ’ s new headquarters .
Police are investigating the incident , which angered many Puerto Ricans .
Scotland ’ s chief medical officer , Dr. Catherine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traveled to her second home during lockdown in April .
She faced blowback after photos emerged of her and her family visiting Earlsferry in Fife , which is more than an hour ’ s drive from her main home in Edinburgh .
She apologized and resigned .
“ I did not follow the advice I ’ m giving to others , ” Calderwood said .
“ I am truly sorry for that .
I ’ ve seen a lot of the comments from … people calling me a hypocrite.
” A top Japanese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month after defying a stay-at-home recommendation in a gambling scandal .
Hiromu Kurokawa , the country ’ s No .
2 prosecutor who headed the Tokyo High Prosecutors ’ Office , acknowledged that he wasn ’ t social distancing when he played mahjong for money at a newspaper reporter ’ s home twice in May .
Japan didn ’ t enforce a stay-at-home recommendation , but his case outraged the public because many were following social distancing measures .
At a March news conference to open a COVID-19 field hospital in Milan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video journalists were pushed into corners that did not allow proper spacing .
Only text reporters were given seating in line with regulations .
The Codacons consumer protection group announced it would file a complaint with prosecutors in Milan .
“ What should have been a moment of great happiness and pride for Lombardy and Italy was transformed into a surreal event , where in violation of the anti-gathering rules , groups of crowds formed , ’ Codacons said .
In April , Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams was placed on special leave for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Cyril Ramaphosa after she violated stay-at-home regulations .
Ramaphosa directed police to investigate after a photo emerged on social media of Ndabeni-Abrahams and several others having a meal at the home of former deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana .
Madrid ’ s regional and city officials sparked controversy when they gathered on May 1 for a ceremony shuttering a massive field hospital at a convention center .
Eager to appear in the final photo of a facility credited with treating nearly 4,000 mild COVID-19 patients , dozens of officials didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain ’ s restrictions banned more than 10 people at events like the one that honored nurses and doctors .
The central government opened an investigation , and Madrid regional chief Isabel Díaz Ayuso apologized .
She said officials “ got carried away by the uniqueness of the moment.
” Former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy also defied strict stay-at-home orders , with a television station filming him power walking around in northern Madrid .
The Spanish prosecutor ’ s office is investigating whether Rajoy , who was premier from 2011 to 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a top leader of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’ s Bharatiya Janata Party drew flak last weekend after playing a game of cricket .
Manoj Tiwari , also a member of India ’ s parliament , said he followed social distancing rules during the game .
Videos circulating on social media showed Tiwati without a mask .
He was also seen taking selfies with people .
Some leaders are setting a good example , including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa .
Media jokingly called him the most relaxed politician in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supermarket this month , wearing a mask and following social distancing measures .
The photo was widely shared on social media .
Another rule-follower is Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte , who did not visit his ill 96-year-old mother in a nursing home during the last eight weeks of her life because of coronavirus restrictions .
He only came to her bedside during her final hours this month .
“ The prime minister has respected all guidelines , ” according to a statement read by a spokesman .
“ The guidelines allow for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members in the final stage .
And as such the prime minister was with her during her last night.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

PARIS — “Do as I say, but not as I do” was the message many British saw in the behavior of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s key aide, who traveled hundreds of miles with coronavirus symptoms during the country’s lockdown.
While Dominic Cummings has faced calls for his firing but support from his boss over his journey from London to the northern city of Durham in March, few countries seem immune to the perception that politicians and top officials are bending the rules that their own governments wrote during the pandemic.
From U.S. President Donald Trump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, global decision-makers have frequently set bad examples, whether it’s refusing to wear masks or breaking confinement rules aimed at protecting their citizens from COVID-19.
Some are punished when they’re caught, others publicly repent, while a few just shrug off the violations during a pandemic that has claimed more than 350,000 lives worldwide.
Here are some notable examples:
NEW ZEALAND HEALTH MINISTER CALLS HIMSELF AN “IDIOT”
In April, New Zealand’s health minister was stripped of some of his responsibilities after defying the country’s strict lockdown measures. David Clark drove 19 kilometers (12 miles) to the beach to take a walk with his family as the government was asking people to make historic sacrifices by staying at home.
“I’ve been an idiot, and I understand why people will be angry with me,” Clark said. He also earlier acknowledged driving to a park near his home to go mountain biking.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said normally she would fire Clark but that the country couldn’t afford massive disruption in its health sector while it was fighting the virus. Instead, she stripped Clark of his role as associate finance minister and demoting him to the bottom of the Cabinet rankings.
MEXICO’S LEADER SHAKES HANDS
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said it pained him not to embrace supporters during tours because of health risks, but he made a remarkable exception in March, shaking hands with the elderly mother of imprisoned drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán. Asked about shaking her hand when the government was urging citizens to practice social distancing, López Obrador said it would have been disrespectful not to.
“It’s very difficult humanly,” he said. “I’m not a robot.”
AMERICA’S PANDEMIC POLITICS
The decision to wear a mask in public is becoming a political statement in the U.S. It’s been stoked by Trump — who didn’t wear a mask during an appearance at a facility making them — and some other Republicans, who have questioned the value of masks. This month, pandemic politics shadowed Trump’s trip to Michigan as he toured a factory making lifesaving medical devices. He did not publicly wear a face covering despite a warning from the state’s top law enforcement officer that refusing to do so might lead to a ban on his return.
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, meanwhile, wore a mask along with his wife, Jill, as they laid a wreath Monday at a Delaware veterans’ memorial — his first public appearance since mid-March. Trump later retweeted Fox News analyst Brit Hume’s criticism of Biden for wearing a mask in public.
Vice President Mike Pence was criticized for not wearing a mask while on a visit to the Mayo Clinic.
NETANYAHU’S PASSOVER HOLIDAY
While the rest of Israel was instructed not to gather with their extended families for traditional Passover Seder in April, Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin hosted their adult children for the festive holiday meal, drawing fierce criticism on social media. Israeli television showed a photo of Avner Netanyahu, the premier’s younger son, attending the Seder at his father’s official residence.
Benjamin Netanyahu later apologized in a televised address, saying he should have adhered more closely to the regulations.
THE FRENCH EXCEPTION
French President Emmanuel Macron also has been inconsistent with masks, leaving the French public confused. Although Macron has sometimes appeared in a mask for visits at hospitals and schools, it’s a different story in the Elysee presidential palace and for speeches. During a visit to a Paris hospital on May 15, Macron initially wore a mask to chat with doctors but then removed it to talk with union workers.
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also faced criticism this month for huddling with dozens of mask-makers in a factory for a photo where everyone removed their masks.
PUTIN’S DIFFERENT APPROACH
The only time Russian President Vladimir Putin wore protective gear in public was on March 24, when he visited a top coronavirus hospital in Moscow. Before donning a hazmat suit, Putin shook hands with Dr. Denis Protsenko, the head of the hospital. Neither wore masks or gloves, and a week later, Protsenko tested positive for the virus. That raised questions about Putin’s health, but the Kremlin said he was fine.
Putin has since held at least seven face-to-face meetings, according to the Kremlin website. He and others didn’t wear masks during those meetings, and Putin also didn’t cover his face for events marking Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.
When asked why Putin doesn’t wear a mask during public appearances, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin has a different approach to protecting the president’s health.
“When it comes to public events, we ask medical workers to test all the participants in advance,” Peskov told reporters.
PUERTO RICO OFFICIAL’S INCONSISTENT MESSAGE
Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez was criticized for not always wearing a mask despite holding new conferences ordering people to cover their face outside their homes and inside businesses. A member of the opposition Popular Democratic Party also filed a police complaint last week against members of Vázquez’s New Progressive Party, alleging they violated a curfew by gathering to inaugurate the party’s new headquarters. Police are investigating the incident, which angered many Puerto Ricans.
SCOTTISH MEDICAL OFFICIAL TAKES THE LOW ROAD
Scotland’s chief medical officer, Dr. Catherine Calderwood, broke her own rules and traveled to her second home during lockdown in April. She faced blowback after photos emerged of her and her family visiting Earlsferry in Fife, which is more than an hour’s drive from her main home in Edinburgh. She apologized and resigned.
“I did not follow the advice I’m giving to others,” Calderwood said. “I am truly sorry for that. I’ve seen a lot of the comments from … people calling me a hypocrite.”
JAPAN’S GAMBLING SCANDAL
A top Japanese prosecutor was reprimanded and later resigned this month after defying a stay-at-home recommendation in a gambling scandal.
Hiromu Kurokawa, the country’s No. 2 prosecutor who headed the Tokyo High Prosecutors’ Office, acknowledged that he wasn’t social distancing when he played mahjong for money at a newspaper reporter’s home twice in May. Japan didn’t enforce a stay-at-home recommendation, but his case outraged the public because many were following social distancing measures.
ITALIAN PRESS CONFERENCE CRITICISM
At a March news conference to open a COVID-19 field hospital in Milan’s old convention center, photographers and video journalists were pushed into corners that did not allow proper spacing. Only text reporters were given seating in line with regulations. The Codacons consumer protection group announced it would file a complaint with prosecutors in Milan.
“What should have been a moment of great happiness and pride for Lombardy and Italy was transformed into a surreal event, where in violation of the anti-gathering rules, groups of crowds formed,’ Codacons said.
SOUTH AFRICA’S RULE-BREAKING DINNER
In April, Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams was placed on special leave for two months and forced to apologize by President Cyril Ramaphosa after she violated stay-at-home regulations. Ramaphosa directed police to investigate after a photo emerged on social media of Ndabeni-Abrahams and several others having a meal at the home of former deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana.
SPANISH HOSPITAL CEREMONY INVESTIGATED
Madrid’s regional and city officials sparked controversy when they gathered on May 1 for a ceremony shuttering a massive field hospital at a convention center. Eager to appear in the final photo of a facility credited with treating nearly 4,000 mild COVID-19 patients, dozens of officials didn’t follow social distancing rules. Spain’s restrictions banned more than 10 people at events like the one that honored nurses and doctors. The central government opened an investigation, and Madrid regional chief Isabel Díaz Ayuso apologized. She said officials “got carried away by the uniqueness of the moment.”
Former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy also defied strict stay-at-home orders, with a television station filming him power walking around in northern Madrid. The Spanish prosecutor’s office is investigating whether Rajoy, who was premier from 2011 to 2018, should be fined.
INDIAN CRICKET GAME CRITICIZED
In India, a top leader of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party drew flak last weekend after playing a game of cricket. Manoj Tiwari, also a member of India’s parliament, said he followed social distancing rules during the game. Videos circulating on social media showed Tiwati without a mask. He was also seen taking selfies with people.
LEADERS WHO FOLLOW THE RULES
Some leaders are setting a good example, including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Media jokingly called him the most relaxed politician in the world after he was photographed queuing at a supermarket this month, wearing a mask and following social distancing measures. The photo was widely shared on social media.
Another rule-follower is Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who did not visit his ill 96-year-old mother in a nursing home during the last eight weeks of her life because of coronavirus restrictions. He only came to her bedside during her final hours this month.
“The prime minister has respected all guidelines,” according to a statement read by a spokesman. “The guidelines allow for family to say goodbye to dying family members in the final stage. And as such the prime minister was with her during her last night.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Ask Amy: This “full house” isn’t a cute sitcom

Dear Amy : I ’ m a single woman with three children , ages 9 , 16 , and 24 .
Recently my mother moved in with us .
Soon after , a longtime friend of mine ( and godmother to my eldest child ) moved in with us , as well .
During the pandemic , my house has been very busy , as no one is working due to COVID-19 .
I ’ ve noticed some things about my friend that I didn ’ t really notice before ( or maybe chose to ignore ) .
During everyday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak , and she doesn ’ t interrupt quietly , either .
Dominating a conversation is actually what she does and before anyone knows it the topic is turned on to herself .
Wow !
She is self-absorbed !
I ’ m not sure how to broach this subject , as I do not want to hurt her feelings .
Dear About to Explode !
: Your friend is not a houseguest ; for now , she is a member of the household , and should be treated like one .
You should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the feelings of others in your household , are just as important as hers are .
Each of us can usually tolerate a small dent to our feelings , as long as we feel respected .
You need to be brave enough to handle this deliberately , rather than waiting until you erupt and say something harsh in front of others .
You are providing housing to your friend — and your family members .
You have the responsibility , and the right , to offer course-correctives in order for the household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her privately .
Tell her , quite plainly : “ I ’ d like to offer you some feedback about a habit of yours that is bothering me .
You tend to interrupt me and others when we ’ re trying to converse .
It ’ s important to me that each of us has the opportunity to express ourselves .
This includes you .
But the kids – and my mom and I – all need the space to say what we need to say .
Can you work on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while you are trying to explain this .
Wait patiently .
She might react defensively or tell you that you ’ ve hurt her feelings .
Wait patiently .
The rest will be up to her .
In the future , when she interrupts , say , “ Whoops .
Wait a minute .
I ’ d like to finish my thought.
” Dear Amy : I just want to give a shoutout to the overlooked dads out there who are out of their comfort zones .
I keep seeing items about moms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have changed for mothers with kids home all the time during the pandemic .
Well , our family is different .
I am in the medical field and have been working this whole time .
My husband was laid off .
We have four children , three of whom need extra help .
Daddy is the one handling online classes and keeping track of all assignments , and juggling who needs to be on what website at what time .
Normally I handle school assignments and meetings with teachers , so this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real rock star right now , and I couldn ’ t be prouder of how he is handling everything .
Dear Proud : So many families ’ norms are turned upside down right now , and yes – it has been great to see dads stepping up at home .
I genuinely appreciate how many fathers seem to be putting their own dad-spin on their parenting duties : donning tutus to dance with their daughters , building elaborate indoor obstacle courses , and lovingly reading bedtime stories to their children .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ note that prior to this , for some reason , you ( working full time ) , managed all of the academic issues related to your four kids , before this virus upended your domestic structure .
Thank you for what you do – at home and at work .
You and all of our healthcare workers risk a lot to provide care to the rest of us .
Dear Amy : I read your good advice to “ Tired Ears , ” the mother-in-law whose daughter-in-law frequently complained about her husband — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urging this MIL to nip that in the bud .
My wonderful mother-in-law has a different solution : If I complain about my husband to his mom , her response — while smiling and shrugging — is , “ Gee !
I wonder who raised him , anyway !
” This definitely stops me .
Let us all learn from her .

Dear Amy: I’m a single woman with three children, ages 9, 16, and 24.
Recently my mother moved in with us. Soon after, a longtime friend of mine (and godmother to my eldest child) moved in with us, as well.
During the pandemic, my house has been very busy, as no one is working due to COVID-19.
I’ve noticed some things about my friend that I didn’t really notice before (or maybe chose to ignore). During everyday conversations she constantly interrupts everyone while they speak, and she doesn’t interrupt quietly, either.
Dominating a conversation is actually what she does and before anyone knows it the topic is turned on to herself. Wow! She is self-absorbed!
I’m not sure how to broach this subject, as I do not want to hurt her feelings.
Any ideas?
— About to Explode!
Dear About to Explode!: Your friend is not a houseguest; for now, she is a member of the household, and should be treated like one.
You should consider the fact that your feelings, and the feelings of others in your household, are just as important as hers are. Each of us can usually tolerate a small dent to our feelings, as long as we feel respected.
You need to be brave enough to handle this deliberately, rather than waiting until you erupt and say something harsh in front of others.
You are providing housing to your friend — and your family members. You have the responsibility, and the right, to offer course-correctives in order for the household to continue to run peacefully.
Talk to her privately. Tell her, quite plainly: “I’d like to offer you some feedback about a habit of yours that is bothering me. You tend to interrupt me and others when we’re trying to converse. It’s important to me that each of us has the opportunity to express ourselves. This includes you. But the kids – and my mom and I – all need the space to say what we need to say. Can you work on that?”
Your friend might interrupt you while you are trying to explain this. Wait patiently. She might react defensively or tell you that you’ve hurt her feelings. Wait patiently. The rest will be up to her.
In the future, when she interrupts, say, “Whoops. Wait a minute. I’d like to finish my thought.”
Dear Amy: I just want to give a shoutout to the overlooked dads out there who are out of their comfort zones. I keep seeing items about moms homeschooling their kids, and how things have changed for mothers with kids home all the time during the pandemic.
Well, our family is different. I am in the medical field and have been working this whole time. My husband was laid off. We have four children, three of whom need extra help. Daddy is the one handling online classes and keeping track of all assignments, and juggling who needs to be on what website at what time. Normally I handle school assignments and meetings with teachers, so this is ALL new to him.
He is a real rock star right now, and I couldn’t be prouder of how he is handling everything.
— Proud Wife and Mom in Wyoming
Dear Proud: So many families’ norms are turned upside down right now, and yes – it has been great to see dads stepping up at home. I genuinely appreciate how many fathers seem to be putting their own dad-spin on their parenting duties: donning tutus to dance with their daughters, building elaborate indoor obstacle courses, and lovingly reading bedtime stories to their children.
It’s generous of you NOT to note that prior to this, for some reason, you (working full time), managed all of the academic issues related to your four kids, before this virus upended your domestic structure.
Thank you for what you do – at home and at work. You and all of our healthcare workers risk a lot to provide care to the rest of us.
Dear Amy: I read your good advice to “Tired Ears,” the mother-in-law whose daughter-in-law frequently complained about her husband — to his mother.
Thank you for urging this MIL to nip that in the bud.
My wonderful mother-in-law has a different solution: If I complain about my husband to his mom, her response — while smiling and shrugging — is, “Gee! I wonder who raised him, anyway!”
This definitely stops me.
— Grateful
Dear Grateful: Your mother-in-law is a smart cookie.
Let us all learn from her.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Horse killed in Elbert County “execution style” owner says; sheriff’s office looking for suspect

ELBERT COUNTY , Colo. — “ It ripped my heart out when we realized it was an actual bullet through the horses head , ” said Dan Havens , the owner of Laredo , a 21-year-old horse he had raised since it was born .
Havens showed Contact7 Investigates a video taken the Sunday before he found his prized horse with a bullet hole in its head .
Last month , Havens returned to his barn in Elbert County and realized something was not right with Laredo .
“ When I arrived home that day I saw my horse out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed to an area outside Laredo ’ s spot in the Barn .
Laredo was laying in the mud .
“ I started brushing the side of his face and that ’ s when I noticed the bullet hole between his ear and his eye , ” Havens said .
He added that ’ s when the reality set in , “ I was shocked.
” By legal definition , you can ’ t murder a horse .
The crime is considered animal cruelty .
But by virtually every other sense of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s death is a murder mystery .

ELBERT COUNTY, Colo. — “It ripped my heart out when we realized it was an actual bullet through the horses head,” said Dan Havens, the owner of Laredo, a 21-year-old horse he had raised since it was born.
Havens showed Contact7 Investigates a video taken the Sunday before he found his prized horse with a bullet hole in its head.
Last month, Havens returned to his barn in Elbert County and realized something was not right with Laredo.
“When I arrived home that day I saw my horse out here,” Havens said as he pointed to an area outside Laredo’s spot in the Barn. Laredo was laying in the mud. “I started brushing the side of his face and that’s when I noticed the bullet hole between his ear and his eye,” Havens said. He added that’s when the reality set in, “I was shocked.”
By legal definition, you can’t murder a horse. The crime is considered animal cruelty. But by virtually every other sense of the definition, the story of Laredo’s death is a murder mystery.
Read the full story here.


thedenverpost--2020-05-28--Court upholds Colorado Governor Polis’ power to change ballot initiative rules

A Denver District Court judge on Wednesday ruled against a challenge to the Colorado governor ’ s executive order making it easier to collect signatures for fall ballot measures .
Gov .
Jared Polis issued an order earlier this month suspending some requirements for proposed ballot initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic .
He authorized the secretary of state to create temporary rules to allow signatures for ballot issues to be collected by mail or email .
The emailed signatures have to be physically signed but can then be scanned and returned through email .
Business group Colorado Concern and board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Gov .
Jared Polis overstepped his authority .
They also named Secretary of State Jena Griswold in the lawsuit .
Before even issuing his order , Judge Robert McGahey predicted at the hearing last week that whatever he decision he made would likely be appealed and left up to a higher court to decide .
McGahey said in his order that Polis ’ emergency power to suspend rules during the pandemic applies to any state agency .
He differentiated the court decision not to allow candidates to get onto the ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying the changes to signature collection rules are technical and don ’ t require strict compliance .
McGahey also said there are ways to verify signatures without having petitions signed in person .
“ Given the strong culture and history of the initiative and referendum process in Colorado , the injunction sought by the Plaintiffs would harm the public interest by negatively impacting citizens ’ fundamental right to initiative and referendum as provided by the Colorado Constitution , ” he wrote .
Colorado Concern disagrees with the judge ’ s decision and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and CEO Mike Kopp .
“ The Supreme Court has made it clear even very recently — safeguards protecting the integrity of ballot qualification processes are very much the law of the land even during extraordinary times like these , ” Kopp wrote in a statement .
“ And well they should be — protecting the integrity of the citizens initiative process is in the clear interest of the state and every citizen during good times and bad.
” In statement , Polis said citizens ’ constitutional rights shouldn ’ t be sacrificed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling today is a victory for the right of Coloradans to put forth ideas to be voted upon by their fellow Coloradans , an important part of our governance system that is open to people of all political persuasions to advance good ideas , ” he said .

A Denver District Court judge on Wednesday ruled against a challenge to the Colorado governor’s executive order making it easier to collect signatures for fall ballot measures.
Gov. Jared Polis issued an order earlier this month suspending some requirements for proposed ballot initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. He authorized the secretary of state to create temporary rules to allow signatures for ballot issues to be collected by mail or email. The emailed signatures have to be physically signed but can then be scanned and returned through email.
Business group Colorado Concern and board member Dan Ritchie filed the lawsuit alleging that the Gov. Jared Polis overstepped his authority. They also named Secretary of State Jena Griswold in the lawsuit.
Before even issuing his order, Judge Robert McGahey predicted at the hearing last week that whatever he decision he made would likely be appealed and left up to a higher court to decide.
McGahey said in his order that Polis’ emergency power to suspend rules during the pandemic applies to any state agency.
He differentiated the court decision not to allow candidates to get onto the ballot who didn’t collect enough signatures, saying the changes to signature collection rules are technical and don’t require strict compliance.
McGahey also said there are ways to verify signatures without having petitions signed in person.
“Given the strong culture and history of the initiative and referendum process in Colorado, the injunction sought by the Plaintiffs would harm the public interest by negatively impacting citizens’ fundamental right to initiative and referendum as provided by the Colorado Constitution,” he wrote.
Colorado Concern disagrees with the judge’s decision and is planning next steps, said president and CEO Mike Kopp.
“The Supreme Court has made it clear even very recently — safeguards protecting the integrity of ballot qualification processes are very much the law of the land even during extraordinary times like these,” Kopp wrote in a statement. “And well they should be — protecting the integrity of the citizens initiative process is in the clear interest of the state and every citizen during good times and bad.”
In statement, Polis said citizens’ constitutional rights shouldn’t be sacrificed in a pandemic.
“The court ruling today is a victory for the right of Coloradans to put forth ideas to be voted upon by their fellow Coloradans, an important part of our governance system that is open to people of all political persuasions to advance good ideas,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-05-28--PHOTOS: Arapahoe Basin ski area reopens after closing for COVID-19

Signs designate where skiers an snowboarders should stand at a safe distance at the Black Mountain Express lift for reopening @ @ @ @ @ area May 27 , 2020 .
Arapahoe Basin closed March 14 , 2020 due to @ @ @ @ @ area is open on a limited basis and allowing only 600 skiers and snowboarders per @ @ @ @ @ basis until further notice .

Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Signs designate where skiers an snowboarders should stand at a safe distance at the Black Mountain Express lift for reopening of the Arapahoe Basin ski area May 27, 2020. Arapahoe Basin closed March 14, 2020 due to the coronavirus. The ski area is open on a limited basis and allowing only 600 skiers and snowboarders per day on an online lottery basis until further notice.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Rockies’ Scott Oberg and David Dahl confident in their safety despite compromised immune systems

As Major League Baseball attempts to formulate a safe and workable plan to return in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic , two key Rockies players understand that they are at a higher risk than their teammates .
But they also say they ’ re confident they can remain healthy should baseball resume .
Reliever Scott Oberg , Colorado ’ s possible closer , lives with three autoimmune diseases , and all-star outfielder David Dahl doesn ’ t have a spleen .
But both are eager for the season to resume .
“ Yes , I ’ m at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MLB and the medical personnel involved won ’ t put us at an even greater risk to go out and play , ” said Dahl , who had his spleen removed in an emergency operation in 2015 after he was injured in a collision during a Double-A game .
“ Looking at the health-and-safety protocols , they ’ re doing a good job implementing what needs to be done for us to get back on the field safely.
” Living without a spleen makes a person more susceptible to bacteria that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious infections .
Oberg , whose 2019 season ended Aug. 18 because of a blood clot in his right arm , has psoriasis , psoriatic arthritis and IgA nephropathy .
Also known as Berger ’ s disease , IgA nephropathy is a disease that causes damage to the tiny filters inside the kidneys .
Oberg , however , is confident that he can take precautions that will enable him to stay safe during the virus .
“ Honestly , I think I would be safer in the baseball world than being out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Oberg , a huge soccer fan , said his doctor used a soccer analogy to describe Oberg ’ s risk factor .
“ Basically , he said it was like having one of your guys get a red card and get sent off the field , ” Oberg said .
“ So , basically , you are playing with 10 men on the field , instead of 11 .
So that was kind of an easy analogy for me to follow.
” Oberg said he ’ s also comforted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Oberg and Dahl are ready to go , the Major League Baseball Players Association isn ’ t as confident .
Tuesday , as the MLBPA rejected MLB ’ s initial financial proposal , it also cast doubt on player safety .
“ The proposal involves massive pay cuts and the union is extremely disappointed , ” the union said in a statement .
“ We ’ re also far apart on health-and-safety protocols.
” A 67-page proposal submitted to the union last week included protocols for testing , protection for high-risk players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for daily baseball life in the clubhouse , in the dugout , on the field and on the road .
The plan , which is considered a “ first draft , ” covers everything from spitting sunflower seeds , to the exchange of lineup cards , to social distancing among teammates .
Some players have negatively reacted to some of the most stringent safety regulations , including those banning showers and hydrotherapy , and requiring players to arrive at stadiums already in uniform .

As Major League Baseball attempts to formulate a safe and workable plan to return in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, two key Rockies players understand that they are at a higher risk than their teammates. But they also say they’re confident they can remain healthy should baseball resume.
Reliever Scott Oberg, Colorado’s possible closer, lives with three autoimmune diseases, and all-star outfielder David Dahl doesn’t have a spleen. But both are eager for the season to resume.
“Yes, I’m at a higher risk, but I trust that the MLB and the medical personnel involved won’t put us at an even greater risk to go out and play,” said Dahl, who had his spleen removed in an emergency operation in 2015 after he was injured in a collision during a Double-A game. “Looking at the health-and-safety protocols, they’re doing a good job implementing what needs to be done for us to get back on the field safely.”
Living without a spleen makes a person more susceptible to bacteria that can cause severe pneumonia, meningitis and other serious infections.
Oberg, whose 2019 season ended Aug. 18 because of a blood clot in his right arm, has psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and IgA nephropathy. Also known as Berger’s disease, IgA nephropathy is a disease that causes damage to the tiny filters inside the kidneys.
Oberg, however, is confident that he can take precautions that will enable him to stay safe during the virus.
“Honestly, I think I would be safer in the baseball world than being out and about in everyday life,” he said.
Oberg, a huge soccer fan, said his doctor used a soccer analogy to describe Oberg’s risk factor.
“Basically, he said it was like having one of your guys get a red card and get sent off the field,” Oberg said. “So, basically, you are playing with 10 men on the field, instead of 11. So that was kind of an easy analogy for me to follow.”
Oberg said he’s also comforted by the knowledge that he rarely gets sick.
While Oberg and Dahl are ready to go, the Major League Baseball Players Association isn’t as confident. Tuesday, as the MLBPA rejected MLB’s initial financial proposal, it also cast doubt on player safety.
“The proposal involves massive pay cuts and the union is extremely disappointed,” the union said in a statement. “We’re also far apart on health-and-safety protocols.”
A 67-page proposal submitted to the union last week included protocols for testing, protection for high-risk players and family members, and a blueprint for daily baseball life in the clubhouse, in the dugout, on the field and on the road. The plan, which is considered a “first draft,” covers everything from spitting sunflower seeds, to the exchange of lineup cards, to social distancing among teammates.
Some players have negatively reacted to some of the most stringent safety regulations, including those banning showers and hydrotherapy, and requiring players to arrive at stadiums already in uniform.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--COVID-19 outbreak confirmed at Amazon distribution center in Aurora

Nine workers at an Amazon distribution facility in Aurora have tested positive for the new coronavirus , one of 225 active outbreaks in Colorado senior care facilities , factories , prisons and workplaces .
There have been 7,765 positive COVID-19 cases linked to the outbreaks and 783 total deaths , according to the latest data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment .
While 225 outbreaks remain active , 45 have been resolved , meaning the state believes the virus is no longer spreading in that particular setting .
The cases at Amazon ’ s facility are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There have been scores of outbreaks across the country , including at facilities in Pennsylvania , New Jersey and Wisconsin .
Earlier this month , Jana Jumpp , an Indiana Amazon employee , calculated at least 125 company facilities have seen outbreaks And an estimated 900 of the company ’ s 400,000 blue-collar workers have had the disease , according to the New York Times .
Most of Colorado ’ s outbreaks have occurred at senior living facilities and other long-term care centers , though some of the most serious ones have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver ’ s downtown detention center — officially called the Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center — saw its cases plummet to 268 from 584 last week , state data shows .
Meanwhile , the Sterling Correctional Facility jumped from 463 cases last week to 563 on Wednesday .
Facilities with the largest outbreaks by case count are : Mountain Vista Health Care in Wheat Ridge had seven more deaths since last week .
It now has seen 27 deaths and 114 total cases .
Cherry Creak Nursing Center has seen the most deaths — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though it has one fewer case and no additional deaths from last week .
Other facilities with at least 20 deaths are : Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Nine workers at an Amazon distribution facility in Aurora have tested positive for the new coronavirus, one of 225 active outbreaks in Colorado senior care facilities, factories, prisons and workplaces.
There have been 7,765 positive COVID-19 cases linked to the outbreaks and 783 total deaths, according to the latest data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
While 225 outbreaks remain active, 45 have been resolved, meaning the state believes the virus is no longer spreading in that particular setting.
In a statement, Amazon spokeswoman Anne Laughlin said the current outbreak involved just three individuals — two of whom live together — who tested positive in the last 14 days, and that they are quarantining at home with full pay. The other cases are older, she said.
“Our top concern is ensuring the health and safety of our employees, and we expect to invest approximately $4 billion from April to June on COVID-related initiatives to get products to customers and keep employees safe,” Laughlin said in the statement. “This includes spending more than $800 million in the first half of the year on COVID-19 safety measures, including implementing over 150 significant process changes—from enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures to new efforts like disinfectant spraying.”
The cases at Amazon’s facility are the latest to hit the e-commerce giant. There have been scores of outbreaks across the country, including at facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Wisconsin.
Earlier this month, Jana Jumpp, an Indiana Amazon employee, calculated at least 125 company facilities have seen outbreaks And an estimated 900 of the company’s 400,000 blue-collar workers have had the disease, according to the New York Times.
Most of Colorado’s outbreaks have occurred at senior living facilities and other long-term care centers, though some of the most serious ones have come inside jails, prisons and factories.
Denver’s downtown detention center — officially called the Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center — saw its cases plummet to 268 from 584 last week, state data shows. Meanwhile, the Sterling Correctional Facility jumped from 463 cases last week to 563 on Wednesday.
Facilities with the largest outbreaks by case count are:
Sterling Correctional Facility: 563 cases, two deaths
JBS meatpacking plant, Greeley: 273 cases, six deaths
Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center, Denver: 268 cases, zero deaths
Orchard Park Health Care Center, Centennial: 151 cases, five deaths
Cherry Creek Nursing Center, Aurora: 141 cases, 33 deaths
Mountain Vista Health Care in Wheat Ridge had seven more deaths since last week. It now has seen 27 deaths and 114 total cases. Cherry Creak Nursing Center has seen the most deaths — 33 — of any facility in Colorado, though it has one fewer case and no additional deaths from last week.
Other facilities with at least 20 deaths are:
Centennial Healthcare Center, Greeley: 88 cases, 24 deaths
Laurel Manor, Colorado Springs: 84 cases, 21 deaths
Mountain Vista Health Care, Wheat Ridge: 114 cases, 27 deaths
Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center, Brush: 97 cases, 22 deaths
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Colorado confirms 1,135 deaths due to COVID-19 as positive cases near 25,000

Colorado health officials on Wednesday reported 1,392 people who had contracted COVID-19 have died since the new coronavirus was first confirmed in the state , and that death-certificate data shows 1,135 fatalities were directly due to the virus .
That ’ s an increase of 40 deaths of people who had the virus and 21 additional fatalities tied directly to COVID-19 over Tuesday ’ s tallies , though there ’ s a lag in reporting deaths to the state health department — particularly death-certificate data .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently revamped the way it reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had the virus as well as the number of deaths that have been directly attributed to COVID-19 on a death certificate .
There have been 4,196 people hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in the state in early March , though only 362 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness as of Tuesday afternoon , state data shows .
That ’ s the lowest hospitalizations have been since March 30 , when 358 people were in the hospital for COVID-19 .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home or were transferred to a lower level of care such as a rehabilitation facility .
Additionally , as of Wednesday , there were 339 critical care ventilators being used across the state , down from 463 a month ago , according to state data .
To date , 24,767 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19 , the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus , though health officials have said they believe the true number is closer to 167,000 .
Officials recorded 4,397 tests on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to better track the virus .
The testing rate — 77.2 tests per 100,000 people per day — is far higher than earlier in the pandemic , though health experts say 152 tests per 100,000 people is the daily number necessary to safely monitor the outbreak .
Gov .
Jared Polis on Tuesday said the state now has the supplies and capabilities to test 8,500 people per day , roughly 4,100 more tests than Tuesday ’ s total .
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that anybody in the state showing COVID-19 symptoms can get tested for free .
Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 271 contained facilities across the state , including nursing homes , jails and factories .
That ’ s four more than the previous day .
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what ’ s reported up from Colorado ’ s counties ; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day , they may have occurred any time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported to the state .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

Colorado health officials on Wednesday reported 1,392 people who had contracted COVID-19 have died since the new coronavirus was first confirmed in the state, and that death-certificate data shows 1,135 fatalities were directly due to the virus.
That’s an increase of 40 deaths of people who had the virus and 21 additional fatalities tied directly to COVID-19 over Tuesday’s tallies, though there’s a lag in reporting deaths to the state health department — particularly death-certificate data.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently revamped the way it reports deaths related to the new coronavirus, listing the total number of fatalities in which the person had the virus as well as the number of deaths that have been directly attributed to COVID-19 on a death certificate.
There have been 4,196 people hospitalized since the outbreak was confirmed in the state in early March, though only 362 people were hospitalized with symptoms of the illness as of Tuesday afternoon, state data shows. That’s the lowest hospitalizations have been since March 30, when 358 people were in the hospital for COVID-19. At least 39 people since Tuesday either went home or were transferred to a lower level of care such as a rehabilitation facility.
Additionally, as of Wednesday, there were 339 critical care ventilators being used across the state, down from 463 a month ago, according to state data.
To date, 24,767 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness causes by the virus, though health officials have said they believe the true number is closer to 167,000.
Officials recorded 4,397 tests on Tuesday as the state ramps up its capabilities to better track the virus. The testing rate — 77.2 tests per 100,000 people per day — is far higher than earlier in the pandemic, though health experts say 152 tests per 100,000 people is the daily number necessary to safely monitor the outbreak.
Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday said the state now has the supplies and capabilities to test 8,500 people per day, roughly 4,100 more tests than Tuesday’s total.
Much of the testing has been focused on senior living facilities and other care homes, though Polis last week announced that anybody in the state showing COVID-19 symptoms can get tested for free. Officials have confirmed outbreaks at 271 contained facilities across the state, including nursing homes, jails and factories. That’s four more than the previous day.
The state health department announces new totals daily of coronavirus deaths and confirmed cases based on what’s reported up from Colorado’s counties; though the deaths and positive test results may be announced on a particular day, they may have occurred any time in the past and are just now being reported to the state.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-05-27--Federal audit finds Colorado nonprofit failed to properly manage more than $450K meant to help human

Federal audit finds Colorado nonprofit failed to properly manage more than $450K meant to help human trafficking survivors

The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance improperly used $ 10,161 of federal grant money and did not have adequate records to back up $ 467,780 in other spending from the grants dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking , a federal audit found .
The nonprofit received two grants totaling more than $ 1.6 million from the U.S. Department of Justice in 2015 and 2018 .
The audit , released Wednesday by the department ’ s Office of the Inspector General , found some expenditures lacked specific receipts and that other payments from the grant money were not allowed under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nancy Lewis , executive director of the nonprofit , did not dispute the audit ’ s findings and said the organization was working hard to make thousands of changes in response to the findings .
The mistakes were due to misunderstandings , miscommunications between agencies and processes that didn ’ t match the department ’ s expectations , she said .
“ Every single cent went to services , ” executive director Nancy Lewis said .
“ There was never anywhere where they said there was fraud or malfeasance , and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was $ 29 charged to the grant money by an employee for a staff meal , which is not a permitted use of the funds , she said .
The $ 10,161 of unpermitted spending included $ 5,027 used to hire an intern , $ 813 in bonuses to three employees and $ 1,444 in technology services .
The hundreds of thousands of dollars of spending without adequate records included receipts submitted for services without the total amount included .
It also included grant money used to buy grocery store gift cards for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide receipts for what the survivors ’ used the gift cards to purchase .
“ We have proof that every single gift card went to a victim , and we ’ ll take that to them , ” Lewis said .
Auditors wrote that the organization ” demonstrated progress in assisting victims of human trafficking .
The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance , which started in 1982 , will continue to work with auditors and supervising agencies to make sure they come into compliance with the grants ’ rules , Lewis said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they were pleased with the changes and that they were made real quickly , ” she said .

The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance improperly used $10,161 of federal grant money and did not have adequate records to back up $467,780 in other spending from the grants dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking, a federal audit found.
The nonprofit received two grants totaling more than $1.6 million from the U.S. Department of Justice in 2015 and 2018. The audit, released Wednesday by the department’s Office of the Inspector General, found some expenditures lacked specific receipts and that other payments from the grant money were not allowed under the specific parameters of the grant award.
Nancy Lewis, executive director of the nonprofit, did not dispute the audit’s findings and said the organization was working hard to make thousands of changes in response to the findings. The mistakes were due to misunderstandings, miscommunications between agencies and processes that didn’t match the department’s expectations, she said.
“Every single cent went to services,” executive director Nancy Lewis said. “There was never anywhere where they said there was fraud or malfeasance, and there wasn’t.”
The only exception was $29 charged to the grant money by an employee for a staff meal, which is not a permitted use of the funds, she said.
The $10,161 of unpermitted spending included $5,027 used to hire an intern, $813 in bonuses to three employees and $1,444 in technology services.
The hundreds of thousands of dollars of spending without adequate records included receipts submitted for services without the total amount included. It also included grant money used to buy grocery store gift cards for survivors but the organization couldn’t provide receipts for what the survivors’ used the gift cards to purchase.
“We have proof that every single gift card went to a victim, and we’ll take that to them,” Lewis said.
Auditors wrote that the organization”demonstrated progress in assisting victims of human trafficking.
The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, which started in 1982, will continue to work with auditors and supervising agencies to make sure they come into compliance with the grants’ rules, Lewis said.
“Even when the auditors were there, they were pleased with the changes and that they were made real quickly,” she said.