thedenverpost--2020-09-01--Americans divided over armed civilians who flock to protests

BOISE , Idaho — The scenes have become commonplace in 2020 : People gathered at state Capitols with semiautomatic long guns strapped across their chests .
A couple near St. Louis emerging from their mansion brandishing firearms as Black Lives Matter demonstrators marched by the house .
Men roaming the streets with rifles during protests over racial inequality , punctuated by two people being killed in Wisconsin and another in Oregon over the weekend .
The coronavirus pandemic , protests against racism and police killings , a rancorous election and some people ’ s perception that cities are being overrun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markedly more aggressive stance by some gun owners and widened the divide over firearms in the U.S. Americans are turning out more often and more visibly with guns , a sign of the tension engulfing the country .
Last week ’ s arrest of a 17-year-old accused of killing two people in Kenosha , Wis. , with a semiautomatic rifle is just the latest flashpoint .
Over the weekend , supporters of President Donald Trump streamed into Portland , Ore. , resulting in a clash with protesters that ended with a supporter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white teenager and other gun-toting protesters have been denounced as radical vigilantes who benefit from a double-standard — that if they were Black gun owners brandishing their firearms , the police would use deadly force against them .
To others , they are patriots seeking to bring law and order to cities that have been overtaken by extremists .
“ I would have done the same thing , to be honest with you , ” Todd Scott , of Covington , Ga. , said of the teenager in Kenosha .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rittenhouse , being chased by protesters and believes he was acting in self-defense .
Scott himself once used his gun to break up violence , becoming a bit of a local hero in 2015 after a gunman killed a clerk and a customer at the liquor store where he was picking up beer .
Scott fired on the suspect before he fled .
Kat Ellsworth , who heads the Liberal Gun Club chapter in Illinois and lives in Chicago , is appalled by those who have converged on protests and are openly carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been emboldened by Trump , who has made law and order a central part of his reelection bid .
The scenes of primarily white men openly carrying firearms on city streets or of those who have flocked to state Capitols to protest pandemic business restrictions are a demonstration , she believes , of white privilege .
She ’ s convinced that a group of Black gun owners with AR-15s in public would be dealt with much differently .
“ I view them as instigators and I view them as people looking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Ellsworth , who is white .
The killings in Kenosha almost immediately opened a new front in the culture wars over guns .
Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson called the episode a result of authorities refusing to bring law and order to the city .
“ How shocked are we that 17-year-olds with rifles decided they had to maintain order when no one else would ?
” Carlson said .
Around the same time last week , Mark and Patricia McCloskey , who were seen outside their St. Louis home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handgun , were given a coveted prime-time slot at the Republican National Convention , where they defended their right to bear arms .
In the first half of this year , the turmoil has fueled unprecedented buying of firearms .
Every month so far has smashed last year ’ s numbers of background checks .
In a few instances , the number of background checks have soared past previous records set by a background check system that began in 1998 .
So far this year , nearly 23 million background checks have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for firearm purchases .
Still , the gun industry estimates that 40 % of firearm purchases have been made by first-time buyers , or about 5 million people .
Ed Turner , a former police officer from metro Atlanta who now owns gun shops in Georgia , said he cringes seeing people openly carrying firearms .
If someone is truly worried about their own safety , he said , concealing the weapon is “ a much better approach than walking around like John Wayne.
” Among the people flocking to his gun shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African-Americans and Latinos concerned about their personal safety and buying a firearm for the first time .
He considers their concerns justified amid calls to “ defund the police ” and protests that sometimes resulted in police stations being attacked .
“ I am stunned that that behavior is allowed to go on , ” he said .
Gun control activists have viewed the situation in Kenosha , as well as the other protests that have drawn people openly carrying firearms , as a direct result of Trump ’ s firebrand rhetoric .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldview that has been only encouraged at the highest levels of government and by the gun lobby that has condoned their presence there , ” said Nick Suplina , managing director of law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety .
“ The presence of armed militia at these protests are not there merely to protect property but are there to intimidate protesters , to chill speech and sometimes worse .
”

BOISE, Idaho — The scenes have become commonplace in 2020: People gathered at state Capitols with semiautomatic long guns strapped across their chests. A couple near St. Louis emerging from their mansion brandishing firearms as Black Lives Matter demonstrators marched by the house. Men roaming the streets with rifles during protests over racial inequality, punctuated by two people being killed in Wisconsin and another in Oregon over the weekend.
The coronavirus pandemic, protests against racism and police killings, a rancorous election and some people’s perception that cities are being overrun by violent mobs have brought about a markedly more aggressive stance by some gun owners and widened the divide over firearms in the U.S.
Americans are turning out more often and more visibly with guns, a sign of the tension engulfing the country.
Last week’s arrest of a 17-year-old accused of killing two people in Kenosha, Wis., with a semiautomatic rifle is just the latest flashpoint. Over the weekend, supporters of President Donald Trump streamed into Portland, Ore., resulting in a clash with protesters that ended with a supporter of a right-wing group fatally shot.
The white teenager and other gun-toting protesters have been denounced as radical vigilantes who benefit from a double-standard — that if they were Black gun owners brandishing their firearms, the police would use deadly force against them.
To others, they are patriots seeking to bring law and order to cities that have been overtaken by extremists.
“I would have done the same thing, to be honest with you,” Todd Scott, of Covington, Ga., said of the teenager in Kenosha. He’s viewed video of the teen, Kyle Rittenhouse, being chased by protesters and believes he was acting in self-defense.
Scott himself once used his gun to break up violence, becoming a bit of a local hero in 2015 after a gunman killed a clerk and a customer at the liquor store where he was picking up beer. Scott fired on the suspect before he fled.
Kat Ellsworth, who heads the Liberal Gun Club chapter in Illinois and lives in Chicago, is appalled by those who have converged on protests and are openly carrying firearms. She believes those gun owners have been emboldened by Trump, who has made law and order a central part of his reelection bid.
The scenes of primarily white men openly carrying firearms on city streets or of those who have flocked to state Capitols to protest pandemic business restrictions are a demonstration, she believes, of white privilege. She’s convinced that a group of Black gun owners with AR-15s in public would be dealt with much differently.
“I view them as instigators and I view them as people looking for an excuse to shoot people of color,” said Ellsworth, who is white.
The killings in Kenosha almost immediately opened a new front in the culture wars over guns. Fox News’ Tucker Carlson called the episode a result of authorities refusing to bring law and order to the city.
“How shocked are we that 17-year-olds with rifles decided they had to maintain order when no one else would?” Carlson said.
Around the same time last week, Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who were seen outside their St. Louis home in June brandishing a rifle and a handgun, were given a coveted prime-time slot at the Republican National Convention, where they defended their right to bear arms.
In the first half of this year, the turmoil has fueled unprecedented buying of firearms.
Every month so far has smashed last year’s numbers of background checks. In a few instances, the number of background checks have soared past previous records set by a background check system that began in 1998.
So far this year, nearly 23 million background checks have been conducted, though not all checks were for firearm purchases. Still, the gun industry estimates that 40% of firearm purchases have been made by first-time buyers, or about 5 million people.
Ed Turner, a former police officer from metro Atlanta who now owns gun shops in Georgia, said he cringes seeing people openly carrying firearms. If someone is truly worried about their own safety, he said, concealing the weapon is “a much better approach than walking around like John Wayne.”
Among the people flocking to his gun shops, he has seen mostly women, African-Americans and Latinos concerned about their personal safety and buying a firearm for the first time. He considers their concerns justified amid calls to “defund the police” and protests that sometimes resulted in police stations being attacked.
“I am stunned that that behavior is allowed to go on,” he said.
Gun control activists have viewed the situation in Kenosha, as well as the other protests that have drawn people openly carrying firearms, as a direct result of Trump’s firebrand rhetoric.
“It is because of an extreme worldview that has been only encouraged at the highest levels of government and by the gun lobby that has condoned their presence there,” said Nick Suplina, managing director of law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety. “The presence of armed militia at these protests are not there merely to protect property but are there to intimidate protesters, to chill speech and sometimes worse.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--Denver weather: Peek to the west for trace of snow on Colorado’s high peaks

Isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday morning in northeastern Colorado , but as skies clear a glimpse of fresh snow may be spied on the high mountain peaks .
A dusting to about an inch of snow was in the overnight forecast for some mountain peaks above 10,500 feet in elevation , according to the National Weather Service .
In Denver , there ’ s a 20 % chance of showers before 7 a.m. Tuesday .
Mostly cloudy skies will gradually become sunny as the day progresses and the high temperature reaches 80 degrees , according to the weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the weather , wait 10 minutes .
Or , perhaps a day .
A drying out period starts on Wednesday and is expected to carry into the weekend with above seasonal temperatures dominating the forecast , except on Thursday , according to the weather service .
Concerns about fire danger will increase as the weather heats up and dries out .
On Wednesday in Denver , skies will be sunny and the high temp will hit about 90 degrees , the weather service said .
Thursday will be sunny with a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the high temperature jumps back to 90 degrees .
The seasonal norm for Denver this time of year is 84 degrees .
Saturday ’ s high temp in Denver will be hotter still at 95 degrees .

Isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday morning in northeastern Colorado, but as skies clear a glimpse of fresh snow may be spied on the high mountain peaks.
A dusting to about an inch of snow was in the overnight forecast for some mountain peaks above 10,500 feet in elevation, according to the National Weather Service.
In Denver, there’s a 20% chance of showers before 7 a.m. Tuesday. Mostly cloudy skies will gradually become sunny as the day progresses and the high temperature reaches 80 degrees, according to the weather service.
A little snow for the higher mountain peaks tonight, with an inch or less above 10,000-10,500 feet. Tuesday morning could offer a few glimpses of snow on the higher peaks and a reminder that autumn is just around the corner. #COwx pic.twitter.com/bY55rpyB0a — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) September 1, 2020
If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes. Or, perhaps a day. A drying out period starts on Wednesday and is expected to carry into the weekend with above seasonal temperatures dominating the forecast, except on Thursday, according to the weather service. Concerns about fire danger will increase as the weather heats up and dries out.
On Wednesday in Denver, skies will be sunny and the high temp will hit about 90 degrees, the weather service said. Thursday will be sunny with a high of 83; Friday will be sunny as the high temperature jumps back to 90 degrees. The seasonal norm for Denver this time of year is 84 degrees.
Saturday’s high temp in Denver will be hotter still at 95 degrees.


thedenverpost--2020-09-02--Kevin Pillar makes Rockies debut Tuesday against Giants: “Joining a contending team is obviously exc

Kevin Pillar makes Rockies debut Tuesday against Giants: “Joining a contending team is obviously exciting”

Kevin Pillar felt the trade coming before it happened , calling his final game with the Red Sox and the past 24 hours “ emotionally draining.
” But the Rockies ’ latest addition has already embraced his new baseball home .
“ Joining a contending team is obviously exciting , ” Pillar said Tuesday , prior to making his Colorado debut batting second and playing center field against San Francisco .
“ ( I will ) play the game hard and bring some energy , on and off the field .
Be vocal in the dugout and in this clubhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appropriate time .
… Play hard and lay it on the line every single day .
Bring some energy on defense and put together good at-bats offensively.
” Much of Pillar ’ s comfort in Colorado stems from familiarity .
He played in 19 games against the Rockies last season as a member of the Giants — with 17 hits and 10 runs over 77 plate appearances ( .230 batting average ) .
Pillar , 31 , said he has also worked out with multiple Rockies players in the past .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to go out and do anything crazy to fit in or make myself feel comfortable here , ” Pillar said .
“ I think the guys got an opportunity to see me play .
… They kind of know what sort of player I am and what I bring to the table.
” A significant draw for the Rockies is Pillar ’ s ability to play all three outfield positions .
Pillar described his fielding style as “ fearlessness and my willingness to put my body on the line to get outs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good understanding of situations in the game .
Whether the risk is worth the reward .
… Just try to do the small things right.
” Pillar was average at the plate this season for Boston — .247 batting average , 13 RBI , seven doubles , two triples , and four home runs — as someone capable of being moved around the batting order .
He entered Tuesday with consecutive multi-hit games .
“ I ’ ve fine-tuned my approach at the plate and I feel like my swing decisions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Pillar said .
“ Mechanically … I got back to a really good feeling and a really good understanding of my swing the last three or four days.
” The Rockies optioned left-handed pitcher Phillip Diehl to the team ’ s alternate training site to make room for Pillar .
Story rests .
Pillar replaced shortstop Trevor Story in the lineup Tuesday with a scheduled rest day for Colorado ’ s starting shortstop .
Garrett Hampson substituted for Story in the field .
“ Trevor has played every game , ” Rockies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been just a couple times we ’ ve taken him out and we saved a couple of innings .
This was a good day for Trev not to play .
I think physically it will help him .
I think mentally it will help him.
” Injury update .
Black said that outfielder David Dahl ( lower-back soreness ) and utility player Chris Owings ( hamstring ) both played in an intrasquad scrimmage Tuesday morning at Coors Field with the team ’ s alternate group .
“ David was moving great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at-bats today in a competitive fashion , ” Black said .
“ ( Owings ) also hit , but he didn ’ t run .
He got in the box , took his swings and saw live pitching .
… Both of those guys are making progress.
” Freeland ’ s streak of six consecutive quality starts to begin the year ended Friday night after he gave up four runs over 4 1/3 innings .
It ranks as the longest such streak for Colorado since Ubaldo Jimenez set the team record with 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
Freeland is still the Rockies ’ most consistent pitcher this year , having struck out 26 over 42 innings pitched .
Freeland all-time against the Giants is 6-3 with a 3.21 ERA over 13 starts .
Webb , 23 , is in his second major league season in San Francisco .
The right-hander has allowed only one home run over 31 innings pitched .
In an Aug. 5 start against the Rockies , Webb earned a quality start with one earned run allowed over five innings .
Trending : Entering Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League with 195 innings pitched and 18 quality starts .
Antonio Senzatela is one of four pitchers in the MLB with two starts of seven or more scoreless innings this season .
At issue : The Rockies have lost four consecutive home series ( Diamondbacks , Rangers , Astros and Padres ) dating back to Aug. 10 .
It is Colorado ’ s longest such losing streak since August 2015 .
The Rockies ’ last home series victory was taking 3-of-4 against the Giants between Aug. 3-6 .
Pitching Probables : Thursday : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 3-1 , 3.32 ) at Dodgers RHP Dustin May ( 1-1 , 2.83 ) , 7:40 p.m. , ATTRM Saturday : Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani ( 1-2 , 5.24 ) at Dodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin ( 0-0 , 0.51 ) , 7:10 p.m. , ATTRM

Kevin Pillar felt the trade coming before it happened, calling his final game with the Red Sox and the past 24 hours “emotionally draining.”
But the Rockies’ latest addition has already embraced his new baseball home.
“Joining a contending team is obviously exciting,” Pillar said Tuesday, prior to making his Colorado debut batting second and playing center field against San Francisco. “(I will) play the game hard and bring some energy, on and off the field. Be vocal in the dugout and in this clubhouse once I feel like it’s the appropriate time. … Play hard and lay it on the line every single day. Bring some energy on defense and put together good at-bats offensively.”
Much of Pillar’s comfort in Colorado stems from familiarity. He played in 19 games against the Rockies last season as a member of the Giants — with 17 hits and 10 runs over 77 plate appearances (.230 batting average). Pillar, 31, said he has also worked out with multiple Rockies players in the past.
“I feel like I don’t have to go out and do anything crazy to fit in or make myself feel comfortable here,” Pillar said. “I think the guys got an opportunity to see me play. … They kind of know what sort of player I am and what I bring to the table.”
A significant draw for the Rockies is Pillar’s ability to play all three outfield positions. Pillar described his fielding style as “fearlessness and my willingness to put my body on the line to get outs. At the same time, having a good understanding of situations in the game. Whether the risk is worth the reward. … Just try to do the small things right.”
Pillar was average at the plate this season for Boston — .247 batting average, 13 RBI, seven doubles, two triples, and four home runs — as someone capable of being moved around the batting order. He entered Tuesday with consecutive multi-hit games.
“I’ve fine-tuned my approach at the plate and I feel like my swing decisions have been the best of my career,” Pillar said. “Mechanically … I got back to a really good feeling and a really good understanding of my swing the last three or four days.”
The Rockies optioned left-handed pitcher Phillip Diehl to the team’s alternate training site to make room for Pillar.
Story rests. Pillar replaced shortstop Trevor Story in the lineup Tuesday with a scheduled rest day for Colorado’s starting shortstop. Garrett Hampson substituted for Story in the field.
“Trevor has played every game,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “There’s been just a couple times we’ve taken him out and we saved a couple of innings. This was a good day for Trev not to play. I think physically it will help him. I think mentally it will help him.”
Injury update. Black said that outfielder David Dahl (lower-back soreness) and utility player Chris Owings (hamstring) both played in an intrasquad scrimmage Tuesday morning at Coors Field with the team’s alternate group.
“David was moving great, physically felt good and got some at-bats today in a competitive fashion,” Black said. “(Owings) also hit, but he didn’t run. He got in the box, took his swings and saw live pitching. … Both of those guys are making progress.”
ON DECK
Giants RHP Logan Webb (2-3, 4.75 ERA) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (2-1, 3.43 ERA)
1:10 p.m. Wednesday, Coors Field
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 AM
Freeland’s streak of six consecutive quality starts to begin the year ended Friday night after he gave up four runs over 4 1/3 innings. It ranks as the longest such streak for Colorado since Ubaldo Jimenez set the team record with 14 consecutive quality starts to begin the 2010 season. Freeland is still the Rockies’ most consistent pitcher this year, having struck out 26 over 42 innings pitched. Freeland all-time against the Giants is 6-3 with a 3.21 ERA over 13 starts. Webb, 23, is in his second major league season in San Francisco. The right-hander has allowed only one home run over 31 innings pitched. In an Aug. 5 start against the Rockies, Webb earned a quality start with one earned run allowed over five innings.
Trending: Entering Tuesday night, Rockies starters led the National League with 195 innings pitched and 18 quality starts. Antonio Senzatela is one of four pitchers in the MLB with two starts of seven or more scoreless innings this season.
At issue: The Rockies have lost four consecutive home series (Diamondbacks, Rangers, Astros and Padres) dating back to Aug. 10. It is Colorado’s longest such losing streak since August 2015. The Rockies’ last home series victory was taking 3-of-4 against the Giants between Aug. 3-6.
Pitching Probables:
Thursday: OFF
Friday: Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (3-1, 3.32) at Dodgers RHP Dustin May (1-1, 2.83), 7:40 p.m., ATTRM
Saturday: Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani (1-2, 5.24) at Dodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (0-0, 0.51), 7:10 p.m., ATTRM


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--ICE arrests 63 people in Colorado and Wyoming in operation targeting those with convictions or arres

ICE arrests 63 people in Colorado and Wyoming in operation targeting those with convictions or arrests

Sixty-three people have been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Colorado and Wyoming as part of ongoing operations targeting people living in the country illegally who have been arrested or convicted of assault , domestic violence and other crimes , according to an ICE news release .
ICE officers recently arrested people who are living illegally in the country , according to the release , and “ who are removable from the U.S. due to their criminal histories.
” The news release did not specify how long the operation lasted .
Among those arrested by ICE are : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Denver , with convictions for multiple crimes including child abuse and indecent exposure .
• A 29-year-old citizen of Mexico , in Aurora , who faces multiple criminal charges including robbery , assault and child abuse .
• A 40-year-old citizen of Mexico , in Longmont , with convictions for DUI and felony vehicular assault – DUI .
People in violation of immigration laws may be subject to arrest and detention by ICE , the release said .
They then face possible deportation orders from the United States .
“ Behind each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has suffered abuse or a battered spouse or a person who nearly died , ” said John Fabbricatore , Denver ’ s ICE field office director , in the release .
“ We specifically targeted our enforcement actions at abusers and helped victims by eliminating the threat posed by their perpetrators , and in some cases , preventing future victimization by recidivist offenders .
”

Sixty-three people have been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Colorado and Wyoming as part of ongoing operations targeting people living in the country illegally who have been arrested or convicted of assault, domestic violence and other crimes, according to an ICE news release.
ICE officers recently arrested people who are living illegally in the country, according to the release, and “who are removable from the U.S. due to their criminal histories.” The news release did not specify how long the operation lasted.
Among those arrested by ICE are:
A 27-year-old citizen of Mexico, in Denver, with convictions for multiple crimes including child abuse and indecent exposure.
A 29-year-old citizen of Mexico, in Aurora, who faces multiple criminal charges including robbery, assault and child abuse.
A 40-year-old citizen of Mexico, in Longmont, with convictions for DUI and felony vehicular assault – DUI.
People in violation of immigration laws may be subject to arrest and detention by ICE, the release said. They then face possible deportation orders from the United States.
“Behind each one of these arrests is a child who has suffered abuse or a battered spouse or a person who nearly died,” said John Fabbricatore, Denver’s ICE field office director, in the release. “We specifically targeted our enforcement actions at abusers and helped victims by eliminating the threat posed by their perpetrators, and in some cases, preventing future victimization by recidivist offenders.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--CDC order expected to halt evictions in Colorado through end of 2020

Colorado officials and eviction defense advocates say they believe that an unexpected order Tuesday from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will halt most evictions in the state starting this week .
The CDC announced it plans to suspend the eviction of tenants earning no more than $ 99,000 a year from Sept. 4 until Dec. 31 .
In a draft order , the agency said it ’ s taking the action to prevent the coronavirus from spreading .
The policy has the support of President Donald Trump , the White House said .
“ President Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homes and combating the spread of the coronavirus , ” White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern said in a statement .
“ Today ’ s announcement from his Administration means that people struggling to pay rent due to coronavirus will not have to worry about being evicted , and risk further spreading of or exposure to the disease due to economic hardship.
” The order from the Republican administration blindsided Colorado officials and advocates .
The governor ’ s office , state lawmakers , attorneys and representatives for both the state Division of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to first read the order and then to understand how and when Colorado might implement it .
As of 4:30 p.m. , no state official was able to affirmatively state to The Denver Post that evictions will be halted here for those who qualify under the order .
“ Our administration is currently reviewing this recent federal action to see if it will really help Coloradans or is just empty words , ” said Conor Cahill , spokeswoman for Democratic Gov .
Jared Polis , in a statement .
But Jon Sarche , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said his office believes the order will effectively end most evictions by prohibiting landlords from seeking eviction for anyone protected by it .
Individuals with incomes above $ 99,000 and joint filers with incomes above $ 198,000 are not protected .
“ It looks like courts can continue to accept filings , but that unless all the conditions in the CDC order are met , nothing really could happen , ” Sarche said , stressing that the Judicial Branch had only done an initial review of the order .
Colorado , unlike many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statewide pandemic-related eviction moratorium .
The governor banned evictions early in the pandemic but let his moratorium lapse in June , and evictions have since restarted here .
Several Democratic state senators sought in May to ban evictions through the fall , but they couldn ’ t get enough support in the chamber they only narrowly hold .
The CDC typically would not be involved this way in a housing issue , but the agency argues that a big spike in evictions would constitute a public health crisis .
“ In short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evictions threaten to increase the spread of COVID-19 as they force people to move , often into close quarters in new shared housing settings with friends or family , or congregate settings such as homeless shelters.
” Under the CDC order , those seeking eviction relief will still be required to pay as much rent as they can afford .
The order also requires that tenants show that they are incapable of paying their rent or are likely to become homeless if kicked out of their property .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration could impact “ close to ” 40 million renters .
Attorneys in Colorado have for months warned that more than 300,000 people here could be vulnerable to eviction by the end of 2020 .
So far in the pandemic there has been no major eviction wave in Colorado , but eviction defense advocates have been worried that could change soon , as people start to feel the effect of the recent end to the $ 600 weekly federal unemployment benefit .
Said one advocate , attorney Zach Neumann , “ If this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will buy tenants the time they need to get back on their feet.
” He also said it ’ s not enough , and called on Congress to provide more rent relief .
The CDC order does not freeze or forgive anyone ’ s rent , which means that for some the policy will simply delay eviction until after it expires .
That expiration could come just weeks before a potential Joe Biden administration takes over .
The apartment industry in Colorado has opposed calls for an eviction moratorium here , and Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Multifamily Housing Council , criticized the new CDC order .
“ An eviction moratorium will ultimately harm the very people it aims to help by making it impossible for housing providers , particularly small owners , to meet their financial obligations and continue to provide shelter to their residents , ” said Doug Bibby , the group ’ s president .

Colorado officials and eviction defense advocates say they believe that an unexpected order Tuesday from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will halt most evictions in the state starting this week.
The CDC announced it plans to suspend the eviction of tenants earning no more than $99,000 a year from Sept. 4 until Dec. 31. In a draft order, the agency said it’s taking the action to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. The policy has the support of President Donald Trump, the White House said.
“President Trump is committed to helping hardworking Americans stay in their homes and combating the spread of the coronavirus,” White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern said in a statement. “Today’s announcement from his Administration means that people struggling to pay rent due to coronavirus will not have to worry about being evicted, and risk further spreading of or exposure to the disease due to economic hardship.”
The order from the Republican administration blindsided Colorado officials and advocates. The governor’s office, state lawmakers, attorneys and representatives for both the state Division of Housing and Judicial Branch scrambled Tuesday afternoon to first read the order and then to understand how and when Colorado might implement it. As of 4:30 p.m., no state official was able to affirmatively state to The Denver Post that evictions will be halted here for those who qualify under the order.
“Our administration is currently reviewing this recent federal action to see if it will really help Coloradans or is just empty words,” said Conor Cahill, spokeswoman for Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, in a statement.
But Jon Sarche, a spokesman for the Judicial Branch, said his office believes the order will effectively end most evictions by prohibiting landlords from seeking eviction for anyone protected by it. Individuals with incomes above $99,000 and joint filers with incomes above $198,000 are not protected.
“It looks like courts can continue to accept filings, but that unless all the conditions in the CDC order are met, nothing really could happen,” Sarche said, stressing that the Judicial Branch had only done an initial review of the order.
Colorado, unlike many other states, is no longer under a statewide pandemic-related eviction moratorium. The governor banned evictions early in the pandemic but let his moratorium lapse in June, and evictions have since restarted here. Several Democratic state senators sought in May to ban evictions through the fall, but they couldn’t get enough support in the chamber they only narrowly hold.
The CDC typically would not be involved this way in a housing issue, but the agency argues that a big spike in evictions would constitute a public health crisis.
“In short,” the order states, “evictions threaten to increase the spread of COVID-19 as they force people to move, often into close quarters in new shared housing settings with friends or family, or congregate settings such as homeless shelters.”
Under the CDC order, those seeking eviction relief will still be required to pay as much rent as they can afford. The order also requires that tenants show that they are incapable of paying their rent or are likely to become homeless if kicked out of their property. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday that the actions taken by the administration could impact “close to” 40 million renters. Attorneys in Colorado have for months warned that more than 300,000 people here could be vulnerable to eviction by the end of 2020.
So far in the pandemic there has been no major eviction wave in Colorado, but eviction defense advocates have been worried that could change soon, as people start to feel the effect of the recent end to the $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit.
Said one advocate, attorney Zach Neumann, “If this order is implemented and upheld, it will buy tenants the time they need to get back on their feet.”
He also said it’s not enough, and called on Congress to provide more rent relief.
The CDC order does not freeze or forgive anyone’s rent, which means that for some the policy will simply delay eviction until after it expires. That expiration could come just weeks before a potential Joe Biden administration takes over.
The apartment industry in Colorado has opposed calls for an eviction moratorium here, and Tuesday the national industry advocacy group, the National Multifamily Housing Council, criticized the new CDC order.
“An eviction moratorium will ultimately harm the very people it aims to help by making it impossible for housing providers, particularly small owners, to meet their financial obligations and continue to provide shelter to their residents,” said Doug Bibby, the group’s president.
Bloomberg News contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--Lifelong love of hats leads Broncos running back Melvin Gordon to partner with Lids

Want to really stump Broncos running back Melvin Gordon ?
Ask him how many caps he owns .
After pausing for several seconds , Gordon said in a phone interview with The Denver Post last week : “ I ’ ve got a lot boxed up in California and then I have most of the hats I had in college still at home with all my football stuff — my mom has a little storage garage with all of it .
I ’ ve got hats in Wisconsin .
I ’ ve got hats in Cali .
I just got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to build my ( collection ) here.
” That passion for hats has led Gordon to partnering up with Lids , which sells over 28 million hats per year in North America .
On Tuesday , Lids announced a new selection of Gordon customizations available at the retailer ’ s in-store Custom Zones.Later this year , Gordon will reveal his own design after working with Lids ’ creative team .
Gordon is the first NFL player to partner with Lids — he and the company initially connected last October via a YouTube @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million views .
In the video , Gordon , still holding out from the Los Angeles Chargers , began “ working ” at a Lids store and winning Employee of the Month honors .
“ We just had fun because there was so much bad light on me because of the holdout , ” he said .
“ When I made that video , it was exciting and it did put me in a better light with people .
It got a crazy amount of views.
” Among the hats being released are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLVN GRDN ” on the side .
How did he come up with the shortened name idea ?
“ I got some advice and help and that steered me to some good decisions ( with hat designs ) and I would take those ideas and just go from there , ” he said .
So where did the hat obsession begin ?
Gordon remembers his first cool hat vividly .
“ Back in the day , the thing was to wear the fitted cap with the do-rag , ” he said with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Atlanta Falcons — black and gray and camo .
That was in-fashion at the time .
”

Want to really stump Broncos running back Melvin Gordon? Ask him how many caps he owns.
After pausing for several seconds, Gordon said in a phone interview with The Denver Post last week: “I’ve got a lot boxed up in California and then I have most of the hats I had in college still at home with all my football stuff — my mom has a little storage garage with all of it. I’ve got hats in Wisconsin. I’ve got hats in Cali. I just got here (to Denver) and I have to build my (collection) here.”
That passion for hats has led Gordon to partnering up with Lids, which sells over 28 million hats per year in North America. On Tuesday, Lids announced a new selection of Gordon customizations available at the retailer’s in-store Custom Zones.Later this year, Gordon will reveal his own design after working with Lids’ creative team.
Gordon is the first NFL player to partner with Lids — he and the company initially connected last October via a YouTube video that has generated more than 1.5 million views.
In the video, Gordon, still holding out from the Los Angeles Chargers, began “working” at a Lids store and winning Employee of the Month honors.
“We just had fun because there was so much bad light on me because of the holdout,” he said. “When I made that video, it was exciting and it did put me in a better light with people. It got a crazy amount of views.”
Among the hats being released are blue and orange Broncos caps with ‘MLVN GRDN” on the side. How did he come up with the shortened name idea?
“I got some advice and help and that steered me to some good decisions (with hat designs) and I would take those ideas and just go from there,” he said.
So where did the hat obsession begin? Gordon remembers his first cool hat vividly.
“Back in the day, the thing was to wear the fitted cap with the do-rag,” he said with a laugh. “My first hat was the Atlanta Falcons — black and gray and camo. That was in-fashion at the time.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--Man found guilty in stabbing death at a Lakewood motel

A man has been found guilty by a Jefferson County jury of a stabbing death at a Lakewood motel .
@ @ @ @ @ , was convicted Monday in the death of 43-year-old Brigido Badua , according to the @ @ @ @ @ .
Bernal was convicted of second-degree murder and possession of drug paraphernalia following a six-day @ @ @ @ @ , 2019 , Bernal stabbed Badua at the Trail ’ s End Motel , 9025 @ @ @ @ @ to a news release .
Bernal , who has six prior felony convictions , faces @ @ @ @ @ at his sentencing on Nov. 3 .
If Bernal is deemed a habitual criminal by @ @ @ @ @ up to a 96 years in prison .

A man has been found guilty by a Jefferson County jury of a stabbing death at a Lakewood motel.
Jesus Osvaldo Bernal, 37, was convicted Monday in the death of 43-year-old Brigido Badua, according to the district attorney’s office. Bernal was convicted of second-degree murder and possession of drug paraphernalia following a six-day trial.
On May 30, 2019, Bernal stabbed Badua at the Trail’s End Motel, 9025 W. Colfax Ave., according to a news release.
Bernal, who has six prior felony convictions, faces a habitual criminal status hearing at his sentencing on Nov. 3. If Bernal is deemed a habitual criminal by the court, he faces up to a 96 years in prison.


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--In high-scoring series, Nathan MacKinnon is Avalanche’s ace in Game 6 against Dallas

NHL playoff scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon quietly celebrated his 25th birthday in the Edmonton bubble Tuesday .
Without MacKinnon ’ s team-high plus-4 rating and two points ( one goal ) in Game 5 ’ s 6-3 win on Monday , the Avalanche might have been returning to Denver on his birthday .
Instead , they ’ ll look for MacKinnon to again lead them offensively in another do-or-die contest Wednesday in Game 6 against the Dallas Stars , who lead the series 3-2 .
The winner in all five games has reached five goals , and the Avs scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If that trend continues , the best offensive player in the series — MacKinnon — greatly helps Colorado ’ s chances .
In 13 postseason games , MacKinnon has league-highs in points ( 23 ) , assists ( 15 ) , and shots ( 60 ) .
He is tied for second in goals ( eight ) and fourth in plus-minus ( plus-11 ) .
Avs coach Jared Bednar compared MacKinnon to a “ playoff goalie who gives you a chance to win every night , ” after an optional practice Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ player , brings all the intangibles .
Just having him on your team and what he ’ s generally able to do on a consistent basis — he gives you a chance to win every night , ” Bednar said .
“ That ’ s what star players do .
They up your odds .
( Monday ) night in general , he ’ s part of the driving force behind our start.
” MacKinnon was not made available to reporters Tuesday .
“ I don ’ t see us doing anything crazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 10-15 minutes extra today , ” Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said of MacKinnon ’ s birthday .
“ Nate ’ s turning 25 .
I feel old.
” Landeskog , 27 , is another key cog of Colorado ’ s strong core that can , despite a handful of injuries , force a Game 7 with another strong start against the Stars .
The Avs scored five first-period goals Monday , including four in just 2:36 , and hung on behind third-string goalie Michael Hutchinson , who made 17 of his 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he ’ s done throughout the playoffs , declined to comment on Wednesday ’ s probable lineup or offer injury updates .
Goalie Pavel Francouz , No .
2 on the depth chart , was “ unfit to play ” in Game 5 .
Landeskog said the team has confidence in any of the available goalies , including fourth-string Hunter Miska , who served as Hutchinson ’ s backup Monday .
“ We ’ re a team that ’ s going to do everything we can to stick around and keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Colorado was 0-for-6 on the power play and played with the man-advantage for more than nine minutes Monday .
The Avs were 1-of-5 on the PP in Game 4 and just 3-of-23 so far in the series .
“ We know our power play has been good and there ’ s no excuse for us not to be good , ” Landeskog said .
“ So it ’ s just a matter of us going out and executing .
( Monday ) night was one of those nights , we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to a shooting mentality , which was good .
Some nights it ’ s going to work and some nights it ’ s not .
But nonetheless , moving forward , both our penalty kill and power play has to be good for us .
”

NHL playoff scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon quietly celebrated his 25th birthday in the Edmonton bubble Tuesday.
Without MacKinnon’s team-high plus-4 rating and two points (one goal) in Game 5’s 6-3 win on Monday, the Avalanche might have been returning to Denver on his birthday.
Instead, they’ll look for MacKinnon to again lead them offensively in another do-or-die contest Wednesday in Game 6 against the Dallas Stars, who lead the series 3-2.
The winner in all five games has reached five goals, and the Avs scored six in both of their wins. If that trend continues, the best offensive player in the series — MacKinnon — greatly helps Colorado’s chances.
In 13 postseason games, MacKinnon has league-highs in points (23), assists (15), and shots (60). He is tied for second in goals (eight) and fourth in plus-minus (plus-11).
Avs coach Jared Bednar compared MacKinnon to a “playoff goalie who gives you a chance to win every night,” after an optional practice Tuesday.
“He’s such a gifted player, brings all the intangibles. Just having him on your team and what he’s generally able to do on a consistent basis — he gives you a chance to win every night,” Bednar said. “That’s what star players do. They up your odds. (Monday) night in general, he’s part of the driving force behind our start.”
MacKinnon was not made available to reporters Tuesday.
“I don’t see us doing anything crazy, maybe go out in the yard for 10-15 minutes extra today,” Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said of MacKinnon’s birthday. “Nate’s turning 25. I feel old.”
Landeskog, 27, is another key cog of Colorado’s strong core that can, despite a handful of injuries, force a Game 7 with another strong start against the Stars. The Avs scored five first-period goals Monday, including four in just 2:36, and hung on behind third-string goalie Michael Hutchinson, who made 17 of his 31 saves in the third period.
Bednar, as he’s done throughout the playoffs, declined to comment on Wednesday’s probable lineup or offer injury updates. Goalie Pavel Francouz, No. 2 on the depth chart, was “unfit to play” in Game 5.
Landeskog said the team has confidence in any of the available goalies, including fourth-string Hunter Miska, who served as Hutchinson’s backup Monday.
“We’re a team that’s going to do everything we can to stick around and keep this thing moving forward,” Landeskog said.
Colorado was 0-for-6 on the power play and played with the man-advantage for more than nine minutes Monday. The Avs were 1-of-5 on the PP in Game 4 and just 3-of-23 so far in the series.
“We know our power play has been good and there’s no excuse for us not to be good,” Landeskog said. “So it’s just a matter of us going out and executing. (Monday) night was one of those nights, we had some looks. I thought we got back to a shooting mentality, which was good. Some nights it’s going to work and some nights it’s not. But nonetheless, moving forward, both our penalty kill and power play has to be good for us.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--Broncos’ Davontae Harris leaning on lessons from 2019, offseason training with Chris Harris Jr. as h

Broncos’ Davontae Harris leaning on lessons from 2019, offseason training with Chris Harris Jr. as he battles for No. 3 cornerback job

When the coronavirus brought uncertainty to the NFL offseason , Davontae Harris used the time to work with , and learn from , Chris Harris Jr .
The cornerbacks trained together around the Dallas area , and Davontae Harris believes those sessions with the former Broncos All-Pro jump-started his momentum into 2020 and the competition for the No .
3 cornerback job .
“ We got close during last season , and that continued into this summer even after he signed with the Chargers , ” Davontae Harris said Tuesday in a phone interview after practice .
“ Working out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris was constantly helping me with my technique , working with me on my press coverage , working with me on positioning down the field on vertical routes .
“ All that training really gave me an edge , I think , especially with the offseason limitations that coronavirus put on everyone.
” With cut-down day looming Saturday , coach Vic Fangio and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell have decisions to make about the secondary .
There , Harris has been battling for a job alongside Isaac Yiadom , De ’ Vante Bausby and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nickel spot.. All four players saw action last year , with Harris replacing an injured Bausby in Week 5 and then making six consecutive starts opposite Chris Harris from Weeks 6-11 .
But the final two starts , on the road in Minnesota and Buffalo , saw the former Illinois State star struggle .
He gave up eight completions for 90 yards against the Vikings and was responsible for a blown coverage on a touchdown reception against the Bills .
Harris said “ a lot of growing and a lot of learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped him be more mentally sound , and confident , in his game this year .
“ It ’ s been a tough road but all the adversity has made me a better player , and I believe in myself and what I can do for this team , ” Harris said .
“ I ’ m not done learning and growing yet , but I believe if I continue to do that , I will come into the role I ’ m capable of on this team.
” Fangio said he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of little areas ” since the start of training camp Aug. 14 .
A former fifth-round pick in 2018 by Cincinnati , the cornerback had a minor impact for the Bengals as a rookie , as a sprained knee limited him to three starts .
“ By no means has ( Harris ) mastered ( the craft ) , but he has made a step here in the last week-to-10 days of improving his play , ” Fangio said .
“ Guys like him and Duke Dawson , who we acquired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade from New England ) , were behind last year obviously with no offseason and no training camp .
They suffered from no offseason this year , too , because it could ’ ve been a great learning experience for them and the shortened camp has still been an impediment to them.
” Still , Fangio feels more confident in Harris now than he did at the start of camp , and No .
1 cornerback A.J .
Bouye believes Harris ’ eagerness to learn has kept him in a good position to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing I respect about Davontee is he comes to me on an individual basis and just tries to learn everything he can — what I see from him , what he sees from me , ” Bouye said .
“ You can really appreciate that from someone like him , who no matter if they make the team or not , they ’ re always willing to work , day in and day out.
” Harris , whom the Broncos initially signed a year ago Tuesday after being cut by the Bengals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep his perspective in check amid the pressure of his positional battle .
“ I usually do around 15-20 minutes a day in the morning and in the night , because that ’ s usually when you have the most thoughts racing through your head , ” the 25-year-old said .
“ It ’ s really helped me mentally , honestly , especially ( the sessions ) at night that help clear my thoughts and set a good tone for the next day .
”

When the coronavirus brought uncertainty to the NFL offseason, Davontae Harris used the time to work with, and learn from, Chris Harris Jr.
The cornerbacks trained together around the Dallas area, and Davontae Harris believes those sessions with the former Broncos All-Pro jump-started his momentum into 2020 and the competition for the No. 3 cornerback job.
“We got close during last season, and that continued into this summer even after he signed with the Chargers,” Davontae Harris said Tuesday in a phone interview after practice. “Working out with him really helped me grow and Chris was constantly helping me with my technique, working with me on my press coverage, working with me on positioning down the field on vertical routes.
“All that training really gave me an edge, I think, especially with the offseason limitations that coronavirus put on everyone.”
With cut-down day looming Saturday, coach Vic Fangio and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell have decisions to make about the secondary. There, Harris has been battling for a job alongside Isaac Yiadom, De’Vante Bausby and Duke Dawson, who can also play the nickel spot..
All four players saw action last year, with Harris replacing an injured Bausby in Week 5 and then making six consecutive starts opposite Chris Harris from Weeks 6-11. But the final two starts, on the road in Minnesota and Buffalo, saw the former Illinois State star struggle. He gave up eight completions for 90 yards against the Vikings and was responsible for a blown coverage on a touchdown reception against the Bills.
Harris said “a lot of growing and a lot of learning on the fly” in 2019 has helped him be more mentally sound, and confident, in his game this year.
“It’s been a tough road but all the adversity has made me a better player, and I believe in myself and what I can do for this team,” Harris said. “I’m not done learning and growing yet, but I believe if I continue to do that, I will come into the role I’m capable of on this team.”
Fangio said he’s seen improvement in Harris in “a lot of little areas” since the start of training camp Aug. 14. A former fifth-round pick in 2018 by Cincinnati, the cornerback had a minor impact for the Bengals as a rookie, as a sprained knee limited him to three starts.
“By no means has (Harris) mastered (the craft), but he has made a step here in the last week-to-10 days of improving his play,” Fangio said. “Guys like him and Duke Dawson, who we acquired after final cuts last year (via trade from New England), were behind last year obviously with no offseason and no training camp. They suffered from no offseason this year, too, because it could’ve been a great learning experience for them and the shortened camp has still been an impediment to them.”
Still, Fangio feels more confident in Harris now than he did at the start of camp, and No. 1 cornerback A.J. Bouye believes Harris’ eagerness to learn has kept him in a good position to grow in his technique.
“One thing I respect about Davontee is he comes to me on an individual basis and just tries to learn everything he can — what I see from him, what he sees from me,” Bouye said. “You can really appreciate that from someone like him, who no matter if they make the team or not, they’re always willing to work, day in and day out.”
Harris, whom the Broncos initially signed a year ago Tuesday after being cut by the Bengals, has been using the power of meditation to keep his perspective in check amid the pressure of his positional battle.
“I usually do around 15-20 minutes a day in the morning and in the night, because that’s usually when you have the most thoughts racing through your head,” the 25-year-old said. “It’s really helped me mentally, honestly, especially (the sessions) at night that help clear my thoughts and set a good tone for the next day.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--Trial for social worker accused of failing to report assault allegations against quarterback Aidan A

Trial for social worker accused of failing to report assault allegations against quarterback Aidan Atkinson starts with victim testimony

A former Fairview High School student who said she was sexually assaulted by the Boulder school ’ s star quarterback testified in court Tuesday during the first day of a trial for a social worker who is accused of failing to alert authorities to the reported assault .
The former student , who will not be identified by The Denver Post because she may be a victim of sexual assault , testified that she visited social worker Marilyn Lori ’ s office in Fairview High School in October 2018 and told the woman that her classmate , football standout Aidan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homecoming about a month earlier .
Lori was required by law to pass that information on to law enforcement , but she did not , Deputy District Attorney McKenna Mayfield said during opening statements in the misdemeanor trial .
Lori is charged with one count of failure to report child abuse .
A second count she previously faced was dismissed .
Lori ’ s defense attorney , James Merson , argued in his opening statement that the student gave Lori vague and undetailed information about the alleged assault during the 2018 meeting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not rise to the level of requiring Lori to alert law enforcement .
The former student , who was 16 at the time , is now 18 and has graduated from Fairview .
She testified for nearly two hours Tuesday , and discussed how she ’ d gone to the counselors ’ offices to try to speak with a staff member she knew well , but said she ’ d ended up talking with Lori instead when the first staff member was not available .
“ I talked to her about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t planning on telling her , but eventually I told her about how Aidan Atkinson had sexually assaulted me , ” the student testified , adding later , “ I told her about how he had touched me on the party bus and I was really upset about it because I thought he was a friend.
” After the student spoke with Lori in 2018 , the allegations went unreported for almost a year , until another counselor at the school learned about the reported assault in August 2019 .
At that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who opened an investigation into Atkinson and later charged the teenager with sexual assault , attempted sexual assault and related charges .
Atkinson , who was charged as a juvenile , left Fairview after the charges were filed .
His case is pending and his attorney did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday .
The student told authorities she ’ d been drinking alcohol with a group of teenagers on a “ party bus ” during homecoming weekend and that Atkinson assaulted her on the bus and later at a restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop .
She said she was too drunk to stand up or move away during the assault , according to an arrest affidavit .
On Tuesday , the student testified that she told Lori that Atkinson pressured her during the encounter .
“ I told her about how Aidan kept trying to get me to say that what he was doing was OK , ” she said .
“ And I was so scared .
I didn ’ t know what to do.
” Merson pushed back on the former student ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which the student told authorities she ’ d given Lori a “ vague ” description of what happened , as well as other interviews in which the student said it was hard to remember some of what happened during homecoming because she ’ d been drinking heavily that night .
In one interview , the student also said it was hard to remember exactly what she ’ d said to Lori .
“ [ She ] had difficulty remembering what she even told Marilyn Lori that day , ” Merson said during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the reason she had so much difficulty remembering is because she has difficulty remembering the incident itself.
” On cross-examination , the student said she ’ d been afraid to report the allegation against Atkinson because he was part of the popular crowd at school and was well-liked by teachers and staff .
The student testified she felt discouraged by the conversation with Lori , because the social worker seemed to fixate on the alcohol use that night , rather than on the alleged assault .
But she said she clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What happened with Aidan was super traumatic and I don ’ t think I ’ ll ever forget it , ” she said .
Lori was employed by Mental Health Partners at the time , and embedded at Fairview as a part of a team of mental health professionals .
She is no longer employed by Mental Health Partners .

A former Fairview High School student who said she was sexually assaulted by the Boulder school’s star quarterback testified in court Tuesday during the first day of a trial for a social worker who is accused of failing to alert authorities to the reported assault.
The former student, who will not be identified by The Denver Post because she may be a victim of sexual assault, testified that she visited social worker Marilyn Lori’s office in Fairview High School in October 2018 and told the woman that her classmate, football standout Aidan Atkinson, had sexually assaulted her during homecoming about a month earlier.
Lori was required by law to pass that information on to law enforcement, but she did not, Deputy District Attorney McKenna Mayfield said during opening statements in the misdemeanor trial. Lori is charged with one count of failure to report child abuse. A second count she previously faced was dismissed.
Lori’s defense attorney, James Merson, argued in his opening statement that the student gave Lori vague and undetailed information about the alleged assault during the 2018 meeting, and that the information the student shared did not rise to the level of requiring Lori to alert law enforcement.
The former student, who was 16 at the time, is now 18 and has graduated from Fairview. She testified for nearly two hours Tuesday, and discussed how she’d gone to the counselors’ offices to try to speak with a staff member she knew well, but said she’d ended up talking with Lori instead when the first staff member was not available.
“I talked to her about how I was upset, and I wasn’t planning on telling her, but eventually I told her about how Aidan Atkinson had sexually assaulted me,” the student testified, adding later, “I told her about how he had touched me on the party bus and I was really upset about it because I thought he was a friend.”
After the student spoke with Lori in 2018, the allegations went unreported for almost a year, until another counselor at the school learned about the reported assault in August 2019. At that point, the counselor alerted police, who opened an investigation into Atkinson and later charged the teenager with sexual assault, attempted sexual assault and related charges.
Atkinson, who was charged as a juvenile, left Fairview after the charges were filed. His case is pending and his attorney did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday.
The student told authorities she’d been drinking alcohol with a group of teenagers on a “party bus” during homecoming weekend and that Atkinson assaulted her on the bus and later at a restaurant, even though she told him to stop. She said she was too drunk to stand up or move away during the assault, according to an arrest affidavit.
On Tuesday, the student testified that she told Lori that Atkinson pressured her during the encounter.
“I told her about how Aidan kept trying to get me to say that what he was doing was OK,” she said. “And I was so scared. I didn’t know what to do.”
Merson pushed back on the former student’s account. He pointed to previous statements in which the student told authorities she’d given Lori a “vague” description of what happened, as well as other interviews in which the student said it was hard to remember some of what happened during homecoming because she’d been drinking heavily that night. In one interview, the student also said it was hard to remember exactly what she’d said to Lori.
“[She] had difficulty remembering what she even told Marilyn Lori that day,” Merson said during openings. “The evidence will show part of the reason she had so much difficulty remembering is because she has difficulty remembering the incident itself.”
On cross-examination, the student said she’d been afraid to report the allegation against Atkinson because he was part of the popular crowd at school and was well-liked by teachers and staff.
The student testified she felt discouraged by the conversation with Lori, because the social worker seemed to fixate on the alcohol use that night, rather than on the alleged assault. But she said she clearly remembered the encounter with Atkinson.
“What happened with Aidan was super traumatic and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it,” she said.
Lori was employed by Mental Health Partners at the time, and embedded at Fairview as a part of a team of mental health professionals. She is no longer employed by Mental Health Partners.


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--Broncos Mailbag: Will lack of preseason games benefit offense or defense more?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season .
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here .
Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter .
How is the kid from North Dakota State ( outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka ) doing ?
— Brad Collins , Forest Grove A seventh-round pick this year , Tuszka has seen his reps go up in practice this past week because Bradley Chubb ( knee ) is being rested and Justin Hollins was getting time at inside linebacker .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released , clears waivers and signs with the practice squad , is adding strength .
He ’ s listed at 246 pounds so he could benefit from adding maybe 5-10 pounds .
Tuszka should benefit from all of the training camp practices , particularly when he goes against veteran backup right tackle Demar Dotson , who has advantages of five inches in height and 65 pounds .
Making the transition from FCS defensive end to NFL outside linebacker is a big ask so it will be interesting to see how Tuszka uses this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barron an indication that the Broncos might start the year with Todd Davis on IR ?
— Brandon Brown , Rogers Signing Barron to a one-year contract on Monday was more of a response to rookie Justin Strnad ’ s season-ending wrist injury than Davis ’ current calf issue , which has kept him out of eight consecutive practices .
Barron is a safety by trade ( a former first-round pick by Tampa Bay ) who converted to linebacker with the Rams so he has the ability to play in space and cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be their coverage linebacker in sub-package downs and if they want to limit Davis ’ snaps early on , it makes sense to put Barron on the field next to Alexander Johnson .
If the Broncos aren ’ t going to tackle in camp , how does that affect the chances of players on the fringes making the roster ?
How might this affect the decisions made by management on who to keep and who to cut ?
— Matt , East Colfax Well , the good news for the Broncos is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same situation .
Hit or not to hit ?
Scrimmage or not scrimmage ?
The Broncos , as coach Vic Fangio pointed out after Tuesday ’ s practice , said the organization — starting with him and general manager John Elway — decided against doing any live football aside from short-yardage/goal-line .
And they haven ’ t done that much — I remember only one time .
Does no hitting and no preseason games benefit the returning player who has a better grasp of the system ( defense ) or has regular-season experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Broncos will initially go with Who They Know instead of Who They Think They Know .
Having the luxury of a 16-man practice squad for this year should allow the Broncos to keep many of the young players and continue working with them .
Which side of the ball will benefit more from not having preseason games ?
I figure it ’ s better for the offense , because they won ’ t tip their hand at all .
But maybe that ’ s wrong ?
— Joe N. , Aurora Having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the Broncos ’ case , offensive play-caller Pat Shurmur could have used the preseason games to evaluate his backups , figure out which pass plays work for quarterback Drew Lock and which run plays work for Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon .
Plus , getting all of the young players a taste of NFL preseason game speed , which is a notch below regular-season speed and about five notches below playoff speed , would have been helpful .
I understand the paranoia in the NFL — although I don ’ t agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not showing anything .
But as coaches tell me all the time : Everybody runs the same stuff .
Minus any preseason games , the Broncos ’ offense will be learning on the fly .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season.
You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter.
How is the kid from North Dakota State (outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka) doing?
— Brad Collins, Forest Grove
A seventh-round pick this year, Tuszka has seen his reps go up in practice this past week because Bradley Chubb (knee) is being rested and Justin Hollins was getting time at inside linebacker.
The key for Tuszka, assuming he is released, clears waivers and signs with the practice squad, is adding strength. He’s listed at 246 pounds so he could benefit from adding maybe 5-10 pounds. Tuszka should benefit from all of the training camp practices, particularly when he goes against veteran backup right tackle Demar Dotson, who has advantages of five inches in height and 65 pounds.
Making the transition from FCS defensive end to NFL outside linebacker is a big ask so it will be interesting to see how Tuszka uses this season.
Is the signing of Mark Barron an indication that the Broncos might start the year with Todd Davis on IR?
— Brandon Brown, Rogers
Signing Barron to a one-year contract on Monday was more of a response to rookie Justin Strnad’s season-ending wrist injury than Davis’ current calf issue, which has kept him out of eight consecutive practices.
Barron is a safety by trade (a former first-round pick by Tampa Bay) who converted to linebacker with the Rams so he has the ability to play in space and cover. The Broncos were grooming Strnad to be their coverage linebacker in sub-package downs and if they want to limit Davis’ snaps early on, it makes sense to put Barron on the field next to Alexander Johnson.
If the Broncos aren’t going to tackle in camp, how does that affect the chances of players on the fringes making the roster? How might this affect the decisions made by management on who to keep and who to cut?
— Matt, East Colfax
Well, the good news for the Broncos is the other 31 NFL teams are in the same situation. Hit or not to hit? Scrimmage or not scrimmage?
The Broncos, as coach Vic Fangio pointed out after Tuesday’s practice, said the organization — starting with him and general manager John Elway — decided against doing any live football aside from short-yardage/goal-line. And they haven’t done that much — I remember only one time.
Does no hitting and no preseason games benefit the returning player who has a better grasp of the system (defense) or has regular-season experience (offense)? My lean is the Broncos will initially go with Who They Know instead of Who They Think They Know.
Having the luxury of a 16-man practice squad for this year should allow the Broncos to keep many of the young players and continue working with them.
Which side of the ball will benefit more from not having preseason games? I figure it’s better for the offense, because they won’t tip their hand at all. But maybe that’s wrong?
— Joe N., Aurora
Having a new coordinator makes things difficult. In the Broncos’ case, offensive play-caller Pat Shurmur could have used the preseason games to evaluate his backups, figure out which pass plays work for quarterback Drew Lock and which run plays work for Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon.
Plus, getting all of the young players a taste of NFL preseason game speed, which is a notch below regular-season speed and about five notches below playoff speed, would have been helpful.
I understand the paranoia in the NFL — although I don’t agree with it for a nanosecond — about not showing anything. But as coaches tell me all the time: Everybody runs the same stuff.
Minus any preseason games, the Broncos’ offense will be learning on the fly.


thedenverpost--2020-09-01--NFL faces tough times for 2020, then bright economic outlook

Let ’ s get this straight from the outset : If the NFL has no fans at any games this season — or doesn ’ t have much of a season at all — it will not go out of business .
Sure , the 32 teams and the league itself will lose millions , very possibly billions of dollars .
Its broadcast partners will take a hit harder than any that Von Miller has delivered on the field .
Same for sponsors and advertisers who pinpoint pro football as the best way to reach fans ( read : consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretches beyond the 2020 season , the NFL will come out right where it has been for decades : on top of the sports world .
“ The NFL is to the sports and entertainment industry the way Amazon is to the retail industry , ” says Marc Ganis , co-founder of Chicago-based consulting group Sportscorp and a confidant of many NFL owners .
“ We need to look at this as an overarching umbrella : This has a likelihood of being a one-season problem .
So as we get to the 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , so it is a one-year aberration .
“ There ’ s a semi-permanent impact ( on other industries ) I don ’ t see for the NFL .
I see the NFL coming back stronger than ever for two reasons : — “ The value of the NFL for non-attendance activity .
Broadcasting , gambling , Internet , video gaming , those all need the NFL more than ever before .
The kinds of people and consumer activities it attracts , it will come back more strong .
— “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 years of labor peace .
When it was approved in March there were a host of high-profile players saying they were against it , in large measure because they didn ’ t see a rush to do it so quickly .
They were as wrong as anybody could ever be .
You just don ’ t know what tomorrow will bring , so get it done when you can get it done.
” Getting done the biggest chunk of NFL revenues , new broadcast deals , is on the horizon , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satellite to radio to streaming rights , the NFL is likely to fill its vaults with untold riches even with the overall U.S. economy struggling .
First , of course , there is the COVID-19-impacted 2020 season , and the financials won ’ t be pretty even if the entire regular season and playoffs go off as scheduled .
Certainly not with empty stadiums across the nation — less than a dozen teams are likely to have fans on hand this season , barring a turnaround in the pandemic that no one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games are canceled , or the playoffs and Super Bowl need to be moved back in the calendar , the monetary effect will be substantial — felt perhaps the most by NFL marketing partners .
“ The general consensus is nobody is completely jumping ship right now , ” says Mark Reino , CEO of Merit Mile , a Boca Raton , Fla.-based advertising , PR and sports marketing agency .
“ However , no one is signing the level of lucrative contracts they signed in previous years .
They are still assessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will play out .
We are not even sure where this is going to take us .
Most of us expect the NFL to play a season , but it could take a different turn .
“ Naturally , corporate sponsors need that visibility to drive a lot of initiatives … but they ’ re not eager to make the aggressive moves given the current situation .
“ The fan base is hungry , and if the teams can figure out the right way to package up corporate sponsorship value and deliver unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they will be OK .
This will be a unique year , and everybody will take hits , but those who have progressive thinkers likely will win .
And teams with ownership interest in their stadiums will have much more opportunity to capitalize than those that don ’ t. ” The Dolphins , who have announced plans to have about 13,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium for their home opener in Week 2 against Buffalo , already have gotten creative .
Owner Stephen Ross and his staff came up with an idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stadium into a drive-in theater .
Similar to Ganis , Reino suggests there will be other potential programs in tangential areas of sports marketing , such as gambling and online betting — once taboo in NFL circles .
“ Rest assured all 32 teams have some sort of task force on how they will monetize online betting as soon as it is approved nationwide , ” Reino says .
How about providing season ticket holder ’ s extra value such as access to players socially distanced and on an experimental basis ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a sudden rise to the concept state because it is 2020 and where we are in 2020 , ” Reino adds .
So where is the NFL in 2020 , at least financially ?
Like nearly every other business in America — and certainly like all sports — it ’ s in a tough spot .
Teams could afford recent contracts such as the megabucks given to Patrick Mahomes and Joey Bosa under normal circumstances .
Because of economic effects from the pandemic , future player deals and a salary cap that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setbacks , upcoming free agents might find the marketplace tighter .
But to hold a bake sale — well , something a bit larger — to aid the NFL won ’ t be necessary .
“ There are activations being planned that are different from what we have seen in the past , ” Ganis says .
“ Auto companies are planning on major sponsorship activations ; Americans always need to buy cars .
There is a major plan for much more production by manufacturers and they have to get the cars out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team sponsors .
“ Airline sponsorships will be a problem , and the NFL has a deal , as do each of the teams .
Anything travel-related is a problem .
“ But there is so much interest in the NFL coming back in broadcasting and digital , and all the ancillary programming and fantasy leagues and sports gambling .
Nobody wants to leave the NFL right now .
”

Let’s get this straight from the outset: If the NFL has no fans at any games this season — or doesn’t have much of a season at all — it will not go out of business.
Sure, the 32 teams and the league itself will lose millions, very possibly billions of dollars. Its broadcast partners will take a hit harder than any that Von Miller has delivered on the field. Same for sponsors and advertisers who pinpoint pro football as the best way to reach fans (read: consumers).
And unless the coronavirus pandemic stretches beyond the 2020 season, the NFL will come out right where it has been for decades: on top of the sports world.
“The NFL is to the sports and entertainment industry the way Amazon is to the retail industry,” says Marc Ganis, co-founder of Chicago-based consulting group Sportscorp and a confidant of many NFL owners.
“We need to look at this as an overarching umbrella: This has a likelihood of being a one-season problem. So as we get to the 2021 season, the problem will have gone away, so it is a one-year aberration.
“There’s a semi-permanent impact (on other industries) I don’t see for the NFL. I see the NFL coming back stronger than ever for two reasons:
— “The value of the NFL for non-attendance activity. Broadcasting, gambling, Internet, video gaming, those all need the NFL more than ever before. The kinds of people and consumer activities it attracts, it will come back more strong.
— “The new CBA with the players, the 11 years of labor peace. When it was approved in March there were a host of high-profile players saying they were against it, in large measure because they didn’t see a rush to do it so quickly. They were as wrong as anybody could ever be. You just don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so get it done when you can get it done.”
Getting done the biggest chunk of NFL revenues, new broadcast deals, is on the horizon, too. From network TV to cable to satellite to radio to streaming rights, the NFL is likely to fill its vaults with untold riches even with the overall U.S. economy struggling.
First, of course, there is the COVID-19-impacted 2020 season, and the financials won’t be pretty even if the entire regular season and playoffs go off as scheduled. Certainly not with empty stadiums across the nation — less than a dozen teams are likely to have fans on hand this season, barring a turnaround in the pandemic that no one in the medical community is predicting.
If games are canceled, or the playoffs and Super Bowl need to be moved back in the calendar, the monetary effect will be substantial — felt perhaps the most by NFL marketing partners.
“The general consensus is nobody is completely jumping ship right now,” says Mark Reino, CEO of Merit Mile, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based advertising, PR and sports marketing agency.
“However, no one is signing the level of lucrative contracts they signed in previous years. They are still assessing and trying to understand how these dynamics will play out. We are not even sure where this is going to take us. Most of us expect the NFL to play a season, but it could take a different turn.
“Naturally, corporate sponsors need that visibility to drive a lot of initiatives … but they’re not eager to make the aggressive moves given the current situation.
“The fan base is hungry, and if the teams can figure out the right way to package up corporate sponsorship value and deliver unique ideas to the advertisers and corporate sponsors, they will be OK. This will be a unique year, and everybody will take hits, but those who have progressive thinkers likely will win. And teams with ownership interest in their stadiums will have much more opportunity to capitalize than those that don’t.”
That’s a common theme.
The Dolphins, who have announced plans to have about 13,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium for their home opener in Week 2 against Buffalo, already have gotten creative.
Owner Stephen Ross and his staff came up with an idea that met with raised eyebrows: turning the stadium into a drive-in theater.
Similar to Ganis, Reino suggests there will be other potential programs in tangential areas of sports marketing, such as gambling and online betting — once taboo in NFL circles.
“Rest assured all 32 teams have some sort of task force on how they will monetize online betting as soon as it is approved nationwide,” Reino says.
How about providing season ticket holder’s extra value such as access to players socially distanced and on an experimental basis?
“These are the ideas that all of a sudden rise to the concept state because it is 2020 and where we are in 2020,” Reino adds.
So where is the NFL in 2020, at least financially? Like nearly every other business in America — and certainly like all sports — it’s in a tough spot. Teams could afford recent contracts such as the megabucks given to Patrick Mahomes and Joey Bosa under normal circumstances.
Because of economic effects from the pandemic, future player deals and a salary cap that will be adjusted due to some monetary setbacks, upcoming free agents might find the marketplace tighter.
But to hold a bake sale — well, something a bit larger — to aid the NFL won’t be necessary.
“There are activations being planned that are different from what we have seen in the past,” Ganis says. “Auto companies are planning on major sponsorship activations; Americans always need to buy cars. There is a major plan for much more production by manufacturers and they have to get the cars out the door. Auto companies are major team sponsors.
“Airline sponsorships will be a problem, and the NFL has a deal, as do each of the teams. Anything travel-related is a problem.
“But there is so much interest in the NFL coming back in broadcasting and digital, and all the ancillary programming and fantasy leagues and sports gambling. Nobody wants to leave the NFL right now. ”


thedenverpost--2020-09-02--Guest Commentary: Doctors in crisis deserve privacy as they seek treatment

I had the privilege of practicing medicine as a primary care doctor in safety net clinics and hospitals in Denver for nearly 25 years , but I can ’ t imagine the stress frontline doctors are under as COVID-19 sweeps through our communities .
Health care professionals are literally putting their lives on the line to care for their patients .
It ’ s what they signed up to do when they accepted the oath to treat patients to the best of their ability , even during a pandemic .
They deserve our praise , our gratitude , and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , recently , without explanation or consultation with the medical community , the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies ( DORA ) decided to dramatically alter the Colorado Physician Peer Health program that has been effective in supporting doctors and their well-being .
This head-scratching , bureaucratic change goes into effect later this year and requires all physicians who voluntarily seek medical or psychological care through this program to sign a release of privacy information , requiring the Colorado Medical Board to be notified .
This change was made despite industry research that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not seeking needed care for fear of retribution or possible issues with their medical licenses .
Funded through physician licensing fees , the program offers confidential treatment to help doctors deal with medical issues , burnout , depression , suicidality , behavioral concerns , chronic medical illnesses , and substance abuse .
It is critical to physician health to maintain the confidentiality of this program .
The importance of this program change should not be understated .
The Journal of American Medical Association ( JAMA ) found that about 27 % of medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience depression or depressive symptoms over the course of their training .
Physicians also have a risk of suicide that is twice that of the general population .
It ’ s too early to tell , but the stresses of COVID-19 are likely to increase these numbers .
We ’ ve already seen some high-profile cases of ER doctors succumbing to the stress caused by COVID-19 .
A united coalition of doctors , health care providers , and local and national medical organizations are asking Gov.Jared Polis and the head of DORA to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the availability of a confidential , accessible and accountable peer assistance program for Colorado ’ s physicians .
Signing away confidentiality and sharing mental health histories or treatment plans with the state can cost doctors not only their reputations but also their ability to safely practice medicine .
Indeed , a study done for the Mayo Clinic found that “ nearly 40 % of physicians reported they would be reluctant to seek formal medical care for treatment of a mental health condition because of concerns about repercussions to their medical licensure.
” This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is critical .
They need access to a trusted , reliable , confidential and ultimately , a peer-to-peer program when faced with a health concern .
There is no doubt that patients will benefit from increased safety and better care if physicians are able to confidentially seek care before an issue becomes a problem that can negatively impact patient safety .
This isn ’ t about bad doctors practicing bad medicine .
This is about good doctors getting the help they need to continue to support their patients .
We need to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singing their praises , but by supporting the important and beneficial programs that allow them to continue to provide quality care for all of us .
It will allow our doctors to practice what they preach about preventative health care , just like they advise their patients , to enable better health outcomes for all of us .
Dr. Irene Aguilar is a former state senator and served as Secretary for the Colorado Medical Board from 1993-2001 .
She practiced primary care medicine at Denver Health for 22 years .
To send a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

I had the privilege of practicing medicine as a primary care doctor in safety net clinics and hospitals in Denver for nearly 25 years, but I can’t imagine the stress frontline doctors are under as COVID-19 sweeps through our communities.
Health care professionals are literally putting their lives on the line to care for their patients. It’s what they signed up to do when they accepted the oath to treat patients to the best of their ability, even during a pandemic. They deserve our praise, our gratitude, and more importantly, they deserve our support.
However, recently, without explanation or consultation with the medical community, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) decided to dramatically alter the Colorado Physician Peer Health program that has been effective in supporting doctors and their well-being. This head-scratching, bureaucratic change goes into effect later this year and requires all physicians who voluntarily seek medical or psychological care through this program to sign a release of privacy information, requiring the Colorado Medical Board to be notified. This change was made despite industry research that clearly shows it will result in physicians not seeking needed care for fear of retribution or possible issues with their medical licenses.
Funded through physician licensing fees, the program offers confidential treatment to help doctors deal with medical issues, burnout, depression, suicidality, behavioral concerns, chronic medical illnesses, and substance abuse. It is critical to physician health to maintain the confidentiality of this program.
The importance of this program change should not be understated. The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) found that about 27% of medical students and 29% of resident physicians experience depression or depressive symptoms over the course of their training. Physicians also have a risk of suicide that is twice that of the general population. It’s too early to tell, but the stresses of COVID-19 are likely to increase these numbers. We’ve already seen some high-profile cases of ER doctors succumbing to the stress caused by COVID-19.
A united coalition of doctors, health care providers, and local and national medical organizations are asking Gov.Jared Polis and the head of DORA to reject this change, and advocate for the availability of a confidential, accessible and accountable peer assistance program for Colorado’s physicians.
Signing away confidentiality and sharing mental health histories or treatment plans with the state can cost doctors not only their reputations but also their ability to safely practice medicine. Indeed, a study done for the Mayo Clinic found that “nearly 40% of physicians reported they would be reluctant to seek formal medical care for treatment of a mental health condition because of concerns about repercussions to their medical licensure.” This is another reason why confidentiality for physicians is critical. They need access to a trusted, reliable, confidential and ultimately, a peer-to-peer program when faced with a health concern.
There is no doubt that patients will benefit from increased safety and better care if physicians are able to confidentially seek care before an issue becomes a problem that can negatively impact patient safety.
This isn’t about bad doctors practicing bad medicine. This is about good doctors getting the help they need to continue to support their patients. We need to support our health care providers not just by singing their praises, but by supporting the important and beneficial programs that allow them to continue to provide quality care for all of us. It will allow our doctors to practice what they preach about preventative health care, just like they advise their patients, to enable
better health outcomes for all of us.
Dr. Irene Aguilar is a former state senator and served as Secretary for the Colorado Medical Board from 1993-2001. She practiced primary care medicine at Denver Health for 22 years.
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--2020-09-02--Coloradans sign up to be election workers in record numbers, clerks say

Colorado ’ s county clerks have worried the coronavirus pandemic would leave them short on election workers , since the older folks who tend to sign up to run voting centers , process mail-in ballots and verify signatures are the ones most at risk .
But other Coloradans have stepped up — in a big way .
“ We ’ ve seen a remarkable response .
We ’ ve have had hundreds per county , ” said Pam Anderson , executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association .
She and others charged with recruiting workers to fill election judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a broader range of ages and backgrounds express interest , either directly or through a form on the Colorado secretary of state ’ s website .
The major parties also will soon send clerks lists of potential workers , which get priority .
It ’ s all part of a process that aims to keep multiple sets of eyes — from differing political backgrounds — on each step of the process to ensure the Nov. 3 election will be run fairly and transparently .
In Denver , more than 550 applications to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone , largely due to the fact it was National Poll Worker Recruitment Day .
That pushed the county ’ s total to more than 4,000 , said Elizabeth Littlepage , the Denver Elections Division ’ s election judge coordinator .
At this time four years ago the division hadn ’ t even hit 100 election judge applicants yet .
In southwest Colorado ’ s La Plata County , home to Durango , Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Parker said the “ awesome response ” so early means the election should have ample staffing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that so many people have been out of work — and looking for ways to make extra money .
The positions are multiday commitments , paying at least $ 10 an hour but often quite a bit more .
There ’ s also high interest in this particular election , officials said , along with extra public scrutiny on election security in the wake of baseless claims made about mail voting by President Donald Trump this summer .
Colorado ’ s status as a mail-voting state means it must recruit far fewer election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling places .
But it still needs dozens of them in small counties and hundreds in larger ones .
“ We haven ’ t seen some of the same impacts that other states have seen , ” Anderson said , “ but we ’ re certainly contingency-planning.
” Denver officials are seeking to hire about 1,050 election workers — nearly double the 590 hired in 2016 — because of the need to staff 10 additional voting centers and to make pandemic-related changes , including the use of staggered shifts downtown for ballot-processing closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city and county still faces the perennial challenge of recruiting enough Republicans , while some GOP-heavy counties face the flip side of that problem .
So far , GOP voters account for a small fraction of Denver ’ s applications — Littlepage said she would need 234 more to achieve parity with Democrats and unaffiliated voters .
The Denver Republican Party is trying to recruit both election judges and poll-watchers .
“ It ’ s always a concern if we can ’ t staff our full quota — we want to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairwoman Kristina Cook said , adding : “ We do want to participate and show we are part of this community , and part of that is stepping up to be part of the election process.
” Another challenge as the presidential election approaches : Some smaller clerk ’ s offices are cramped , Anderson said , and may hire fewer election judges than normal to maintain safe distancing .
That could slow ballot-processing times .

Colorado’s county clerks have worried the coronavirus pandemic would leave them short on election workers, since the older folks who tend to sign up to run voting centers, process mail-in ballots and verify signatures are the ones most at risk.
But other Coloradans have stepped up — in a big way.
“We’ve seen a remarkable response. We’ve have had hundreds per county,” said Pam Anderson, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association.
She and others charged with recruiting workers to fill election judge slots say they’re seeing people from a broader range of ages and backgrounds express interest, either directly or through a form on the Colorado secretary of state’s website. The major parties also will soon send clerks lists of potential workers, which get priority.
It’s all part of a process that aims to keep multiple sets of eyes — from differing political backgrounds — on each step of the process to ensure the Nov. 3 election will be run fairly and transparently.
In Denver, more than 550 applications to be an election judge came in Tuesday alone, largely due to the fact it was National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. That pushed the county’s total to more than 4,000, said Elizabeth Littlepage, the Denver Elections Division’s election judge coordinator.
At this time four years ago the division hadn’t even hit 100 election judge applicants yet.
In southwest Colorado’s La Plata County, home to Durango, Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Parker said the “awesome response” so early means the election should have ample staffing.
A likely factor is the fact that so many people have been out of work — and looking for ways to make extra money. The positions are multiday commitments, paying at least $10 an hour but often quite a bit more.
There’s also high interest in this particular election, officials said, along with extra public scrutiny on election security in the wake of baseless claims made about mail voting by President Donald Trump this summer.
Colorado’s status as a mail-voting state means it must recruit far fewer election judges than states with traditional Election Day polling places. But it still needs dozens of them in small counties and hundreds in larger ones.
“We haven’t seen some of the same impacts that other states have seen,” Anderson said, “but we’re certainly contingency-planning.”
Denver officials are seeking to hire about 1,050 election workers — nearly double the 590 hired in 2016 — because of the need to staff 10 additional voting centers and to make pandemic-related changes, including the use of staggered shifts downtown for ballot-processing closer to Election Day.
The strongly left-leaning city and county still faces the perennial challenge of recruiting enough Republicans, while some GOP-heavy counties face the flip side of that problem.
So far, GOP voters account for a small fraction of Denver’s applications — Littlepage said she would need 234 more to achieve parity with Democrats and unaffiliated voters. The Denver Republican Party is trying to recruit both election judges and poll-watchers.
“It’s always a concern if we can’t staff our full quota — we want to make sure we can do that,” party Chairwoman Kristina Cook said, adding: “We do want to participate and show we are part of this community, and part of that is stepping up to be part of the election process.”
Denver also could seek extra Republican election judges not needed by nearby counties, since Colorado law allows those who qualify — any resident citizen who’s registered to vote — to work in any county.
Another challenge as the presidential election approaches: Some smaller clerk’s offices are cramped, Anderson said, and may hire fewer election judges than normal to maintain safe distancing. That could slow ballot-processing times.