thedenverpost--2020-06-10--What is a chokehold? And can police in Colorado use them?

Colorado ’ s three largest police departments changed their policies regarding chokeholds in the last three days as those protesting police brutality in Colorado and across the country call for the end of the technique .
But people using the word “ chokehold ” can mean multiple things .
There are generally two types of chokes discussed in policing : a respiratory chokehold and a carotid hold .
In a respiratory chokehold , the attacker uses their arm across the front of another person ’ s neck , blocking their airways and making it so they can not breathe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is using their arm around the neck and placing pressure on the sides of the neck to slow the blood flowing through two large arteries there in an attempt to render the person unconscious .
To people unfamiliar with law enforcement technique , the two can be difficult to distinguish in videos or photos of police actions .
Colorado law and most police policy treat the two very differently , though both techniques are coming under heightened scrutiny as protests of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police continue in many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado law bans law enforcement from using a chokehold to block someone ’ s breathing , except when the officer is legally justified in using deadly force .
A bill making its way through the state legislature with near unanimous support would ban the use of respiratory chokeholds in all situations .
Neither the law nor the bill address carotid holds .
Although some Colorado law enforcement agencies consider the carotid hold deadly force , other agencies use the hold outside of lethal encounters , including the Adams County Sheriff ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of the issues with all of these neck restraints is that they require a lot of training and they require a lot of skill to apply it correctly when someone is moving and struggling , ” said Paul Taylor , a former police trainer and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Denver who studies law enforcement .
It can also be difficult for an officer to tell if the person they are holding is still conscious and breathing , Taylor added .
The Denver Police Department on Sunday banned all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure from protesters and by recommendation of the department ’ s use-of-force committee .
The Colorado Springs Police Department banned both holds on Monday in anticipation of the passage of the police reform bill , spokesman Lt. Jim Sokolik said .
The Aurora Police Department announced Tuesday afternoon that it also will ban carotid holds .
The prior policy allowed officers to use the carotid hold against people who show “ violent resistance ” but stated the method should be used only when other options are not successful or possible .
The decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elijah McClain , a 23-year-old who died in August after a police encounter .
One of the officers involved in that encounter used a carotid hold on McClain .
“ Not only myself , but all major city chiefs , we all need to look at how we do business , ” Aurora interim Chief Vanessa Wilson said in a news conference Tuesday .
“ And the public is demanding that .
We work for the public.
” The Denver Post reviewed use of force policies of a more than a dozen large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here ’ s what the policies said about carotid holds and chokeholds .
• Bans both respiratory chokeholds and carotid holds in all situations : Denver Police Department , Colorado Springs Police Department , Aurora Police Department • Allows chokeholds and carotid holds in lethal force situations : Arapahoe County Sheriff ’ s Office , Douglas County Sheriff ’ s Office , Jefferson County Sheriff ’ s Office , El Paso County Sheriff ’ s Office , Lakewood Police Department , Thornton Police Department , Pueblo Police Department • Allows carotid holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force : Adams County Sheriff Office , Loveland Police Department , Grand Junction Police Department The Adams County Sheriff Office has not considered changing its policy on carotid holds in light of the killing of Floyd and the protests that followed , Cmdr .
Paul Gregory , a spokesman , said .
The agency is always evaluating its use of force policy and any attempt to change the rules entail a lengthy process , he said .
“ We would not make a decision hastily , ” Gregory said .
The technique used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd is neither a respiratory choke nor a carotid hold and would not be in line with any modern policy or training , Taylor said .
The officer , Derek Chauvin , placed his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for more than 8 minutes , despite Floyd ’ s repeated warnings that he couldn ’ t breathe .
“ What we see in that case is adaptation , ” Taylor said .
“ How many officers are doing that across the country ?
Their behavior can drift from what they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced ( Chauvin ) and produced that behavior so we need to understand how that happened.
” The case exemplifies that strong policy is not always enough to prevent excessive force , Taylor said .
Adaptation from training and policy standards are common in policing , especially when ongoing training on technique is limited , Gregory said .
That ’ s how carotid holds can become dangerous .
While they can be relatively safe when applied properly , even a slight shift in where pressure is applied can start to impair someone ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the throat that can then damage airways , Taylor said .
“ We ’ re allowing officers to drift and develop their own techniques on the street instead of providing the ongoing training they need , ” he said .
Colorado law enforcement are required to undergo two hours of training on neck restraints in the academy , according to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training manual .
“ I don ’ t think officers are getting enough training on a regular basis to use a carotid restraint , unless they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Taylor said .
“ And that has its own issues .
”

Colorado’s three largest police departments changed their policies regarding chokeholds in the last three days as those protesting police brutality in Colorado and across the country call for the end of the technique.
But people using the word “chokehold” can mean multiple things.
There are generally two types of chokes discussed in policing: a respiratory chokehold and a carotid hold. In a respiratory chokehold, the attacker uses their arm across the front of another person’s neck, blocking their airways and making it so they cannot breathe. In a carotid hold, the attacker is using their arm around the neck and placing pressure on the sides of the neck to slow the blood flowing through two large arteries there in an attempt to render the person unconscious.
To people unfamiliar with law enforcement technique, the two can be difficult to distinguish in videos or photos of police actions. Colorado law and most police policy treat the two very differently, though both techniques are coming under heightened scrutiny as protests of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police continue in many of the country’s major cities.
Colorado law bans law enforcement from using a chokehold to block someone’s breathing, except when the officer is legally justified in using deadly force. A bill making its way through the state legislature with near unanimous support would ban the use of respiratory chokeholds in all situations.
Neither the law nor the bill address carotid holds. Although some Colorado law enforcement agencies consider the carotid hold deadly force, other agencies use the hold outside of lethal encounters, including the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Loveland Police Department.
“One of the issues with all of these neck restraints is that they require a lot of training and they require a lot of skill to apply it correctly when someone is moving and struggling,” said Paul Taylor, a former police trainer and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Denver who studies law enforcement.
It can also be difficult for an officer to tell if the person they are holding is still conscious and breathing, Taylor added.
The Denver Police Department on Sunday banned all uses of carotid and respiratory holds after pressure from protesters and by recommendation of the department’s use-of-force committee. The Colorado Springs Police Department banned both holds on Monday in anticipation of the passage of the police reform bill, spokesman Lt. Jim Sokolik said.
The Aurora Police Department announced Tuesday afternoon that it also will ban carotid holds. The prior policy allowed officers to use the carotid hold against people who show “violent resistance” but stated the method should be used only when other options are not successful or possible. The decision follows protests there over the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old who died in August after a police encounter. One of the officers involved in that encounter used a carotid hold on McClain.
“Not only myself, but all major city chiefs, we all need to look at how we do business,” Aurora interim Chief Vanessa Wilson said in a news conference Tuesday. “And the public is demanding that. We work for the public.”
The Denver Post reviewed use of force policies of a more than a dozen large law enforcement agencies across the Front Range. Here’s what the policies said about carotid holds and chokeholds.
Bans both respiratory chokeholds and carotid holds in all situations: Denver Police Department, Colorado Springs Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Allows chokeholds and carotid holds in lethal force situations: Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Thornton Police Department, Pueblo Police Department
Allows carotid holds in situations that do not require lethal force: Adams County Sheriff Office, Loveland Police Department, Grand Junction Police Department
The Adams County Sheriff Office has not considered changing its policy on carotid holds in light of the killing of Floyd and the protests that followed, Cmdr. Paul Gregory, a spokesman, said. The agency is always evaluating its use of force policy and any attempt to change the rules entail a lengthy process, he said.
“We would not make a decision hastily,” Gregory said.
The technique used by the Minneapolis police officer who killed Floyd is neither a respiratory choke nor a carotid hold and would not be in line with any modern policy or training, Taylor said. The officer, Derek Chauvin, placed his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than 8 minutes, despite Floyd’s repeated warnings that he couldn’t breathe.
“What we see in that case is adaptation,” Taylor said. “How many officers are doing that across the country? Their behavior can drift from what they’re taught in the academy. The system produced (Chauvin) and produced that behavior so we need to understand how that happened.”
The case exemplifies that strong policy is not always enough to prevent excessive force, Taylor said. Adaptation from training and policy standards are common in policing, especially when ongoing training on technique is limited, Gregory said.
That’s how carotid holds can become dangerous. While they can be relatively safe when applied properly, even a slight shift in where pressure is applied can start to impair someone’s breathing or break a small bone in the throat that can then damage airways, Taylor said.
“We’re allowing officers to drift and develop their own techniques on the street instead of providing the ongoing training they need,” he said.
Colorado law enforcement are required to undergo two hours of training on neck restraints in the academy, according to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training manual.
“I don’t think officers are getting enough training on a regular basis to use a carotid restraint, unless they’re getting training outside the system,” Taylor said. “And that has its own issues.”
Update: This story was updated on June 11 to reflect policy changes made by the Lakewood Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office since the story’s publication.


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--Majority of outdoor recreation businesses report layoffs, drops in revenue during pandemic

Outdoor recreation businesses have been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic , from blows to manufacturing , to big drops in retail sales to the closure of parks and campgrounds , resulting in what a new national survey says has been a large number of furloughs and layoffs .
Of the businesses surveyed , 88 % reported laying off or furloughing employees , according to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable , which represents 32 trade associations .
The survey , released Tuesday , also found that 94 % of the businesses have seen decreased sales .
About 24 % reported a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a year ago .
About 95 % of the respondents have experienced a drop in revenue and 26 % of those have seen revenue slide 50 % or more .
Twenty-one national outdoor recreation trade associations , covering about 23,000 businesses with nearly 2 million employees , responded to the survey , done in conjunction with the Oregon State University Outdoor Recreation Economy Initiative .
“ It ’ s something that maybe not every industry has seen throughout their supply chain like we have , from the products coming in all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the products being closed , ” said Jessica Wahl , the roundtable ’ s executive director .
Manufacturing plants in Asia , where many of the products are made , shut down when the pandemic swept through that part of the world .
Outdoor retailers in the U.S. then closed their doors .
And state and national parks made campgrounds and other facilities off-limits or closed entirely .
Rocky Mountain National Park started a phased opening in late May after closing to the public March 20 because of coronavirus concerns .
Colorado Parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening with limited services available .
Group picnic areas and playgrounds are still closed .
Outdoor recreation had been one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy , Wahl said .
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis in the Commerce Department said outdoor recreation accounted for 2.2 % — $ 427.2 billion — of the gross domestic product in 2017 and grew by 3.9 % , compared to 2.4 % for the overall economy .
Although the current situation is dire , Wahl said things she ’ s hearing from some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope that outdoor businesses are “ already seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
” Wahl said recreation vehicle rentals and boat sales are starting to rise .
State wildlife agencies are reporting increases in fishing license sales .
“ What I ’ m hearing from businesses is that nothing will be able to undo the harm of three months of complete closures , ” Wahl said .
However , outdoor recreation could be a vehicle for helping bring back the economy as state and national parks , fishing and recreation areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that it ’ s believed to be more difficult to transmit COVID-19 outside provided that people follow health guidelines .
The number of visits to Colorado state parks in May appear to support Wahl ’ s belief that with other entertainment venues still closed or limited , the great outdoors has become even more of a draw .
A total of 1.9 million visits to parks statewide were logged in May , compared to 1.6 million in May 2019 .
“ We are seeing quite a bit of an increase at our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman .
While he hesitated to speculate about the reason for the higher numbers , Duncan said an obvious difference from last year is that a lot of other activities have been curtailed because of the coronavirus .
While outdoor recreation can provide relief for people tired of staying at home , Wahl acknowledged that social distancing isn ’ t so easy in certain settings , such as raft trips or guided backcountry treks .
She said the recreation roundtable is working on a set of guidelines for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Colorado are trying to get their bearings — and customers back — as they navigate the COVID-19 realities .
Bill Dvorak , co-owner of Dvorak Expeditions in Nathrop , said a majority of the people who booked trips before the pandemic canceled .
“ I had to refund a lot of money , which is not easy in this kind of business , ” Dvorak said .
The company has reduced its staff to six employees from 12 .
So far , Dvorak said he ’ s making more money renting rafts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go out on their own than he is on commercial trips .
“ I really think at the best , we ’ ll have the same kind of year that we did in the droughts of 2002 and 2012. Business was off 50 % then , ” Dvorak said .
However , Dvorak added that he remains hopeful .
The water on the Arkansas River is good , he said .
And heavy , wet snow that fell in the mountains Monday should keep the water flowing nicely , he added .

Outdoor recreation businesses have been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic, from blows to manufacturing, to big drops in retail sales to the closure of parks and campgrounds, resulting in what a new national survey says has been a large number of furloughs and layoffs.
Of the businesses surveyed, 88% reported laying off or furloughing employees, according to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, which represents 32 trade associations.
The survey, released Tuesday, also found that 94% of the businesses have seen decreased sales. About 24% reported a drop of 50% or more compared to a year ago. About 95% of the respondents have experienced a drop in revenue and 26% of those have seen revenue slide 50% or more.
Twenty-one national outdoor recreation trade associations, covering about 23,000 businesses with nearly 2 million employees, responded to the survey, done in conjunction with the Oregon State University Outdoor Recreation Economy Initiative.
“It’s something that maybe not every industry has seen throughout their supply chain like we have, from the products coming in all the way through the places where people use the products being closed,” said Jessica Wahl, the roundtable’s executive director.
Manufacturing plants in Asia, where many of the products are made, shut down when the pandemic swept through that part of the world. Outdoor retailers in the U.S. then closed their doors. And state and national parks made campgrounds and other facilities off-limits or closed entirely.
Rocky Mountain National Park started a phased opening in late May after closing to the public March 20 because of coronavirus concerns. Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor centers and offices are reopening with limited services available. Group picnic areas and playgrounds are still closed.
Outdoor recreation had been one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, Wahl said. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis in the Commerce Department said outdoor recreation accounted for 2.2% — $427.2 billion — of the gross domestic product in 2017 and grew by 3.9%, compared to 2.4% for the overall economy.
Although the current situation is dire, Wahl said things she’s hearing from some of the trade associations and state agencies give her hope that outdoor businesses are “already seeing light at the end of the tunnel.” Wahl said recreation vehicle rentals and boat sales are starting to rise. State wildlife agencies are reporting increases in fishing license sales.
“What I’m hearing from businesses is that nothing will be able to undo the harm of three months of complete closures,” Wahl said.
However, outdoor recreation could be a vehicle for helping bring back the economy as state and national parks, fishing and recreation areas open up, she said. Wahl noted that it’s believed to be more difficult to transmit COVID-19 outside provided that people follow health guidelines.
The number of visits to Colorado state parks in May appear to support Wahl’s belief that with other entertainment venues still closed or limited, the great outdoors has become even more of a draw. A total of 1.9 million visits to parks statewide were logged in May, compared to 1.6 million in May 2019.
“We are seeing quite a bit of an increase at our state parks,” said Travis Duncan, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman.
RELATED: Colorado’s public land managers are trying to figure out how to handle an explosion of people going to parks — The Know Outdoors
While he hesitated to speculate about the reason for the higher numbers, Duncan said an obvious difference from last year is that a lot of other activities have been curtailed because of the coronavirus.
While outdoor recreation can provide relief for people tired of staying at home, Wahl acknowledged that social distancing isn’t so easy in certain settings, such as raft trips or guided backcountry treks. She said the recreation roundtable is working on a set of guidelines for businesses and states.
Commercial rafting companies in Colorado are trying to get their bearings — and customers back — as they navigate the COVID-19 realities. Bill Dvorak, co-owner of Dvorak Expeditions in Nathrop, said a majority of the people who booked trips before the pandemic canceled.
“I had to refund a lot of money, which is not easy in this kind of business,” Dvorak said.
The company has reduced its staff to six employees from 12. So far, Dvorak said he’s making more money renting rafts and other equipment to people who want to go out on their own than he is on commercial trips.
“I really think at the best, we’ll have the same kind of year that we did in the droughts of 2002 and 2012. Business was off 50% then,” Dvorak said.
However, Dvorak added that he remains hopeful. The water on the Arkansas River is good, he said. And heavy, wet snow that fell in the mountains Monday should keep the water flowing nicely, he added.


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--Denver weather: Sunny and warming up through the weekend

Denver is set for back-to-back sunny days with a high temperature near 78 degrees on Wednesday and a high temp @ @ @ @ @ according to the National Weather Service .
Winds should be mostly calm on Wednesday and @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
Overnight lows on Wednesday and Thursday in Denver will drop into the @ @ @ @ @ weather service said .
Mostly dry and warm weather is in the forecast for northeastern @ @ @ @ @ climb back into the 90s by the weekend .
The city will also heat up @ @ @ @ @ Friday with sunny skies and a high temperature of 90 degrees .
On Saturday and @ @ @ @ @ a slight chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms in Denver , the weather service said @ @ @ @ @ sunny on Saturday and the high temperature should top out at 91 degrees .
Sunday @ @ @ @ @ mostly sunny and the high should hit 90 .
High temperatures in Colorado ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the 70s over the weekend .

Denver is set for back-to-back sunny days with a high temperature near 78 degrees on Wednesday and a high temp of 83 degrees Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Winds should be mostly calm on Wednesday and gust up to 16 mph on Thursday.
Overnight lows on Wednesday and Thursday in Denver will drop into the low- to mid-50s, the weather service said.
Mostly dry and warm weather is in the forecast for northeastern Colorado where high temperatures will climb back into the 90s by the weekend.
The city will also heat up over the weekend starting on Friday with sunny skies and a high temperature of 90 degrees.
On Saturday and Sunday, there’s a slight chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms in Denver, the weather service said. Skies will be partly sunny on Saturday and the high temperature should top out at 91 degrees. Sunday’s skies will be mostly sunny and the high should hit 90.
High temperatures in Colorado’s mountain valleys should climb into the 70s over the weekend.


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--Defund the police: What it means for Denver and who supports it

Calls to defund the police now echo inside Denver City Council chambers as several members say they support changing the makeup of the city ’ s police department and the responsibilities it ’ s assigned .
Defund the police is a common refrain at protests in Denver — and across the country — sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer .
Certainly the recent and forceful actions of Denver officers have come under question after they fired chemical irritants and other projectiles at peaceful protesters , journalists and others .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more nuanced than the name suggests .
It would shift some duties away from the city ’ s police officers to specialists , shrinking parts of the department .
While other city officials are less certain or enthusiastic about the movement , they still express an open mind toward systemic change within the Denver Police Department .
Cementing those changes would be a drawn out and painful process , said Aya Gruber , a criminal law professor at the University of Colorado Boulder .
But it ’ s a necessary conversation meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city .
“ At best forceful policing is a mixed bag of success at actually reducing crime , ” Gruber said .
“ We are not even sure after all these years that it works , but we are 100 % sure that it has all these horrible collateral costs and yet we keep doing it.
” What does it mean to defund the police ?
There are calls for the complete elimination of police officers across the country , but that ’ s not the tone of the conversation with council members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defunding police is not abolishing any sort of security services , services to people in need or enforcing laws for the public good , ” Gruber said .
Rather , the idea is to shrink portions of the department over time , shifting cash to other methods of keeping the city safe , Gruber said .
Current practices like street policing can lead to stop-and-frisk interactions offering more opportunities for potentially deadly police interactions , Gruber said .
They can also erode public trust in police while making little headway in actually reducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health crisis or instances of domestic violence is often less effective and more dangerous than sending a mental health professional or a different type of specialist , Gruber said .
“ Do we want a SWAT team with guns ?
Or do want professionals who are trained in relationship violence who are connected with the various agencies that serve women who experience abuse ?
” Gruber said .
The problem is that when police are trained to see people as potential threats , they ’ ll view each circumstance through that lens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policing and more , Gruber said .
Whatever the movement is called , Councilman Chris Hinds wrote on Twitter that if it shifts from punishing people to supporting them then he ’ s behind the idea .
Others on council have also voiced support for the movement .
“ I ’ m 100 % committed to imagining a future without police and working toward that future , ” said Councilwoman Robin Kniech .
But a change in policing is only part of the solution , Kniech said .
She looks toward zoning practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jamie Torres agreed , saying she ’ s received about 3,000 emails calling for changes .
But the next steps must be well researched and thoughtful , Torres said .
She expressed concerns of replacing white police officers with white social workers who could still perpetuate the biases plaguing local neighborhoods .
Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen fell short of supporting the defund the police movement , but said he is willing to discuss new ideas and the men and women in the department are as well .
“ We are open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety .
We ’ re open to improving what policing is going to look like in the future , ” Pazen said .
“ We ’ re open to alternative responses in areas where it might not make the most sense for a police officer to respond.
” While officers provide an “ invaluable ” service to the city , they must also be held accountable if they break the rules , Mayor Michael Hancock said in a statement .
And public safety amounts to more than just officers on the streets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and there is always room to make improvements and implement big changes if they are necessary , ” Hancock said .
“ But I ’ m not inclined to oversimplify this into ‘ defunding ’ the police department.
” Several programs already underway give Denver a decent foundation for change , Kniech said .
She pointed to the city ’ s gang intervention program and Citizen Oversight Board .
Others either pair mental health professionals with officers or dispatch them and unarmed medics instead of police .
If that foundation is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it starts with the 2021 budget .
The council can ’ t change or divert the city ’ s cash flow mid-year .
The council will discuss the city ’ s budget for next year over the summer , set priorities and share its findings with Hancock ’ s office , Kniech said .
It ’ s then up to the mayor ’ s administration to propose a budget in the fall .

Calls to defund the police now echo inside Denver City Council chambers as several members say they support changing the makeup of the city’s police department and the responsibilities it’s assigned.
Defund the police is a common refrain at protests in Denver — and across the country — sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Certainly the recent and forceful actions of Denver officers have come under question after they fired chemical irritants and other projectiles at peaceful protesters, journalists and others.
But the notion under serious consideration in Denver is more nuanced than the name suggests. It would shift some duties away from the city’s police officers to specialists, shrinking parts of the department.
While other city officials are less certain or enthusiastic about the movement, they still express an open mind toward systemic change within the Denver Police Department.
Cementing those changes would be a drawn out and painful process, said Aya Gruber, a criminal law professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. But it’s a necessary conversation meant to make Denver a safer and more equitable city.
“At best forceful policing is a mixed bag of success at actually reducing crime,” Gruber said. “We are not even sure after all these years that it works, but we are 100% sure that it has all these horrible collateral costs and yet we keep doing it.”
What does it mean to defund the police?
There are calls for the complete elimination of police officers across the country, but that’s not the tone of the conversation with council members in Denver.
“The idea of defunding police is not abolishing any sort of security services, services to people in need or enforcing laws for the public good,” Gruber said.
Rather, the idea is to shrink portions of the department over time, shifting cash to other methods of keeping the city safe, Gruber said.
Current practices like street policing can lead to stop-and-frisk interactions offering more opportunities for potentially deadly police interactions, Gruber said. They can also erode public trust in police while making little headway in actually reducing crime.
And dispatching officers to a mental health crisis or instances of domestic violence is often less effective and more dangerous than sending a mental health professional or a different type of specialist, Gruber said.
“Do we want a SWAT team with guns? Or do want professionals who are trained in relationship violence who are connected with the various agencies that serve women who experience abuse?” Gruber said.
The problem is that when police are trained to see people as potential threats, they’ll view each circumstance through that lens which can lead to biased and excessive policing and more, Gruber said.
Who supports the move?
Whatever the movement is called, Councilman Chris Hinds wrote on Twitter that if it shifts from punishing people to supporting them then he’s behind the idea.
“Defund the police,” he tweeted.
Defund the police. — Chris Hinds, Denver City Councilperson District 10 (@DenverPerfect10) June 7, 2020
Others on council have also voiced support for the movement.
“I’m 100% committed to imagining a future without police and working toward that future,” said Councilwoman Robin Kniech.
But a change in policing is only part of the solution, Kniech said. She looks toward zoning practices and community engagement as well.
Councilwoman Jamie Torres agreed, saying she’s received about 3,000 emails calling for changes.
But the next steps must be well researched and thoughtful, Torres said. She expressed concerns of replacing white police officers with white social workers who could still perpetuate the biases plaguing local neighborhoods.
Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen fell short of supporting the defund the police movement, but said he is willing to discuss new ideas and the men and women in the department are as well.
“We are open to taking a public health view of public safety. We’re open to improving what policing is going to look like in the future,” Pazen said. “We’re open to alternative responses in areas where it might not make the most sense for a police officer to respond.”
While officers provide an “invaluable” service to the city, they must also be held accountable if they break the rules, Mayor Michael Hancock said in a statement. And public safety amounts to more than just officers on the streets.
“I understand people’s frustrations, and there is always room to make improvements and implement big changes if they are necessary,” Hancock said. “But I’m not inclined to oversimplify this into ‘defunding’ the police department.”
Several programs already underway give Denver a decent foundation for change, Kniech said. She pointed to the city’s gang intervention program and Citizen Oversight Board.
Others either pair mental health professionals with officers or dispatch them and unarmed medics instead of police.
If that foundation is to be strengthened and built upon, Kniech said it starts with the 2021 budget. The council can’t change or divert the city’s cash flow mid-year.
The council will discuss the city’s budget for next year over the summer, set priorities and share its findings with Hancock’s office, Kniech said. It’s then up to the mayor’s administration to propose a budget in the fall.


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--Ask Amy: This guy I used to date just got a back tattoo of my name

Dear Amy : Four months ago , I started dating a guy .
We clicked really well .
We live three hours apart , so our relationship was mostly played out through texting and emails .
We had so much fun getting to know each other , but I started to see little red flags : He ’ d get very angry if I didn ’ t text him frequently , he seemed possessive , and he was pressuring me to push the relationship along faster than I wanted .
Because of this , I broke up with him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it well and said a few hurtful things .
After a few weeks he asked if we could be friends and keep in touch via text .
Since I did enjoy the texting banter , I agreed but made it clear that we are just friends .
He has asked several times if I would forgive him and move to an intimate relationship with him .
Again , I told him that I was not interested in that but hoped that we could stay friends .
Amy , he just sent me a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tattoo is my name ( with hearts ) on his back !
I vacillate between being furious and just shrugging it off .
I have two questions for you .
Can you offer any insight on what would make a man do such a ridiculous thing ?
After breaking up with someone , it is even possible to remain friends , or must I just always make a clean break ?
Dear Don ’ t Ink : I find myself hoping that this is a photoshop prank of some kind .
Regardless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ridiculous thing in order to manipulate and control you .
In my opinion , you should be furious — and also “ shrug it off.
” What I mean is that you should not convey any particular strong emotion in response , but back away definitively from this person — disengaging from him via all channels — phone , email and social media .
No , you can not be friends with this man .
You should not have any contact with him at all , and if he continues to leap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch with you ( showing up in person at your house or workplace ) , you should gather all the evidence and consider getting a restraining order .
I believe it is possible in some cases to transition into friendship when a romance doesn ’ t click , but it is only possible with rational , reasonable , emotionally healthy people .
In short : NOT this guy .
Dear Amy : During the current pandemic , my wife and I have been hosting a family member in our home .
This person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cousin in her late-20s .
She is pretty easy to live with , and we don ’ t mind having her with us ( two of our children , also in their 20s , are currently with us too ) .
Pam pitches in and has learned to cook , sharing many household duties with the rest of the us .
One thing bothers me .
My wife and I are not pushy Christians , but we are churchgoers .
We and our kids have been saying “ grace ” together every night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We say a very simple blessing that is easy to learn and say .
Every night , we say the blessing together and Pam just sits there .
It is as if she is refusing to do this one thing that the rest of us feel is an important ritual .
Am I asking too much to ask or expect her to say this blessing along with the rest of us ?
Dear Blessed : Yes , asking or expecting “ Pam ” to say grace along with you is asking too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and respectfully while the rest of the family speaks the prayer aloud .
Do not impose your faith practice onto her .
Dear Amy : “ About to Explode !
” was sick of being interrupted by their friend and housemate .
As a former interrupter , we don ’ t always realize we are doing this .
I , for one , used to get too excited about a subject and would inappropriately cut off someone so I could add to the conversation .
My friends asked if there was something they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication error .
We decided to use visual cues .
When I would interrupt , my friends would hold up a hand like a “ stop ” sign , but in a nice way ( not an annoyed way ) .
After using this method for a bit , I curbed my jump-start on conversations .
Dear Interrupting : Communication — it works !
Well done .

Dear Amy: Four months ago, I started dating a guy. We clicked really well.
We live three hours apart, so our relationship was mostly played out through texting and emails. We had so much fun getting to know each other, but I started to see little red flags: He’d get very angry if I didn’t text him frequently, he seemed possessive, and he was pressuring me to push the relationship along faster than I wanted.
Because of this, I broke up with him. At first, he did not take it well and said a few hurtful things. After a few weeks he asked if we could be friends and keep in touch via text.
Since I did enjoy the texting banter, I agreed but made it clear that we are just friends.
He has asked several times if I would forgive him and move to an intimate relationship with him. Again, I told him that I was not interested in that but hoped that we could stay friends.
Amy, he just sent me a picture of his new tattoo. The tattoo is my name (with hearts) on his back!
I vacillate between being furious and just shrugging it off.
I have two questions for you. Can you offer any insight on what would make a man do such a ridiculous thing? After breaking up with someone, it is even possible to remain friends, or must I just always make a clean break?
— Don’t Ink My Name
Dear Don’t Ink: I find myself hoping that this is a photoshop prank of some kind. Regardless, a man would only do this sort of ridiculous thing in order to manipulate and control you.
In my opinion, you should be furious — and also “shrug it off.” What I mean is that you should not convey any particular strong emotion in response, but back away definitively from this person — disengaging from him via all channels — phone, email and social media.
No, you cannot be friends with this man. You should not have any contact with him at all, and if he continues to leap over boundaries in order to be in touch with you (showing up in person at your house or workplace), you should gather all the evidence and consider getting a restraining order.
I believe it is possible in some cases to transition into friendship when a romance doesn’t click, but it is only possible with rational, reasonable, emotionally healthy people. In short: NOT this guy.
Dear Amy: During the current pandemic, my wife and I have been hosting a family member in our home. This person, “Pam,” is a cousin in her late-20s. She is pretty easy to live with, and we don’t mind having her with us (two of our children, also in their 20s, are currently with us too).
Pam pitches in and has learned to cook, sharing many household duties with the rest of the us.
One thing bothers me. My wife and I are not pushy Christians, but we are churchgoers. We and our kids have been saying “grace” together every night for the entirety of their lives. We say a very simple blessing that is easy to learn and say.
Every night, we say the blessing together and Pam just sits there. It is as if she is refusing to do this one thing that the rest of us feel is an important ritual.
Am I asking too much to ask or expect her to say this blessing along with the rest of us?
— Blessed Dad
Dear Blessed: Yes, asking or expecting “Pam” to say grace along with you is asking too much. She seems to be sitting quietly and respectfully while the rest of the family speaks the prayer aloud. Do not impose your faith practice onto her.
Dear Amy: “About to Explode!” was sick of being interrupted by their friend and housemate.
As a former interrupter, we don’t always realize we are doing this.
I, for one, used to get too excited about a subject and would inappropriately cut off someone so I could add to the conversation.
My friends asked if there was something they could do to help me correct this communication error. We decided to use visual cues.
When I would interrupt, my friends would hold up a hand like a “stop” sign, but in a nice way (not an annoyed way). After using this method for a bit, I curbed my jump-start on conversations.
— No Longer Interrupting
Dear Interrupting: Communication — it works! Well done.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--Officer shot in Englewood, taken to Swedish Medical Center

Police are investigating after an officer was shot in the line of duty Tuesday evening in Englewood .
An investigator @ @ @ @ @ told Denver7 they were investigating a shooting involving an officer that happened at the Englewood @ @ @ @ @ officer , who was not immediately identified , was taken to Swedish Medical Center .
@ @ @ @ @ is not currently known .
No other information was immediately available .
Read more from @ @ @ @ @

Police are investigating after an officer was shot in the line of duty Tuesday evening in Englewood.
An investigator with the Englewood Police Department told Denver7 they were investigating a shooting involving an officer that happened at the Englewood light rail station.
The officer, who was not immediately identified, was taken to Swedish Medical Center. The officer’s condition is not currently known.
No other information was immediately available.
Read more from our partners at Denver7.


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--Hickenlooper, Romanoff clash over ethics violations, defunding the police in first debate

Andrew Romanoff called on John Hickenlooper to drop out of the Democratic U.S. Senate primary after a recent ruling that he violated the state ethics law , while Hickenlooper pointed out Romanoff — once a rising star in state politics — hadn ’ t won an election in more than a decade .
Several feisty moments played out in a televised debate Tuesday night that was the first between the two men vying to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in November .
And Hickenlooper frequently found himself on the defensive , given his recent gaffes and Friday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , making a case that his familiarity to Coloradans and more moderate positions put him on a strong footing to challenge Gardner .
Hickenlooper voiced skepticism toward a recent push by participants in mass protests against police brutality to “ defund the police , ” meaning that cities should shift money away from police departments to other community resources .
Hickenlooper , who finished two terms as Colorado ’ s governor early last year , previously served as Denver ’ s mayor .
“ Well , I don ’ t think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said during the brisk 30-minute debate on 9News , “ but I do believe we need to reform the police .
When I first became mayor ( in 2003 ) , I made some efforts at police reform , but we didn ’ t get far enough .
… We also have to look beyond just police reform and make sure that we ’ re getting equal opportunity in housing and education , equal opportunity in jobs.
” Romanoff , a former state House speaker , took Hickenlooper to task for his past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defunding the police : “ We do need to shift resources and demilitarize the police .
We need to invest in community services .
John fundamentally misunderstands this moment — just as he misunderstands what Black Lives Matter means.
” He was referring to Hickenlooper ’ s recent comment that “ Black Lives Matter means every life matters , ” which some activists took as downplaying the meaning .
“ I stepped on my own words , ” Hickenlooper said Tuesday .
Both Hickenlooper and Romanoff , appearing remotely in an unusual setup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate , they ’ d support a bill to strip police officers of qualified immunity , as Colorado ’ s legislature is debating .
Both agreed that the recent death of George Floyd during his arrest by Minneapolis police was murder .
Moderator Kyle Clark asked Hickenlooper about the death of Denver jail inmate Marvin Booker at deputies ’ hands in 2010 , his last year as mayor .
A jury later found deputies liable and the city paid Booker ’ s family $ 6 million .
“ It was egregious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ category of murder , ” Hickenlooper said , but he disagreed that the district attorney ’ s office should reopen the criminal investigation .
The candidates ’ differing agendas draw clear distinctions on how they ’ d approach health care , climate change and other issues , with Romanoff , who ’ s won wide support from the party ’ s liberal base , taking markedly more progressive positions ahead of the June 30 primary .
“ This is no time for timidity , ” Romanoff said .
“ We need bold , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges that we discussed tonight.
” Hickenlooper , who jumped in the race last year after ending a short-lived presidential campaign , has drawn heavy establishment support .
But he had a rough week last week .
On Friday , the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission found that he was wrong in 2018 , when he was governor , to allow corporations to cover the cost of a private jet trip to Connecticut , a Maserati limousine ride at the Bilderberg meetings in Italy and several expensive dinners .
The commission found Hickenlooper committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s law restricting gifts to public officials , out of six remaining allegations by a GOP-affiliated group in its ethics complaint .
Hickenlooper had been held in contempt by the commission after he initially refused to testify earlier in the week by video conference , a setup prompted by the coronavirus pandemic .
On Tuesday , he said he took responsibility for a misunderstanding about the Bilderberg expenses and defended against the other violation .
“ Look , John Hickenlooper just wrote the Republicans ’ ad against him twice now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ when he told everybody in the state he ’ d be a terrible senator ” while he was running for president .
“ I believe he should consider withdrawing from this race.
” Hickenlooper responded by bringing up that Romanoff has lost two previous high-profile races since he left the state House in 2009 .
“ I think it ’ s clear that I have a relationship with Coloradans through thick and thin , ” Hickenlooper said .
“ I think they ’ re going to recognize these smear attacks that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter what their background.
” Tuesday ’ s debate was co-sponsored by Colorado Politics and other TV stations around the state .
Another debate will air at 6 p.m. Wednesday on CBS4 .
The Denver Post is cosponsoring a primary debate at 6 p.m. June 16 with Denver7 , Colorado Public Radio News and the University of Denver .

Andrew Romanoff called on John Hickenlooper to drop out of the Democratic U.S. Senate primary after a recent ruling that he violated the state ethics law, while Hickenlooper pointed out Romanoff — once a rising star in state politics — hadn’t won an election in more than a decade.
Several feisty moments played out in a televised debate Tuesday night that was the first between the two men vying to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in November. And Hickenlooper frequently found himself on the defensive, given his recent gaffes and Friday’s ethics ruling.
But he pushed back, making a case that his familiarity to Coloradans and more moderate positions put him on a strong footing to challenge Gardner.
Hickenlooper voiced skepticism toward a recent push by participants in mass protests against police brutality to “defund the police,” meaning that cities should shift money away from police departments to other community resources. Hickenlooper, who finished two terms as Colorado’s governor early last year, previously served as Denver’s mayor.
“Well, I don’t think we should defund the police,” Hickenlooper said during the brisk 30-minute debate on 9News, “but I do believe we need to reform the police. When I first became mayor (in 2003), I made some efforts at police reform, but we didn’t get far enough. … We also have to look beyond just police reform and make sure that we’re getting equal opportunity in housing and education, equal opportunity in jobs.”
Romanoff, a former state House speaker, took Hickenlooper to task for his past approaches to policing and expressed support for defunding the police: “We do need to shift resources and demilitarize the police. We need to invest in community services. John fundamentally misunderstands this moment — just as he misunderstands what Black Lives Matter means.”
He was referring to Hickenlooper’s recent comment that “Black Lives Matter means every life matters,” which some activists took as downplaying the meaning. “I stepped on my own words,” Hickenlooper said Tuesday.
Both Hickenlooper and Romanoff, appearing remotely in an unusual setup for a TV debate, said that in the Senate, they’d support a bill to strip police officers of qualified immunity, as Colorado’s legislature is debating. Both agreed that the recent death of George Floyd during his arrest by Minneapolis police was murder.
Moderator Kyle Clark asked Hickenlooper about the death of Denver jail inmate Marvin Booker at deputies’ hands in 2010, his last year as mayor. A jury later found deputies liable and the city paid Booker’s family $6 million.
“It was egregious neglect and I think falls into that category of murder,” Hickenlooper said, but he disagreed that the district attorney’s office should reopen the criminal investigation.
The candidates’ differing agendas draw clear distinctions on how they’d approach health care, climate change and other issues, with Romanoff, who’s won wide support from the party’s liberal base, taking markedly more progressive positions ahead of the June 30 primary.
“This is no time for timidity,” Romanoff said. “We need bold, structural change to address each of the challenges that we discussed tonight.”
Hickenlooper, who jumped in the race last year after ending a short-lived presidential campaign, has drawn heavy establishment support.
But he had a rough week last week.
On Friday, the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission found that he was wrong in 2018, when he was governor, to allow corporations to cover the cost of a private jet trip to Connecticut, a Maserati limousine ride at the Bilderberg meetings in Italy and several expensive dinners. The commission found Hickenlooper committed two violations of Amendment 41, the state’s law restricting gifts to public officials, out of six remaining allegations by a GOP-affiliated group in its ethics complaint.
Hickenlooper had been held in contempt by the commission after he initially refused to testify earlier in the week by video conference, a setup prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
On Tuesday, he said he took responsibility for a misunderstanding about the Bilderberg expenses and defended against the other violation.
“Look, John Hickenlooper just wrote the Republicans’ ad against him twice now,” Romanoff said, also referring to “when he told everybody in the state he’d be a terrible senator” while he was running for president. “I believe he should consider withdrawing from this race.”
Hickenlooper responded by bringing up that Romanoff has lost two previous high-profile races since he left the state House in 2009.
“I think it’s clear that I have a relationship with Coloradans through thick and thin,” Hickenlooper said. “I think they’re going to recognize these smear attacks that would be used against any Democratic candidate, no matter what their background.”
Tuesday’s debate was co-sponsored by Colorado Politics and other TV stations around the state. Another debate will air at 6 p.m. Wednesday on CBS4. The Denver Post is cosponsoring a primary debate at 6 p.m. June 16 with Denver7, Colorado Public Radio News and the University of Denver.


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--Colorado vaccine bill moves forward – with amendment allowing repeal attempt

A bill to make it harder for Colorado parents to exempt their kids from vaccines is one step closer to passage — but only after six hours of debate and a Democratic compromise .
The Colorado House passed the bill on second reading after Democrats agreed to introduce an amendment to add what ’ s called a “ petition clause.
” This gives Colorado voters 90 days after Gov .
Jared Polis signs the bill to collect enough valid signatures to put a repeal measure on the fall 2022 ballot .
The vaccine bill will get a final vote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to the Senate for a vote on the amendment .
Polis has said previously that he would support the bill , which he opposed last year , and the Senate passed the bill earlier in the session , before the pandemic threatened its chances of getting through the General Assembly this year .
Senate Bill 163 would require parents seeking nonmedical exemptions for their kids to submit a certificate of completion of an online educational module on vaccines or a form signed by a medical professional .
The bill also creates a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school to have 95 % of its student population to be vaccinated .
Each school will be required to publish its immunization and exemption rates annually and distribute them to parents and students .
“ I think this bill brings Colorado in line with most other states , ” said Rep. Dylan Roberts , D-Avon .
Roberts said the bill aims to increase the state ’ s low vaccination rates while preserving parents ’ rights to exempt their children from vaccines .
Although the majority of Coloradans support increasing vaccination rates and restricting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Capitol to object to the bill , citing concerns with privacy and parental rights .
They have found allies in Republican lawmakers such as Rep. Dave Williams of Colorado Springs , who said there ’ s a “ coercive aspect to this bill.
” He acknowledged it doesn ’ t force vaccinations or eliminate exemptions but said it does “ nudge.
” “ It does this sort of mission creep , if you will , ” Williams said .
Emergency room nurse and Democratic Rep. Kyle Mullica , a sponsor , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far as some states that have eliminated nonmedical exemptions .
“ The idea that we ’ re going to send somebody to your house and tie your child down and put a needle in their arm is just ludicrous , ” Mullica said .
“ That ’ s not what this bill is about .
This bill is about formalizing the process in how the exemptions take place .
”

A bill to make it harder for Colorado parents to exempt their kids from vaccines is one step closer to passage — but only after six hours of debate and a Democratic compromise.
The Colorado House passed the bill on second reading after Democrats agreed to introduce an amendment to add what’s called a “petition clause.” This gives Colorado voters 90 days after Gov. Jared Polis signs the bill to collect enough valid signatures to put a repeal measure on the fall 2022 ballot.
The vaccine bill will get a final vote in the House on Wednesday and then must return to the Senate for a vote on the amendment.
Polis has said previously that he would support the bill, which he opposed last year, and the Senate passed the bill earlier in the session, before the pandemic threatened its chances of getting through the General Assembly this year.
Senate Bill 163 would require parents seeking nonmedical exemptions for their kids to submit a certificate of completion of an online educational module on vaccines or a form signed by a medical professional. The bill also creates a “vaccine-protected children” goal for every school to have 95% of its student population to be vaccinated. Each school will be required to publish its immunization and exemption rates annually and distribute them to parents and students.
“I think this bill brings Colorado in line with most other states,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon.
Roberts said the bill aims to increase the state’s low vaccination rates while preserving parents’ rights to exempt their children from vaccines.
Although the majority of Coloradans support increasing vaccination rates and restricting exemptions, hundreds of opponents have filled the Capitol to object to the bill, citing concerns with privacy and parental rights.
They have found allies in Republican lawmakers such as Rep. Dave Williams of Colorado Springs, who said there’s a “coercive aspect to this bill.” He acknowledged it doesn’t force vaccinations or eliminate exemptions but said it does “nudge.”
“It does this sort of mission creep, if you will,” Williams said.
Emergency room nurse and Democratic Rep. Kyle Mullica, a sponsor, said the bill doesn’t go as far as some states that have eliminated nonmedical exemptions.
“The idea that we’re going to send somebody to your house and tie your child down and put a needle in their arm is just ludicrous,” Mullica said. “That’s not what this bill is about. This bill is about formalizing the process in how the exemptions take place.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-11--Get Cooking: Keeping foods from spoiling

“ Stay at home ” can feel like “ rot at home ” when your fruits and vegetables totally show you how .
A couple of weeks ago , yet again , another bunch of cilantro morphed into black slime despite my customarily diligent efforts to prevent it .
Immediately on returning with it from the store , I wash cilantro , spin it ( almost ) dry , then layer it carefully in paper towels , and place it in a plastic bag .
But it lasts only four or five days before the rot sets in .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I dislike waste .
I am annoyed . )
I suppose this sort of frustration is common these days .
On the one hand , even moreso than in normal times , we want to keep our fresh ingredients as fresh as possible for as long as possible .
On the other hand ( and especially for some of us , like seniors , or immunocompromised , those ill , safers-at-home ) , going out to refresh the fresh isn ’ t wise , or secure , or even possible .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this case of the disappointing cilantro .
I discovered much about cilantro ( and other tender greens , such as flat-leaf parsley and basil ) — and about much else .
I now do these things kitchen-side and will do so when these present difficult days finally have passed .
Most of all , I learned that I have gas .
Ethylene gas , to name it , a gas given off by some fruits and vegetables that speeds up ripening in either the gas-giver or its neighbors .
It ’ s obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with and eating it for millennia .
But it helps to know more about it .
Some fruits and vegetables such as apples , peaches , tomatoes and bananas ( hizzoner ) produce healthy amounts of ethylene .
Others , such as limes , lemons and avocados , are sensitive to ethylene , so much so that in the presence of a gas-giver they ripen ( read : spoil ) overly quickly or unmanageably .
It ’ s apples and oranges but not some other citrus : That ’ s why lemons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fruit bin with the apples .
Oranges and grapefruit are relatively insensitive to ethylene , so in with the apples they may go .
But the 7Up citrus should have their own special place .
Bananas are buds : By far , bananas are America ’ s most-loved imported fruit .
They also are No .
1 in ethylene production , mostly ( interestingly ) as a way to ripen their fellows in the same bunch .
As you know , the second that you detach that plastic wrapping at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s a race against time to keep the remainder of the bunch from browning by the end of the week .
The ethylene emits from the stem end , so rewrap the cluster of stems with a bit of plastic wrap and you ’ ll very much slow down the overall ripening of the rest of the bananas in the same bunch .
About dem apples and other firm , ethylene-producing fruits such as pears , peaches , peppers and tomatoes of which I plan to eat the skins : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruits , then storing them , because residual moisture can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage .
Understood .
But these are different days and I do not know who touched or coughed or sneezed over these tasties before I bought them , or how long ago any of that may have happened .
I very much want to scrub them well when I get them home .
So before I store them , I dry them off as well as possible .
If I strip off a protective layer of vegetable wax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days I do not care .
Parsley and cilantro are like flowers : I can not believe how well it works to treat long-stemmed herbs like , well , long-stemmed flowers .
Wash , shake or spin off excess water , slice away one inch from the bottoms of all stems , and place in a container ( plastic tub or wide jar works well ) with an inch or so of cold water , then cover with a light plastic bag ( such as a grocer ’ s vegetable bag ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of the plastic bag under the tub or jar .
Use the herbs as you need , refreshing the water every fourth day .
I kept a bunch of cilantro in great condition this way for — get ready for it — 12 days !
Flat-leaf parsley stays even longer .
Today ’ s recipe is for what I call “ herb bombs , ” frozen cubes or sheets of puréed green herbs , garlic , ginger and olive oil .
These you can use to finish a pan sauce for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end ; lay down an exclamation point in a bowl of soup ; up the ante on fried rice ; or coat pasta noodles with something extra .
You get the idea .
Make these when the parsley really is ready to give up the ghost , or when the ginger knob has more wrinkles than the Dos Equis guy , or the garlic has been in the garlic keeper since the potter made it .
This is true sequestration cuisine .
A couple of notes : Use what green you got ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but basil , curly parsley , even cilantro also work .
If you have some baby spinach about to go bad , use it ; otherwise , it is optional .
Ginger is optional .
Don ’ t use water to blend the ingredients .
Extra virgin oil holds the flavors together better and is its own flavor .
Don ’ t use an aggressively fruity ( such as Tuscan ) oil ; you want “ undernotes , ” not blares .
And for the greens , blanching is key ; it sets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the food processor , pulse and blend the ingredients , binding them with enough of the oil , scraping down if necessary , until you obtain a thick , uniform paste .
Freeze in cubes ( which , after freezing may be placed in their own container or bag in the freezer ) or splay flat and freeze in a sturdy plastic zipper bag .
When needed , take out a cube or break off part of the flat .

“Stay at home” can feel like “rot at home” when your fruits and vegetables totally show you how.
A couple of weeks ago, yet again, another bunch of cilantro morphed into black slime despite my customarily diligent efforts to prevent it. Immediately on returning with it from the store, I wash cilantro, spin it (almost) dry, then layer it carefully in paper towels, and place it in a plastic bag. But it lasts only four or five days before the rot sets in. (I love cilantro. I live alone. I dislike waste. I am annoyed.)
I suppose this sort of frustration is common these days. On the one hand, even moreso than in normal times, we want to keep our fresh ingredients as fresh as possible for as long as possible. On the other hand (and especially for some of us, like seniors, or immunocompromised, those ill, safers-at-home), going out to refresh the fresh isn’t wise, or secure, or even possible.
I wanted to see if I could allay this case of the disappointing cilantro. I discovered much about cilantro (and other tender greens, such as flat-leaf parsley and basil) — and about much else. I now do these things kitchen-side and will do so when these present difficult days finally have passed.
Most of all, I learned that I have gas. Ethylene gas, to name it, a gas given off by some fruits and vegetables that speeds up ripening in either the gas-giver or its neighbors. It’s obviously safe; we’ve been living with and eating it for millennia. But it helps to know more about it.
Some fruits and vegetables such as apples, peaches, tomatoes and bananas (hizzoner) produce healthy amounts of ethylene. Others, such as limes, lemons and avocados, are sensitive to ethylene, so much so that in the presence of a gas-giver they ripen (read: spoil) overly quickly or unmanageably.
It’s apples and oranges but not some other citrus: That’s why lemons and limes shrivel up more quickly if stored in the fruit bin with the apples. Oranges and grapefruit are relatively insensitive to ethylene, so in with the apples they may go. But the 7Up citrus should have their own special place.
Bananas are buds: By far, bananas are America’s most-loved imported fruit. They also are No. 1 in ethylene production, mostly (interestingly) as a way to ripen their fellows in the same bunch.
As you know, the second that you detach that plastic wrapping at the stem end to get at one banana, it’s a race against time to keep the remainder of the bunch from browning by the end of the week. The ethylene emits from the stem end, so rewrap the cluster of stems with a bit of plastic wrap and you’ll very much slow down the overall ripening of the rest of the bananas in the same bunch.
About dem apples and other firm, ethylene-producing fruits such as pears, peaches, peppers and tomatoes of which I plan to eat the skins: We’re cautioned to avoid washing fruits, then storing them, because residual moisture can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage. Understood.
But these are different days and I do not know who touched or coughed or sneezed over these tasties before I bought them, or how long ago any of that may have happened. I very much want to scrub them well when I get them home. So before I store them, I dry them off as well as possible. If I strip off a protective layer of vegetable wax or rinse away some nutrients, these days I do not care.
Parsley and cilantro are like flowers: I cannot believe how well it works to treat long-stemmed herbs like, well, long-stemmed flowers. Wash, shake or spin off excess water, slice away one inch from the bottoms of all stems, and place in a container (plastic tub or wide jar works well) with an inch or so of cold water, then cover with a light plastic bag (such as a grocer’s vegetable bag).
Place in the refrigerator, tucking as much of the plastic bag under the tub or jar. Use the herbs as you need, refreshing the water every fourth day. I kept a bunch of cilantro in great condition this way for — get ready for it — 12 days! Flat-leaf parsley stays even longer.
Today’s recipe is for what I call “herb bombs,” frozen cubes or sheets of puréed green herbs, garlic, ginger and olive oil. These you can use to finish a pan sauce for a steak; enrich a stir-fry toward the end; lay down an exclamation point in a bowl of soup; up the ante on fried rice; or coat pasta noodles with something extra. You get the idea.
Make these when the parsley really is ready to give up the ghost, or when the ginger knob has more wrinkles than the Dos Equis guy, or the garlic has been in the garlic keeper since the potter made it. This is true sequestration cuisine.
A couple of notes: Use what green you got; flat-leaf parsley is a gimme, but basil, curly parsley, even cilantro also work. If you have some baby spinach about to go bad, use it; otherwise, it is optional. Ginger is optional. Don’t use water to blend the ingredients. Extra virgin oil holds the flavors together better and is its own flavor. Don’t use an aggressively fruity (such as Tuscan) oil; you want “undernotes,” not blares. And for the greens, blanching is key; it sets the color.
BSJ’s Herb Bombs
Ingredients
1 cup, give or take, flat-leaf parsley leaves, loose, blanched
1 cup, give or take, baby spinach leaves, loose, blanched
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1-inch square ginger, peeled, rough chopped
1/4 cup, give or take, extra virgin olive oil
Directions
In the bowl of the food processor, pulse and blend the ingredients, binding them with enough of the oil, scraping down if necessary, until you obtain a thick, uniform paste.
Freeze in cubes (which, after freezing may be placed in their own container or bag in the freezer) or splay flat and freeze in a sturdy plastic zipper bag. When needed, take out a cube or break off part of the flat.


thedenverpost--2020-06-11--Rockies select Zac Veen in first round of 2020 MLB Draft at No. 9 overall

The Rockies selected high school outfielder Zac Veen with their first pick , and ninth overall , of the 2020 MLB draft on Wednesday .
The 6-foot-4 , 190-pound Veen played at Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange , Florida .
The lefty hitter was the No .
7-ranked prospect heading in the draft according to MLB Pipeline .
Widely considered the top high school player in the draft , Veen is a five-tool player who committed to play collegiately at Florida .
His power emerged later in his prep career and he ’ s already earned comparisons to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Florida ’ s 2020 Gatorade player of the year , Veen is the third outfielder ever selected by the Rockies with their first-round pick , joining Kyle Parker in 2010 and David Dahl in 2012 .
He is the 15th high school player ever selected by the Rockies with their first pick .
As a senior , Veen posted four doubles , three homers and 17 steals with a .627 on-base percentage and .969 slugging percentage through 11 games for Spruce Creek before the season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first baseman Michael Toglia with its first-round pick at No .
23 overall .
And in 2018 , the Rockies took southpaw Ryan Rolison — now the organization ’ s top starting pitching prospect — at No .
22 overall .
• Casey Opitz projected to be selected in MLB draft as the last ( and greatest ? )
of three baseball brothers • Emerson Hancock to the Rockies ?
ESPN ’ s MLB mock draft has pitcher heading to Colorado .
• Rockies Mailbag : Have fans seen last of Nolan Arenado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other notable first-round picks by the Rockies include first baseman Todd Helton ( No .
8 overall out of Tennessee in 1995 ) , left-hander Jeff Francis ( No .
9 , University of British-Columbia , 2002 ) and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki ( No .
7 , Long Beach State , 2005 ) .
Plus , current Rockies Trevor Story ( No .
45 , Irving High School , Texas , 2011 ) , David Dahl ( No .
10 , Oak Mountain High School , Alabama , 2012 ) , Jon Gray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 ) , Kyle Freeland ( No .
8 , Evansville , 2014 ) and Brendan Rodgers ( No .
3 , Lake Mary High School , Florida , 2013 ) were all first-rounders .
Colorado ’ s other pick on the first night of the draft , which was condensed from the usual 40 rounds to five , comes in Competitive Balance Round A at No .
35 overall .
The Rockies have six picks overall .
This story will be updated .

The Rockies selected high school outfielder Zac Veen with their first pick, and ninth overall, of the 2020 MLB draft on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-4 Veen played at Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, Fla. A left-handed hitter with pop, he was the No. 7-ranked prospect heading in the draft, according to MLB Pipeline.
Widely considered the top high school player in the draft, Veen is a five-tool player who committed to play collegiately at Florida. His power emerged later in his prep career and he’s already earned comparisons to a young Christian Yelich or Cody Bellinger.
“A big thing for me was being more physical and gaining more weight throughout the years (of high school) to gain the strength I have now,” Veen said. “I went from being 160 pounds to 205 in two years, so that’d be a good reason I have the power I do now… I think my power is going to continue to get there, the more I grow into my body.”
Florida’s 2020 Gatorade player of the year, Veen is the third outfielder ever selected by the Rockies with their first draft pick, joining Kyle Parker in 2010 and David Dahl in 2012. He is the 15th high school player ever selected by the Rockies with their first pick, and wasn’t surprised to get the call from Colorado, which has been tracking him for several years.
“He has a fluid, slightly rising swing with the ability to impact the baseball,” Rockies scouting director Bill Schmidt said. “He uses his hands real well, he’s got good raw power and some good balance, rhythm and timing to his swing.”
As a senior for Spruce Creek, the 18-year-old hit .500 through 11 games with four doubles, three homers, 10 RBIs, 17 steals, a .627 on-base percentage and a .969 slugging percentage before the season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Veen is the sixth high school player selected by the Rockies in their last 10 first-round picks. he can play all three outfield positions, and Schmidt noted he has the arm strength to play right field.
“I’m someone who plays with a lot of passion in the game, and I never take a play off,” Veen said. “I’m also never going to get outworked.”
Last year, Colorado selected UCLA first baseman Michael Toglia with its first-round pick at No. 23 overall. And in 2018, the Rockies took southpaw Ryan Rolison — now the organization’s top starting pitching prospect — at No. 22 overall. The slot value of this year’s No. 9 pick is $4,949,100.
“(The signing question) is a question that’s going to get answered a little bit later,” Veen said. “I love the Rockies organization and I’m happy they’ve decided to give me an opportunity; I think all that will handle itself.”
Other notable first-round picks by the Rockies include first baseman Todd Helton (No. 8 overall out of Tennessee in 1995), left-hander Jeff Francis (No. 9, University of British-Columbia, 2002) and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (No. 7, Long Beach State, 2005).
Plus, current Rockies Trevor Story (No. 45, Irving High School, Texas, 2011), David Dahl (No. 10, Oak Mountain High School, Alabama, 2012), Jon Gray (No. 3, Oklahoma, 2013), Kyle Freeland (No. 8, Evansville, 2014) and Brendan Rodgers (No. 3, Lake Mary High School, Florida, 2013) were all first-rounders. Veen frequently works out with Rodgers.
Colorado’s other pick on the first night of the draft, which was condensed from the usual 40 rounds to five, came in Competitive Balance Round A at No. 35 overall. The Rockies took Texas high school catcher Drew Romo, the second of six picks overall.


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--CSU athletics braces for potential 20-percent cut for 2020-21 operations budget

Colorado State sports programs are not in jeopardy of elimination due to the coronavirus pandemic , athletic director Joe Parker said , but the Rams are bracing for a potential 20-percent cut to the department ’ s operations budget .
In a media conference call with reporters Wednesday , Parker discussed a variety of issues after the CSU Board of Governors approved the school ’ s overall budget for the 2020-21 school year — which cited the need for $ 17 million in funding cuts for the university amid a tuition freeze .
Parker said the exact financial impact on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health authority decisions looming over this fall ’ s football season .
Ticket sales are a major source of revenue for the department , and the Sept. 5 season opener vs. CU at Canvas Stadium is less than three months away .
“ There is still uncertainty in our ability to generate revenues based on crowd sizes and what will be acceptable at the point in time where we are hosting games , ” Parker said .
“ We ’ re planning for operational cuts as much as 20 percent in our operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjust as information becomes apparent to us once we get the year going.
” A dire economic future has led other schools across the country to eliminate individual sports programs — like at Akron , Appalachian State , Bowling Green , Central Michigan , East Carolina , Furman and Old Dominion .
The Rams currently offer 16 varsity sports , however , which represents the minimum requirement to maintain D-I status with the NCAA .
Parker said cutting sports programs “ has never been a part of the discussion as we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coaches who feel the financial pinch ?
“ Right now , I don ’ t think ( the board of governors ) are contemplating furloughs , ” Parker said .
“ I haven ’ t gotten complete information from the meeting and the results from the impact on athletics .
I think there is also an interest in trying not to reduce any salaries for university faculty or staff .
“ But I will say that whatever might be required , there has been a willingness from everyone on our staff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment agreement , to do whatever is necessary.
” Voluntary CSU football workouts began Monday with 35 athletes returning to campus , all of whom stayed on the Front Range during the pandemic .
Each received a COVID-19 intake test prior to release for outdoor team activities .
Parker said he is “ very optimistic ” CSU sports will resume as scheduled in the fall with new health and safety guidelines in place .
“ We ’ ve been working on a very staged timeline , ” Parker said .
“ Things in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorable , I think , relative to some other markets .
… We ’ re encouraged by the first steps that we ’ ve taken .
”

Colorado State sports programs are not in jeopardy of elimination due to the coronavirus pandemic, athletic director Joe Parker said, but the Rams are bracing for a potential 20-percent cut to the department’s operations budget.
In a media conference call with reporters Wednesday, Parker discussed a variety of issues after the CSU Board of Governors approved the school’s overall budget for the 2020-21 school year — which cited the need for $17 million in funding cuts for the university amid a tuition freeze.
Parker said the exact financial impact on CSU athletics is unclear with NCAA and health authority decisions looming over this fall’s football season. Ticket sales are a major source of revenue for the department, and the Sept. 5 season opener vs. CU at Canvas Stadium is less than three months away.
“There is still uncertainty in our ability to generate revenues based on crowd sizes and what will be acceptable at the point in time where we are hosting games,” Parker said. “We’re planning for operational cuts as much as 20 percent in our operating budgets, and we may have to adjust as information becomes apparent to us once we get the year going.”
A dire economic future has led other schools across the country to eliminate individual sports programs — like at Akron, Appalachian State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, East Carolina, Furman and Old Dominion.
The Rams currently offer 16 varsity sports, however, which represents the minimum requirement to maintain D-I status with the NCAA. Parker said cutting sports programs “has never been a part of the discussion as we’ve planned for cost-containment.”
Might it be the coaches who feel the financial pinch?
“Right now, I don’t think (the board of governors) are contemplating furloughs,” Parker said. “I haven’t gotten complete information from the meeting and the results from the impact on athletics. I think there is also an interest in trying not to reduce any salaries for university faculty or staff.
“But I will say that whatever might be required, there has been a willingness from everyone on our staff, every coach that’s in our employment agreement, to do whatever is necessary.”
Voluntary CSU football workouts began Monday with 35 athletes returning to campus, all of whom stayed on the Front Range during the pandemic. Each received a COVID-19 intake test prior to release for outdoor team activities. Parker said he is “very optimistic” CSU sports will resume as scheduled in the fall with new health and safety guidelines in place.
“We’ve been working on a very staged timeline,” Parker said. “Things in Northern Colorado have been very positive and favorable, I think, relative to some other markets. … We’re encouraged by the first steps that we’ve taken.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--Aurora reverses course after quietly hiring a former police officer to investigate death of Elijah M

Aurora reverses course after quietly hiring a former police officer to investigate death of Elijah McClain in police custody

Aurora city leaders on Wednesday canceled a contract for a third-party investigation of the death of Elijah McClain in police custody after city councilmembers raised concerns that a former police officer was hired for the job .
Unbeknownst to McClain ’ s family , city council or taxpayers , Aurora city leaders in February hired attorney Eric Daigle , a former Connecticut State Police officer , to lead the investigation .
City Manager Jim Twombly for the first time publicly announced the hire on Tuesday and then canceled the contract Wednesday following outcry .
“ I hear and understand Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s—about the individual that was hired to conduct the review , ” Twombly said in a statement Wednesday .
“ Therefore , I have canceled Mr. Daigle ’ s contract and will be meeting with the Council as soon as possible to determine our next steps initiating a new review.
” Calls for an independent investigation into McClain ’ s Aug. 30 death have grown exponentially over the past weeks as giant protests of police brutality in Colorado and across the country called for systemic change in policing .
The chair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Public Safety , Courts & Civil Service Commission Policy Committee told The Denver Post on Wednesday that they were not aware that the city had hired Daigle for the investigation until hours before a news conference Tuesday afternoon .
They had called on the city to open such an investigation earlier that day .
Mari Newman , who represents McClain ’ s family , said neither she nor the family were aware that an investigation was ongoing until they saw news reports Tuesday .
“ Aurora always promises to tell the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , ” Newman said in a text message .
“ We only learn from the media .
This leads me to believe it is really just an investigation to assess their liability.
” The city announced on Feb. 6 that it would begin a “ critical incident review ” of McClain ’ s death that would be conducted by a nationally known expert , but never said who that was .
The contract between Aurora and Daigle , signed Feb 13 , shows the Connecticut attorney was being paid $ 225 an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and review policy .
“ The scope of the work will also include preparation for , and testimony at , any hearings , depositions , or other legal proceedings stemming from this review , ” according to the contract obtained by The Denver Post .
City spokesman Michael Bryant said the amount paid to Daigle through Wednesday was not immediately available .
Twombly declined an interview request through the city spokesman .
The three members of the city council safety committee on Wednesday morning issued another letter to Twombly stating that Daigle is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation because he is a former police officer and his firm often defends local governments from lawsuits about police activity .
“ Defending municipalities , police chiefs , and individual officers from law enforcement liability claims is , and has been , a significant portion of the experience that Attorney Daigle brings to our clients , ” Daigle ’ s website states .
“ His years of law enforcement experience , his knowledge and understanding of police and security practices allow us to prepare a defense that will ensure our clients ’ rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law.
” The website also states that Daigle remains a reserve member of the Connecticut State Police , where he worked full time from 1992 to 2002 .
“ The city hired someone to do an ‘ independent ’ investigation who specializes in protecting cities , which doesn ’ t pass the smell test , ” Councilwoman Allison Hiltz said .
Aurora police stopped McClain , 23 , on Aug. 24 because a 911 caller had reported him as suspicious .
The officers attempted to arrest McClain when he did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The officers took him to the ground , where one used a carotid hold on him , and a paramedic injected him with ketamine .
McClain suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital , where he died Aug. 30 after he was declared brain dead .
The officers who arrested him were cleared of criminal wrongdoing and internal policy violations .

Aurora city leaders on Wednesday canceled a contract for a third-party investigation of the death of Elijah McClain in police custody after city councilmembers raised concerns that a former police officer was hired for the job.
Unbeknownst to McClain’s family, city council or taxpayers, Aurora city leaders in February hired attorney Eric Daigle, a former Connecticut State Police officer, to lead the investigation. City Manager Jim Twombly for the first time publicly announced the hire on Tuesday and then canceled the contract Wednesday following outcry.
“I hear and understand Council’s concerns—as well as the community’s—about the individual that was hired to conduct the review,” Twombly said in a statement Wednesday. “Therefore, I have canceled Mr. Daigle’s contract and will be meeting with the Council as soon as possible to determine our next steps initiating a new review.”
Calls for an independent investigation into McClain’s Aug. 30 death have grown exponentially over the past weeks as giant protests of police brutality in Colorado and across the country called for systemic change in policing.
The chair and vice-chair of the Aurora City Council’s Public Safety, Courts & Civil Service Commission Policy Committee told The Denver Post on Wednesday that they were not aware that the city had hired Daigle for the investigation until hours before a news conference Tuesday afternoon. They had called on the city to open such an investigation earlier that day.
Mari Newman, who represents McClain’s family, said neither she nor the family were aware that an investigation was ongoing until they saw news reports Tuesday.
“Aurora always promises to tell the family what they are doing, but never do,” Newman said in a text message. “We only learn from the media. This leads me to believe it is really just an investigation to assess their liability.”
The city announced on Feb. 6 that it would begin a “critical incident review” of McClain’s death that would be conducted by a nationally known expert, but never said who that was. The contract between Aurora and Daigle, signed Feb 13, shows the Connecticut attorney was being paid $225 an hour to review evidence, conduct interviews and review policy.
“The scope of the work will also include preparation for, and testimony at, any hearings, depositions, or other legal proceedings stemming from this review,” according to the contract obtained by The Denver Post.
City spokesman Michael Bryant said the amount paid to Daigle through Wednesday was not immediately available. Twombly declined an interview request through the city spokesman.
The three members of the city council safety committee on Wednesday morning issued another letter to Twombly stating that Daigle is not an appropriate person to lead the investigation because he is a former police officer and his firm often defends local governments from lawsuits about police activity.
“Defending municipalities, police chiefs, and individual officers from law enforcement liability claims is, and has been, a significant portion of the experience that Attorney Daigle brings to our clients,” Daigle’s website states. “His years of law enforcement experience, his knowledge and understanding of police and security practices allow us to prepare a defense that will ensure our clients’ rights are protected to the fullest extent of the law.”
The website also states that Daigle remains a reserve member of the Connecticut State Police, where he worked full time from 1992 to 2002.
“The city hired someone to do an ‘independent’ investigation who specializes in protecting cities, which doesn’t pass the smell test,” Councilwoman Allison Hiltz said.
Aurora police stopped McClain, 23, on Aug. 24 because a 911 caller had reported him as suspicious. The officers attempted to arrest McClain when he did not immediately comply with their orders to stop walking. The officers took him to the ground, where one used a carotid hold on him, and a paramedic injected him with ketamine.
McClain suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital, where he died Aug. 30 after he was declared brain dead. The officers who arrested him were cleared of criminal wrongdoing and internal policy violations.


thedenverpost--2020-06-10--Tigers draft Arizona State slugger Spencer Torkelson with No. 1 pick

NEW YORK — The Detroit Tigers selected Arizona State slugger Spencer Torkelson with the No .
1 pick Wednesday night @ @ @ @ @ amateur draft .
The baseball-bashing Torkelson played first base in college , but was announced @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner Rob Manfred .
After having the majors ’ worst record last season , Detroit @ @ @ @ @ second time in three years .
The Tigers took Auburn right-hander Casey Mize in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ ve got a powerful bat that could anchor their lineup for years to come to @ @ @ @ @ they hope is a future ace .
This year ’ s draft was originally scheduled @ @ @ @ @ first time in Omaha , Nebraska , as a lead-in to the College World Series @ @ @ @ @ pandemic caused baseball to make some drastic changes , including holding the draft as a @ @ @ @ @ the NFL did in April — and shortening it from three days with 40 rounds @ @ @ @ @ five rounds .

NEW YORK — The Detroit Tigers selected Arizona State slugger Spencer Torkelson with the No. 1 pick Wednesday night in the Major League Baseball amateur draft.
The baseball-bashing Torkelson played first base in college, but was announced as a third baseman by Commissioner Rob Manfred.
After having the majors’ worst record last season, Detroit opened the draft for the second time in three years. The Tigers took Auburn right-hander Casey Mize in 2018, and now they’ve got a powerful bat that could anchor their lineup for years to come to go along with an arm they hope is a future ace.
This year’s draft was originally scheduled to be held for the first time in Omaha, Nebraska, as a lead-in to the College World Series. Instead, the coronavirus pandemic caused baseball to make some drastic changes, including holding the draft as a remote event — much like the NFL did in April — and shortening it from three days with 40 rounds to just two days and five rounds.