thedenverpost--2020-07-24--President Trump, Mariano Rivera mark Opening Day at White House

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump recruited Baseball Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera to help mark baseball ’ s opening day with a group of Little League players at the White House on Thursday .
Trump said the return of sports was “ a tremendous thing psychologically for our country ” in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
Rivera made a surprise appearance at Trump ’ s late afternoon virus briefing .
The president said the two of them would be heading outside to see “ some beautiful young Little Leaguers outside with a great future ahead of them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ front lawn of the White House.
” Rivera , the former New York Yankees relief pitcher and a Trump supporter , looked on as the president announced he was canceling the Florida portion of the Republican National Convention next month due to the coronavirus .
After the briefing , the two joined a group of about 15 young players who were playing catch on the South Lawn .
One of the players gave the president and Rivera a glove and ball , and they soon joined in .
“ There was nobody like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two tossed the baseball back and forth .
A reporter noted that Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto has tested positive for Covid-19 and asked Trump if he was worried about the players coming back too quickly .
Trump said he was not .
“ They ’ re going to be able to take care of it , ” Trump said .
After the round of catch , Trump , Rivera and the Little League players and their coaches took a team photo .
Trump praised Rivera ’ s work with children and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s favorite team .
He has previously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Rivera .
Rivera ’ s old team was in Washington to open up Major League Baseball ’ s abbreviated season Thursday night against the defending champion Nationals .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the country ’ s top infectious disease expert , threw out the ceremonial opening pitch .
Trump , for his part , said he ’ d been invited to toss out the opening pitch on Aug. 15 at Yankee Stadium .
“ I think Major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing to empty stadiums .
And so are other sports , ” Trump said , mentioning football and golf , among others .
“ We want to get back to normal .
The key is to get back to normal .
”

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump recruited Baseball Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera to help mark baseball’s opening day with a group of Little League players at the White House on Thursday.
Trump said the return of sports was “a tremendous thing psychologically for our country” in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rivera made a surprise appearance at Trump’s late afternoon virus briefing. The president said the two of them would be heading outside to see “some beautiful young Little Leaguers outside with a great future ahead of them. They’re already practicing on the front lawn of the White House.”
Rivera, the former New York Yankees relief pitcher and a Trump supporter, looked on as the president announced he was canceling the Florida portion of the Republican National Convention next month due to the coronavirus.
After the briefing, the two joined a group of about 15 young players who were playing catch on the South Lawn. One of the players gave the president and Rivera a glove and ball, and they soon joined in. “There was nobody like Mariano,” Trump said as the two tossed the baseball back and forth.
A reporter noted that Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto has tested positive for Covid-19 and asked Trump if he was worried about the players coming back too quickly. Trump said he was not. “They’re going to be able to take care of it,” Trump said.
After the round of catch, Trump, Rivera and the Little League players and their coaches took a team photo.
Trump praised Rivera’s work with children and his records as a closer for the president’s favorite team. He has previously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Rivera.
Rivera’s old team was in Washington to open up Major League Baseball’s abbreviated season Thursday night against the defending champion Nationals. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease expert, threw out the ceremonial opening pitch.
Trump, for his part, said he’d been invited to toss out the opening pitch on Aug. 15 at Yankee Stadium.
The president praised Major League Baseball for moving forward.
“I think Major League Baseball is setting an example by playing to empty stadiums. And so are other sports,” Trump said, mentioning football and golf, among others. “We want to get back to normal. The key is to get back to normal.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--Lawsuit alleges Adams County sheriff retaliated against former deputies over political campaign, vio

Lawsuit alleges Adams County sheriff retaliated against former deputies over political campaign, violated Constitutional rights

Days after taking office in 2019 , Adams County Sheriff Richard Reigenborn forced four senior members to resign because they ’ d supported his opponent in the sheriff ’ s race — then he filled the positions with his less-qualified friends and supporters , according to a lawsuit filed earlier this month by those four former sheriff ’ s deputies .
Former Chiefs Timothy James Coates and Gene Claps , along with former Captain Mark Mitchell and former Commander Kevin Currier filed the lawsuit July 1 against Reigenborn and the Adams County Sheriff ’ s Office , alleging Reigenborn violated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process when he told them to resign or be fired one week after he took office after winning in an upset .
“ Literally dumped out on the curb after a 29-year career with no explanation , no anything , ” Mitchell said in an interview Thursday , describing how he had to call his wife for a ride home from outside the sheriff ’ s office .
A spokesman for the sheriff ’ s office declined to comment for this story because of the pending lawsuit .
All four plaintiffs supported Reigenborn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s race , incumbent Michael McIntosh , according to the lawsuit , by donating to his campaign and publicly backing him .
They also withdrew support from the Fraternal Order of Police Colorado Lodge 1 , where Reigenborn served in various leadership roles for years .
In individual meetings on January 15 , 2019 , Reigenborn , who ran as a Democrat , told the four that he wanted to “ take the agency in a different direction ” by making “ cultural changes ” designed to “ get the troops in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , brought through law firm Rathod Mohamedbhai .
He refused to explain what that direction was , Mitchell said , adding that over his career he ’ d worked for four different sheriffs , both Republicans and Democrats , and “ politics never entered the picture.
” “ To say that we couldn ’ t fit with the new direction , without us even knowing what it was , is mind-boggling , ” Mitchell said .
All four men resigned from the sheriff ’ s office in lieu of termination in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lawsuit .
“ I dedicated my entire life to Adams County , ” Coates said , adding later that the forced resignation has created a major financial loss .
“ It ’ s very painful to suddenly find yourself on the curb , and in my case I can not get another police job ; I ’ m too old.
” Reigenborn abolished existing sheriff ’ s department policies the day he took office and replaced them with his own policies that gave him sole authority to make hiring , promotion and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new sheriff then hired or promoted at least five of his friends and supporters , according to the lawsuit , which alleged the new hires were less qualified for the jobs than those the sheriff ousted .
Michael Bethel was hired as a division chief on Jan. 22 , 2019 , according to a roster of sheriff ’ s employees .
Bethel was fired from the Pueblo Police Department in 2006 after a sex tape surfaced that included him , his wife and a man with a long-criminal history , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was acquitted of criminal charges in connection with the sex tape ’ s discovery and later won $ 20,000 in a federal lawsuit accusing Pueblo police leadership of discriminating against him because of his sexual preferences .
Bethel later became chief of Rocky Ford , where his son served as an officer despite criminal convictions — some while he was a juvenile — that included use of a gun while drunk , careless driving and possession of drug paraphernalia , according to prior The Denver Post reports .
Division Chief William Dunning was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d previously left the sheriff ’ s office in the mid-1990s and had been working as a RV salesman before he was hired back into top police leadership by Reigenborn , according to the lawsuit .
Dunning was initially hired as a civilian and has since been re-certified as a law enforcement officer , according to the sheriff ’ s office .
Dunning and Bethel could not be reached for comment Thursday ; a spokesman for the sheriff ’ s office said they could not comment due to the pending litigation .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he hopes to also ensure others in the department are not deprived of due process in the future .
“ I would like a decision to be made that career employees have some type of due process , ” he said , “ and that an elected official can not just walk in and do what happened to us .
”

Days after taking office in 2019, Adams County Sheriff Richard Reigenborn forced four senior members to resign because they’d supported his opponent in the sheriff’s race — then he filled the positions with his less-qualified friends and supporters, according to a lawsuit filed earlier this month by those four former sheriff’s deputies.
Former Chiefs Timothy James Coates and Gene Claps, along with former Captain Mark Mitchell and former Commander Kevin Currier filed the lawsuit July 1 against Reigenborn and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, alleging Reigenborn violated their rights to free speech and due process when he told them to resign or be fired one week after he took office after winning in an upset.
“Literally dumped out on the curb after a 29-year career with no explanation, no anything,” Mitchell said in an interview Thursday, describing how he had to call his wife for a ride home from outside the sheriff’s office.
A spokesman for the sheriff’s office declined to comment for this story because of the pending lawsuit.
All four plaintiffs supported Reigenborn’s Republican opponent in the sheriff’s race, incumbent Michael McIntosh, according to the lawsuit, by donating to his campaign and publicly backing him. They also withdrew support from the Fraternal Order of Police Colorado Lodge 1, where Reigenborn served in various leadership roles for years.
In individual meetings on January 15, 2019, Reigenborn, who ran as a Democrat, told the four that he wanted to “take the agency in a different direction” by making “cultural changes” designed to “get the troops in line,” according to the lawsuit, brought through law firm Rathod Mohamedbhai.
He refused to explain what that direction was, Mitchell said, adding that over his career he’d worked for four different sheriffs, both Republicans and Democrats, and “politics never entered the picture.”
“To say that we couldn’t fit with the new direction, without us even knowing what it was, is mind-boggling,” Mitchell said.
All four men resigned from the sheriff’s office in lieu of termination in order to keep their retirement benefits, according to the lawsuit.
“I dedicated my entire life to Adams County,” Coates said, adding later that the forced resignation has created a major financial loss. “It’s very painful to suddenly find yourself on the curb, and in my case I cannot get another police job; I’m too old.”
Reigenborn abolished existing sheriff’s department policies the day he took office and replaced them with his own policies that gave him sole authority to make hiring, promotion and firing decisions, according to the lawsuit. The new sheriff then hired or promoted at least five of his friends and supporters, according to the lawsuit, which alleged the new hires were less qualified for the jobs than those the sheriff ousted.
Michael Bethel was hired as a division chief on Jan. 22, 2019, according to a roster of sheriff’s employees. Bethel was fired from the Pueblo Police Department in 2006 after a sex tape surfaced that included him, his wife and a man with a long-criminal history, The Denver Post reported in 2015. He was acquitted of criminal charges in connection with the sex tape’s discovery and later won $20,000 in a federal lawsuit accusing Pueblo police leadership of discriminating against him because of his sexual preferences.
Bethel later became chief of Rocky Ford, where his son served as an officer despite criminal convictions — some while he was a juvenile — that included use of a gun while drunk, careless driving and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to prior The Denver Post reports.
Division Chief William Dunning was hired in May 2019. He’d previously left the sheriff’s office in the mid-1990s and had been working as a RV salesman before he was hired back into top police leadership by Reigenborn, according to the lawsuit. Dunning was initially hired as a civilian and has since been re-certified as a law enforcement officer, according to the sheriff’s office.
Dunning and Bethel could not be reached for comment Thursday; a spokesman for the sheriff’s office said they could not comment due to the pending litigation.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, but Mitchell said he hopes to also ensure others in the department are not deprived of due process in the future.
“I would like a decision to be made that career employees have some type of due process,” he said, “and that an elected official cannot just walk in and do what happened to us.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--FBI asks for help identifying Aurora’s “Double Dipper” Bandit

The FBI is asking for help identifying the so-called “ Double Dipper Bandit , ” who is responsible for at least five bank robberies in Aurora , two at already-robbed banks , the bureau said in a release .
The suspect is described as a thin white man between 30 and 40 years old and about 6-foot-0 , the release said .
He reportedly robbed the Chase Bank at 5800 South Parker Road on Dec. 2 , 2019 , and again on Feb. 5 , the release said .
He then hit the Chase Bank at 3501 South Tower Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 .
And he reportedly robbed the KeyBank at 3607 South Tower Road on July 2 .
During the robberies the bandit entered the bank , gave a teller a demand note and threatened that he had a weapon , although he did not brandish one , the release said .
He then fled the bank in an unknown direction .
During the July robbery the bandit wore a dark blue or black baseball hat , a white and blue checkered button-up shirt , large sunglasses and a white mask , the release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bandit wore an orange hat with a T embroidered on it , a white pin-striped shirt , a white surgical mask , blue jeans and hiking boots .
The bureau asks residents to look for anyone matching the suspect ’ s description and to be aware of anyone who might have changed their spending habits or discussed a recent influx of money , the release said .
Anyone with information on any of the bank robberies or the suspect is asked to call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also call CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-7867 .

The FBI is asking for help identifying the so-called “Double Dipper Bandit,” who is responsible for at least five bank robberies in Aurora, two at already-robbed banks, the bureau said in a release.
The suspect is described as a thin white man between 30 and 40 years old and about 6-foot-0, the release said.
He reportedly robbed the Chase Bank at 5800 South Parker Road on Dec. 2, 2019, and again on Feb. 5, the release said. He then hit the Chase Bank at 3501 South Tower Road on May 6 and again on June 2. And he reportedly robbed the KeyBank at 3607 South Tower Road on July 2.
During the robberies the bandit entered the bank, gave a teller a demand note and threatened that he had a weapon, although he did not brandish one, the release said. He then fled the bank in an unknown direction.
During the July robbery the bandit wore a dark blue or black baseball hat, a white and blue checkered button-up shirt, large sunglasses and a white mask, the release said. During the June robbery the bandit wore an orange hat with a T embroidered on it, a white pin-striped shirt, a white surgical mask, blue jeans and hiking boots.
The bureau asks residents to look for anyone matching the suspect’s description and to be aware of anyone who might have changed their spending habits or discussed a recent influx of money, the release said.
Anyone with information on any of the bank robberies or the suspect is asked to call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171. Those who wish to remain anonymous can also call CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-7867.


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--The Spot: Representation at the Capitol, homelessness in Denver and the ethics case that won’t end

What ’ s The Spot ?
You ’ re reading an installment of our weekly politics newsletter .
Sign up here to get it delivered straight in your inbox .
In case you missed it , I wrote for Monday ’ s paper about a probable upcoming power shift within Colorado ’ s increasingly powerless House GOP caucus .
The short version of that story : Minority Leader Patrick Neville is likely to lose that role to Rep. Hugh McKean .
Here ’ s the full story , if you ’ re interested .
Lawmakers won ’ t vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the November election — so there ’ s plenty of time for things to change , and potentially for voters to flip some seats .
But even though it ’ s early , I want to flag one internal race I ’ ll be keeping a close eye on : House majority leader .
That job is currently held by Alec Garnett , the Denver Democrat .
Above him in the caucus hierarchy is House Speaker KC Becker of Boulder , who is term-limited .
Everyone I ’ ve talked to fully expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That seems like a safe bet for now .
An upward move by Garnett would leave an opening in the House majority leader role , and , by my estimation , that opening would be the one and only chance for a woman to assume one of the top jobs in the legislature .
I ’ m defining “ top jobs ” as those on the Capitol Executive Committee : Senate president , majority leader and minority leader , and House speaker , majority leader and minority leader .
When it comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in an interesting spot .
On one hand , there is only one legislature in the history of the country ( Nevada ) in which women have held a greater percentage of seats .
On the other hand , isn ’ t it something that women comprise roughly half of the legislative body here , but may occupy zero seats on the Executive Committee next year ?
I should note , by the way , that there ’ s only been one person of color — Senate President Leroy Garcia — on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Folks I ’ ve talked to tell me several women may seek the House majority leader job heading into 2021 , including Reps. Adrienne Benavidez , Leslie Herod and Dafna Michaelson Jenet .
There may well be others .
I know of at least one man , Rep. Chris Kennedy , the current assistant majority leader , who may also be in the running .
I ’ ll repeat : this is all subject to change .
You can be forgiven for not caring too much in July about what the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come January .
But remember that this is a state that ’ s never had a woman U.S. senator or governor .
Denver ’ s never had a woman mayor .
And as of today , with Speaker Becker on the way out , there ’ s no guarantee a woman will hold any of the most significant seats of power at the statehouse next year .
Moving on , and speaking of ( white ) men in seats of power , U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper ’ s ethics case is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Justin Wingerter writes this week on that .
And in city news , Conrad Swanson writes on Denver ’ s first sanctioned encampment for people experiencing homelessness .
To support the important journalism we do , you can become a Denver Post subscriber here .
If you ’ d like to be among the first to see Colorado political news when it lands and chat about it with other politically minded folks , join our Facebook group today .
You can send tips , comments and questions to me at aburness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below .
Gov .
Jared Polis made clear Thursday that Colorado hasn ’ t asked for and doesn ’ t need federal troops to respond to local protests against police brutality and systemic racism , but he didn ’ t rule out the possibility of seeking help from the president .
“ The state of Colorado has not requested troops for any purpose , ” Polis said at a news conference .
“ If we need them , I won ’ t hesitate to call upon President Trump , to call upon federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing great work and we have additional capacity on the National Guard side , by the way.
” In public and private Tuesday , Colorado ’ s Independent Ethics Commission debated how to end the most important case in its 13-year history , that of U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper .
More than a month after it issued its rulings and punishment — two violations ; a fine of $ 2,750 — one matter remains unresolved : issuance of a formal opinion .
Commissioners considered a draft opinion Tuesday but were unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try again Aug. 18 .
“ There are 147 paragraphs here , ” said Commissioner Bill Leone as he looked at the draft , which is not a public record .
“ I think our largest opinion prior to this might have been 30 paragraphs.
” The opinion is likely to be a dry recitation of facts and shed little or no new light on Hickenlooper ’ s wrongdoing .
The question is what facts from the 18-month-long saga to include .
Commissioner Yeulin Willett asked Tuesday that a dissent of his be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the only commissioner to vote in favor of finding a violation for Hickenlooper ’ s flight on a private jet to Kimbal Musk ’ s wedding in Texas .
Several other commissioners were on the fence about the flight but ultimately voted against finding Hickenlooper in violation .
Leone objected to paragraph 105 , which supposedly states Hickenlooper was found to have not violated the law during the Musk flight “ because they are personal friends.
” Leone said “ the personal friend theory ” was posited by Hickenlooper but not agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be included .
A lack of evidence , not Hickenlooper ’ s defense , swayed Leone .
• Hickenlooper ’ s ethics defense has cost taxpayers more than $ 133,000 to date .
A state senator wants an inspector general investigation into the source of the money .
• Congress has passed the Colorado-crafted Great American Outdoors Act .
Ivanka Trump stopped by Rocky Mountain National Park to tout it Thursday .
• Gardner called on a Republican campaign arm to pull a controversial TV ad , Politico reports .
The attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we reported .
• A nonprofit was accused of using backdoor influence with Hickenlooper ’ s administration to block a quarry , then paid a confidential $ 15 million settlement , the Gazette reports .
Denver ’ s first sanctioned homeless encampment can tell residents much about the administration ’ s continuing approach to homelessness during the coronavirus pandemic .
The notion was a hard sell for Mayor Michael Hancock in the first place and some wonder whether the administration will follow through with the idea fully or use it as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small bone and use it as justification to sweep up encampments around town , in contrast to cries from the homeless , advocates and guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control .
First things first .
The first sanctioned encampment has yet to open .
City officials haven ’ t even settled on a site , though the parking lot of the National Western Complex tops the list , contrary to the wishes of Elyria Swansea neighbors .
While the administration put out a call for council members to pinpoint possible encampment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spokeswoman for Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca , said those suggestions were never seriously considered before the parking lot was selected .
At the same time , Calderón questioned why other districts weren ’ t considered and said CdeBaca is currently examining other possible sites within her district where the first encampment would be more welcome .
It ’ s unclear when the encampment might open because even after settling on a location , it must be approved by the City Council and the organizing Colorado Village Collaborative doesn ’ t yet have staffing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he ’ s bringing on employees with each passing day and he does already have the $ 300,000 needed to keep the encampment open for a full six months .
While Chandler said he could be ready for an early August opening , more of that timing depends on the city .
And time is of the essence as COVID-19 cases increase throughout Colorado .
People experiencing homelessness are in dire need of clean and socially distant places to stay .
But perhaps most important is the number of encampments on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 60 people , not nearly enough to put a dent in the city ’ s homeless population , which numbers into the thousands .
For any meaningful change , many more encampments will be needed for an indeterminate amount of time .
Keep an eye out as this work moves forward and watch to see how quickly the city and its partners are able to move and how many encampments they ’ re willing and able to stand up .
Chandler said no additional funding is secured for subsequent encampments .
Rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operational before approaching financial backers again .
Plus , he said he ’ s hoping the city will allocate some cash to the extra encampments too .
• Second chances served as the backdrop for Denver Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s announcement Monday that Elias Diggins will serve as the next sheriff .
• The Denver City Council is under new leadership and its first female president in more than half a decade .
The group unanimously voted Monday to promote Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore to president .
• The new title of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a former mayor who was a member of the Ku Klux Klan is narrowed to four choices : Central Park , Mosley , Skyview or Concourse .
Forward this newsletter to your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe .

Alex Burness, Justin Wingerter, Conrad Swanson

For people, policy and Colorado politics
What’s The Spot? You’re reading an installment of our weekly politics newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered straight in your inbox.
In case you missed it, I wrote for Monday’s paper about a probable upcoming power shift within Colorado’s increasingly powerless House GOP caucus. The short version of that story: Minority Leader Patrick Neville is likely to lose that role to Rep. Hugh McKean. Here’s the full story, if you’re interested.
Lawmakers won’t vote on leadership positions at the statehouse until after the November election — so there’s plenty of time for things to change, and potentially for voters to flip some seats. But even though it’s early, I want to flag one internal race I’ll be keeping a close eye on: House majority leader.
That job is currently held by Alec Garnett, the Denver Democrat. Above him in the caucus hierarchy is House Speaker KC Becker of Boulder, who is term-limited. Everyone I’ve talked to fully expects Garnett will be speaker next session. That seems like a safe bet for now.
An upward move by Garnett would leave an opening in the House majority leader role, and, by my estimation, that opening would be the one and only chance for a woman to assume one of the top jobs in the legislature. I’m defining “top jobs” as those on the Capitol Executive Committee: Senate president, majority leader and minority leader, and House speaker, majority leader and minority leader.
When it comes to gender representation, Colorado’s statehouse is in an interesting spot. On one hand, there is only one legislature in the history of the country (Nevada) in which women have held a greater percentage of seats. On the other hand, isn’t it something that women comprise roughly half of the legislative body here, but may occupy zero seats on the Executive Committee next year? I should note, by the way, that there’s only been one person of color — Senate President Leroy Garcia — on that committee for the past two years.
Folks I’ve talked to tell me several women may seek the House majority leader job heading into 2021, including Reps. Adrienne Benavidez, Leslie Herod and Dafna Michaelson Jenet. There may well be others. I know of at least one man, Rep. Chris Kennedy, the current assistant majority leader, who may also be in the running. I’ll repeat: this is all subject to change.
You can be forgiven for not caring too much in July about what the Capitol’s leadership roster will look like come January. But remember that this is a state that’s never had a woman U.S. senator or governor. Denver’s never had a woman mayor. And as of today, with Speaker Becker on the way out, there’s no guarantee a woman will hold any of the most significant seats of power at the statehouse next year.
Moving on, and speaking of (white) men in seats of power, U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper’s ethics case is still a thing, believe it or not. Justin Wingerter writes this week on that. And in city news, Conrad Swanson writes on Denver’s first sanctioned encampment for people experiencing homelessness.
To support the important journalism we do, you can become a Denver Post subscriber here.
If you’d like to be among the first to see Colorado political news when it lands and chat about it with other politically minded folks, join our Facebook group today.
You can send tips, comments and questions to me at aburness@denverpost.com or to the other Post reporters below.
Top Line
Gov. Jared Polis made clear Thursday that Colorado hasn’t asked for and doesn’t need federal troops to respond to local protests against police brutality and systemic racism, but he didn’t rule out the possibility of seeking help from the president. “The state of Colorado has not requested troops for any purpose,” Polis said at a news conference. “If we need them, I won’t hesitate to call upon President Trump, to call upon federal support. But the National Guard is doing great work and we have additional capacity on the National Guard side, by the way.”
#COSen 2020 • By Justin Wingerter
The ethics case that won’t end
In public and private Tuesday, Colorado’s Independent Ethics Commission debated how to end the most important case in its 13-year history, that of U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper.
More than a month after it issued its rulings and punishment — two violations; a fine of $2,750 — one matter remains unresolved: issuance of a formal opinion. Commissioners considered a draft opinion Tuesday but were unable to agree on some language. They will try again Aug. 18.
“There are 147 paragraphs here,” said Commissioner Bill Leone as he looked at the draft, which is not a public record. “I think our largest opinion prior to this might have been 30 paragraphs.”
The opinion is likely to be a dry recitation of facts and shed little or no new light on Hickenlooper’s wrongdoing. The question is what facts from the 18-month-long saga to include.
Commissioner Yeulin Willett asked Tuesday that a dissent of his be included in the final opinion. Willett was the only commissioner to vote in favor of finding a violation for Hickenlooper’s flight on a private jet to Kimbal Musk’s wedding in Texas. Several other commissioners were on the fence about the flight but ultimately voted against finding Hickenlooper in violation.
Leone objected to paragraph 105, which supposedly states Hickenlooper was found to have not violated the law during the Musk flight “because they are personal friends.” Leone said “the personal friend theory” was posited by Hickenlooper but not agreed to by commissioners and therefore shouldn’t be included. A lack of evidence, not Hickenlooper’s defense, swayed Leone.
More Senate race news
Mile High Politics • By Conrad Swanson
The encampment bellwether
Denver’s first sanctioned homeless encampment can tell residents much about the administration’s continuing approach to homelessness during the coronavirus pandemic.
The notion was a hard sell for Mayor Michael Hancock in the first place and some wonder whether the administration will follow through with the idea fully or use it as a public relations move: Throw activists a small bone and use it as justification to sweep up encampments around town, in contrast to cries from the homeless, advocates and guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
First things first. The first sanctioned encampment has yet to open. City officials haven’t even settled on a site, though the parking lot of the National Western Complex tops the list, contrary to the wishes of Elyria Swansea neighbors.
While the administration put out a call for council members to pinpoint possible encampment sites in their districts, Lisa Calderón, spokeswoman for Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca, said those suggestions were never seriously considered before the parking lot was selected.
At the same time, Calderón questioned why other districts weren’t considered and said CdeBaca is currently examining other possible sites within her district where the first encampment would be more welcome.
It’s unclear when the encampment might open because even after settling on a location, it must be approved by the City Council and the organizing Colorado Village Collaborative doesn’t yet have staffing. However, Executive Director Cole Chandler said he’s bringing on employees with each passing day and he does already have the $300,000 needed to keep the encampment open for a full six months.
While Chandler said he could be ready for an early August opening, more of that timing depends on the city. And time is of the essence as COVID-19 cases increase throughout Colorado. People experiencing homelessness are in dire need of clean and socially distant places to stay.
But perhaps most important is the number of encampments on the way. Each can only safely hold about 60 people, not nearly enough to put a dent in the city’s homeless population, which numbers into the thousands. For any meaningful change, many more encampments will be needed for an indeterminate amount of time.
Keep an eye out as this work moves forward and watch to see how quickly the city and its partners are able to move and how many encampments they’re willing and able to stand up.
Chandler said no additional funding is secured for subsequent encampments. Rather, he wants the first to be operational before approaching financial backers again. Plus, he said he’s hoping the city will allocate some cash to the extra encampments too.
More Denver and suburban political news
Second chances served as the backdrop for Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s announcement Monday that Elias Diggins will serve as the next sheriff.
The Denver City Council is under new leadership and its first female president in more than half a decade. The group unanimously voted Monday to promote Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore to president.
The new title of the Denver neighborhood that for now is named after a former mayor who was a member of the Ku Klux Klan is narrowed to four choices: Central Park, Mosley, Skyview or Concourse.
Forward this newsletter to your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe.


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--Three shot near Civic Center; Denver police search for suspect

Denver police are looking for a suspect accused of shooting three people Thursday afternoon near Civic Center .
The shooting @ @ @ @ @ of Broadway between Civic Center and the Capitol , according to a Denver Police Department @ @ @ @ @ the three victims is not known .
“ Officers are attempting to identify and locate @ @ @ @ @ post says .

Denver police are looking for a suspect accused of shooting three men Thursday afternoon near Civic Center.
The shooting happened in the 1400 block of Broadway between Civic Center and the Capitol, according to a tweet posted on the Denver Police Department’s official account just before 4:30 p.m.
One of the victims died at a hospital, police said. Two others were in critical condition, but police later classified their injuries as non-life-threatening, according to a tweet posted just before 9 p.m. Thursday.
Update: All 3 victims of the 14th/Broadway shooting are adult males. One victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital; the other 2 victims are in critical condition. Officers continue gathering details regarding the suspect and the circumstances. https://t.co/3RZj0hspA0 — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) July 23, 2020
Anyone who saw the shooting or has footage of it is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--Gov. Jared Polis says Colorado hasn’t requested federal troops — but he won’t hesitate to if they’re

Gov. Jared Polis says Colorado hasn’t requested federal troops — but he won’t hesitate to if they’re needed

Gov .
Jared Polis made clear Thursday that Colorado hasn ’ t asked for and doesn ’ t need federal troops to respond to local protests against police brutality and systemic racism .
But he didn ’ t rule out the possibility of seeking such help from the president .
“ The state of Colorado has not requested troops for any purpose , ” Polis said at a news conference .
“ If we need them , I won ’ t hesitate to call upon President Trump , to call upon federal support .
But the National Guard is doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the National Guard side , by the way.
” Later in the day , the Democratic governor ’ s office sent The Denver Post a statement in which Polis reiterated that he hasn ’ t sought assistance , adding , “ We do not want federal law enforcement in Colorado.
” Debate over whether federal troops should be deployed to Colorado heated up Thursday amid growing anger about federal and state responses to protests and property damage across the country — particularly President Donald Trump ’ s use of federal officers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local leaders .
On Thursday , state Rep. Dave Williams , a Colorado Springs Republican , sent a letter to Trump asking him to send federal agents to Denver as part of the U.S. Justice Department ’ s Operation Legend .
The same day , all of Colorado ’ s Democratic lawmakers signed a letter to U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn opposing any deployment of federal officers to Colorado without the state ’ s consent .
The opposition to federal deployment stems from reports from Portland of unidentifiable agents driving in unmarked vehicles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Homeland Security sent federal agents there after an executive order from the president directed agencies to protect federal property .
Videos and photos have circulated showing agents using tear gas and other tactics on protesters , including grabbing them off the streets .
Trump also announced , in what officials said was a separate effort , the deployment of hundreds of federal agents and officers to Chicago and Albuquerque , New Mexico , as part of the continuation of Operation Legend to combat local crime .
Federal law enforcement officers previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as part of that operation .
Polis noted at his news conference Thursday that as the state ’ s commander-in-chief , he ’ s activated the Colorado National Guard to help with COVID-19 testing and contact-tracing efforts , and those troops have additional capacity if needed .
The governor said he would call on the state ’ s National Guard to help with other efforts , including preventing violence , if needed before turning to federal troops not under his command .
“ In the areas that they have sent troops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flame , ” Polis said .
“ It clearly makes the situation worse , escalates it.
” That ’ s part of the reasoning Democrats used in their letter to oppose such efforts .
“ We call on you , the United States Attorney and President Trump ’ s designee over federal law enforcement in our state , to take any and all appropriate steps to ensure that such unnecessary escalation and imposition does not occur in Colorado , ” the Democrats wrote .
“ We also encourage you to use your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise concerns about what appears to be intentional acts of intimidation with your colleagues across the country and the federal administration.
” In a statement to The Denver Post in response to the Democrats ’ letter , Polis said the images from Portland are “ deeply troubling and should be concerning to every American regardless of political affiliation.
” “ I am disturbed to learn that anyone is pushing for the potential violation of people ’ s Constitutionally-protected First Amendment rights , ” he said .
Williams , however , wrote in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in Colorado , and , “ sadly , the violence is being largely ignored by radical Democrats who are in a position to stop it.
” He cited a recent rally in Denver at which he alleges pro-police demonstrators were attacked by “ Antifa.
” Williams also pointed to the vandalism to the state Capitol and denounced how long it ’ s taken to clean it up , a concern shared by many of Colorado ’ s Republican lawmakers .
On Thursday , Colorado House Republicans also sent a letter to Polis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the state Capitol and to Denver ’ s Liberty Park to prevent further vandalism and assist police in detaining anyone who tries to breach the construction fencing currently surrounding the Capitol .
Repairs are already going to cost in excess of $ 1 million and Coloradans “ do not need to be re-injured with every night the grounds are left unsecured , ” the letter stated .
“ It ’ s not just a building .
It ’ s not just a bunch of stone and marble , ” said Rep. Hugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort .
“ It ’ s a symbol of the government and the state.
” The governor on Thursday said he has “ zero tolerance for unlawful behavior ” and thinks those who have defaced buildings should be apprehended and charged by their local jurisdictions .
He said Denver police has been working to do that , but can do better , and Colorado is working to expand state troopers ’ jurisdiction in Denver .
Rep. Leslie Herod , a leader in Denver ’ s protests and a Denver Democrat , opposed any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying that decision should be left up to the governor and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock .
“ We should not quell people ’ s First Amendment rights to protest and have their voices be heard , ” she said .
“ We should absolutely not use resources , military resources , against people who are exercising their constitutional rights to lift up their voices and demand change.
” Herod said she wishes those fighting so strongly for protecting property would fight as strongly for Black lives and the sanctity of people ’ @ @ @

Gov. Jared Polis made clear Thursday that Colorado hasn’t asked for and doesn’t need federal troops to respond to local protests against police brutality and systemic racism. But he didn’t rule out the possibility of seeking such help from the president.
“The state of Colorado has not requested troops for any purpose,” Polis said at a news conference. “If we need them, I won’t hesitate to call upon President Trump, to call upon federal support. But the National Guard is doing great work and we have additional capacity on the National Guard side, by the way.”
Later in the day, the Democratic governor’s office sent The Denver Post a statement in which Polis reiterated that he hasn’t sought assistance, adding, “We do not want federal law enforcement in Colorado.”
Debate over whether federal troops should be deployed to Colorado heated up Thursday amid growing anger about federal and state responses to protests and property damage across the country — particularly President Donald Trump’s use of federal officers in Portland, Oregon, despite opposition from local leaders.
On Thursday, state Rep. Dave Williams, a Colorado Springs Republican, sent a letter to Trump asking him to send federal agents to Denver as part of the U.S. Justice Department’s Operation Legend. The same day, all of Colorado’s Democratic lawmakers signed a letter to U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn opposing any deployment of federal officers to Colorado without the state’s consent.
The opposition to federal deployment stems from reports from Portland of unidentifiable agents driving in unmarked vehicles, grabbing protesters and detaining them. The Department of Homeland Security sent federal agents there after an executive order from the president directed agencies to protect federal property. Videos and photos have circulated showing agents using tear gas and other tactics on protesters, including grabbing them off the streets.
Trump also announced, in what officials said was a separate effort, the deployment of hundreds of federal agents and officers to Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, as part of the continuation of Operation Legend to combat local crime. Federal law enforcement officers previously were sent to Kansas City, Missouri, as part of that operation.
“Putting oil on a flame”
Polis noted at his news conference Thursday that as the state’s commander-in-chief, he’s activated the Colorado National Guard to help with COVID-19 testing and contact-tracing efforts, and those troops have additional capacity if needed. The governor said he would call on the state’s National Guard to help with other efforts, including preventing violence, if needed before turning to federal troops not under his command.
“In the areas that they have sent troops, it obviously was like putting oil on a flame,” Polis said. “It clearly makes the situation worse, escalates it.”
That’s part of the reasoning Democrats used in their letter to oppose such efforts.
“We call on you, the United States Attorney and President Trump’s designee over federal law enforcement in our state, to take any and all appropriate steps to ensure that such unnecessary escalation and imposition does not occur in Colorado,” the Democrats wrote. “We also encourage you to use your position of influence within the administration to raise concerns about what appears to be intentional acts of intimidation with your colleagues across the country and the federal administration.”
In a statement to The Denver Post in response to the Democrats’ letter, Polis said the images from Portland are “deeply troubling and should be concerning to every American regardless of political affiliation.”
“I am disturbed to learn that anyone is pushing for the potential violation of people’s Constitutionally-protected First Amendment rights,” he said.
Williams, however, wrote in his letter that deadly crime was on the rise in Colorado, and, “sadly, the violence is being largely ignored by radical Democrats who are in a position to stop it.” He cited a recent rally in Denver at which he alleges pro-police demonstrators were attacked by “Antifa.”
Williams also pointed to the vandalism to the state Capitol and denounced how long it’s taken to clean it up, a concern shared by many of Colorado’s Republican lawmakers.
“Symbol of the government”
On Thursday, Colorado House Republicans also sent a letter to Polis requesting Colorado National Guard troops be deployed to the state Capitol and to Denver’s Liberty Park to prevent further vandalism and assist police in detaining anyone who tries to breach the construction fencing currently surrounding the Capitol.
Repairs are already going to cost in excess of $1 million and Coloradans “do not need to be re-injured with every night the grounds are left unsecured,” the letter stated.
“It’s not just a building. It’s not just a bunch of stone and marble,” said Rep. Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, who spearheaded the effort. “It’s a symbol of the government and the state.”
The governor on Thursday said he has “zero tolerance for unlawful behavior” and thinks those who have defaced buildings should be apprehended and charged by their local jurisdictions. He said Denver police has been working to do that, but can do better, and Colorado is working to expand state troopers’ jurisdiction in Denver.
Rep. Leslie Herod, a leader in Denver’s protests and a Denver Democrat, opposed any federal troops being sent to the city, saying that decision should be left up to the governor and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.
“We should not quell people’s First Amendment rights to protest and have their voices be heard,” she said. “We should absolutely not use resources, military resources, against people who are exercising their constitutional rights to lift up their voices and demand change.”
Herod said she wishes those fighting so strongly for protecting property would fight as strongly for Black lives and the sanctity of people’s lives.


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--Start living healthier right now, as Lakehouse shows homes ready-to-go with lake views, wellness ori

Start living healthier right now, as Lakehouse shows homes ready-to-go with lake views, wellness oriented amenities

At a moment when people are more focused on staying healthy than ever before , you can take a socially-distanced tour today of a new community that ’ s entirely devoted to wellness , in a setting where you ’ re going to want to be enjoying the outdoors .
Today begins a month-long grand opening for Lakehouse and its residences overlooking Denver ’ s Sloan ’ s Lake , with some exceptional views of the water , city , and mountains .
Along with a tour , you ’ ll also get fresh juice from Whole Sol Blend Bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lakehouse ’ s health-oriented amenities were completed just as the virus crisis hit its peak , but early residents are moving in and getting into the swing of the lifestyle—including a group that turned out for a lakeside boating tutorial by Confluence Kayaks ; others for a Tuesday sunset yoga class ; and cyclists for a complimentary bike tune-up at Lakehouse ’ s Sports Workshop .
You ’ ll see all of that , along with the wellness center and an urban farm that ’ s growing chives , thyme , zucchini , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greens ( Lakehouse has a chef on hand with recipes and cooking demos on how to put that greenery to good use ) .
“ With everyone wanting outdoor activities now , buyers are really drawn to our location on Sloan ’ s Lake Park , ” says Matt McNeill with Kentwood City Properties , who along with Kevin Garrett will show you around .
Lakehouse and its homes are designed to keep the outdoors as part of the experience — with a 26,000-sq.-ft. terrace with pool and farm/garden looking out over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be thrown wide open to the outdoors .
Half of available homes include a bonus space for a home office , a feature that ’ s more coveted than ever .
now .
Meanwhile , Lakehouse ’ s residences ( you ’ ll see one-bedroom , one-plus-den , two-bedroom , and two-plus-den plans as well as some rowhomes ) all have prominent , private outdoor living spaces .
“ On some , the terraces are as large as the unit itself , ” says McNeill .
A few of those units , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special pricing for the grand opening , such as a one-bedroom with 840 sq .
ft. , at just $ 469,000 ; and a two-bedroom , 1,003 sq .
ft. , at $ 610,000 .
Lakehouse ’ s Wellness Concierge Anna Stahl can describe the community ’ s internationally recognized WELL Building Certification that wraps concepts of nourishment , activity , and socialization into the design .
NAVA has its own wellness real estate not-for-profit , Realwell , and worked with Denver ’ s wellness community to build in the educational resources to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of only four precertified communities at the Gold level in the entire nation .
You ’ ll see terrific city-mountain views ; and units come with indoor assigned parking and storage , MERV-13 air filtration , floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light , and blackout shades for a better night ’ s sleep .
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

At a moment when people are more focused on staying healthy than ever before, you can take a socially-distanced tour today of a new community that’s entirely devoted to wellness, in a setting where you’re going to want to be enjoying the outdoors.
Grand Opening, Lakehouse on Sloan’s Lake What: Grand opening, Lakehouse by NAVA Real Estate Development, WELL Precertified community, 1-bed/2-bed/3-bed condos & rowhomes beside Sloan’s Lake; health-oriented amenities, city/mountain views, fresh juice today from Whole Sol Blend Bar, quick move-ins
Grand opening, Lakehouse by NAVA Real Estate Development, WELL Precertified community, 1-bed/2-bed/3-bed condos & rowhomes beside Sloan’s Lake; health-oriented amenities, city/mountain views, fresh juice today from Whole Sol Blend Bar, quick move-ins Where: 4200 W. 17th Ave, Denver; from Federal take W. 17th west 1 mile to Raleigh St, turn south to free garage parking. Or from Sheridan, take W. 17th Ave east to Raleigh.
4200 W. 17th Ave, Denver; from Federal take W. 17th west 1 mile to Raleigh St, turn south to free garage parking. Or from Sheridan, take W. 17th Ave east to Raleigh. Price: Move now from $469,000 to $1.825M
Move now from $469,000 to $1.825M When: Tours begin Sunday 7/26 from 10 a.m.-5p.m., Wed-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Tues, 12 p.m.-4p.m.
Tours begin Sunday 7/26 from 10 a.m.-5p.m., Wed-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Tues, 12 p.m.-4p.m. Phone: 303-974-4663
303-974-4663 More Info: Lakehouse17.com
Today begins a month-long grand opening for Lakehouse and its residences overlooking Denver’s Sloan’s Lake, with some exceptional views of the water, city, and mountains. Along with a tour, you’ll also get fresh juice from Whole Sol Blend Bar, moving into Lakehouse this fall.
Lakehouse’s health-oriented amenities were completed just as the virus crisis hit its peak, but early residents are moving in and getting into the swing of the lifestyle—including a group that turned out for a lakeside boating tutorial by Confluence Kayaks; others for a Tuesday sunset yoga class; and cyclists for a complimentary bike tune-up at Lakehouse’s Sports Workshop.
You’ll see all of that, along with the wellness center and an urban farm that’s growing chives, thyme, zucchini, radishes, swiss chard and other salad greens (Lakehouse has a chef on hand with recipes and cooking demos on how to put that greenery to good use).
“With everyone wanting outdoor activities now, buyers are really drawn to our location on Sloan’s Lake Park,” says Matt McNeill with Kentwood City Properties, who along with Kevin Garrett will show you around.
Lakehouse and its homes are designed to keep the outdoors as part of the experience — with a 26,000-sq.-ft. terrace with pool and farm/garden looking out over the park; besides a large lounge/bar that can be thrown wide open to the outdoors. Half of available homes include a bonus space for a home office, a feature that’s more coveted than ever. now.
Meanwhile, Lakehouse’s residences (you’ll see one-bedroom, one-plus-den, two-bedroom, and two-plus-den plans as well as some rowhomes) all have prominent, private outdoor living spaces. “On some, the terraces are as large as the unit itself,” says McNeill.
A few of those units, ready for move-in now, are at special pricing for the grand opening, such as a one-bedroom with 840 sq. ft., at just $469,000; and a two-bedroom, 1,003 sq. ft., at $610,000.
Lakehouse’s Wellness Concierge Anna Stahl can describe the community’s internationally recognized WELL Building Certification that wraps concepts of nourishment, activity, and socialization into the design. NAVA has its own wellness real estate not-for-profit, Realwell, and worked with Denver’s wellness community to build in the educational resources to support the concept long-term. Lakehouse is one of only four precertified communities at the Gold level in the entire nation.
You’ll see terrific city-mountain views; and units come with indoor assigned parking and storage, MERV-13 air filtration, floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light, and blackout shades for a better night’s sleep.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-07-23--Cale Makar progressing toward return to Avalanche training camp

Cale Makar performed individual on-ice drills Thursday before Avalanche practice in a signal that Colorado ’ s standout rookie defenseman is nearing a return to training camp .
Makar , one of three finalists for NHL rookie of the year , has not skated with the team since Saturday after being listed “ unfit ” to play ; with league policy prohibiting teams from releasing injury/illness information about individual players .
Makar ’ s surprise absence , and coach Jared Bednar ’ s inability to comment , fueled speculation that Makar could have tested positive for COVID-19 with now four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squashed when the 21-year-old defenseman was spotted Thursday shooting pucks at Pepsi Center .
“ Having Cale back on the ice is a good positive sign , ” Bednar said .
“ He ’ s back out there working out on his own and , hopefully , he ’ s able to join the group here quickly and be ready to go for when we get into Edmonton.
” Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon did not practice Thursday and Bednar was unable to provide context for his absence .
MacKinnon spoke with reporters Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kraken .
The NHL announced Thursday that its Seattle expansion team ( set to begin play in 2021 ) has been officially named — the Seattle Kraken .
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar approved : “ I like it a lot.
” “ It ’ s exciting , ” Bednar continued .
“ Having new cities in the league and some new fan bases is always a good thing .
… I can ’ t wait to go play there.
” Added Colorado forward Gabe Landeskog : “ I think it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team and especially a city like Seattle .
I ’ ve personally never been , but I keep hearing great things about it .
”

Cale Makar performed individual on-ice drills Thursday before Avalanche practice in a signal that Colorado’s standout rookie defenseman is nearing a return to training camp.
Makar, one of three finalists for NHL rookie of the year, has not skated with the team since Saturday after being listed “unfit” to play; with league policy prohibiting teams from releasing injury/illness information about individual players.
Makar’s surprise absence, and coach Jared Bednar’s inability to comment, fueled speculation that Makar could have tested positive for COVID-19 with now four missed practices. But those fears were squashed when the 21-year-old defenseman was spotted Thursday shooting pucks at Pepsi Center.
🚨Makar Watch update🚨 Cale did on-ice drill work before the the start of practice, no number on jersey, and skated off. Good news, but likely won’t participate in today’s scrimmage. Also, seems to indicate Makar did not test COVID-19 positive, since he is not quarantined. pic.twitter.com/nsVKKA554N — Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson) July 23, 2020
“Having Cale back on the ice is a good positive sign,” Bednar said. “He’s back out there working out on his own and, hopefully, he’s able to join the group here quickly and be ready to go for when we get into Edmonton.”
Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon did not practice Thursday and Bednar was unable to provide context for his absence. MacKinnon spoke with reporters Wednesday on a video conference call.
Release the Kraken. The NHL announced Thursday that its Seattle expansion team (set to begin play in 2021) has been officially named — the Seattle Kraken. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar approved: “I like it a lot.”
“It’s exciting,” Bednar continued. “Having new cities in the league and some new fan bases is always a good thing. … I can’t wait to go play there.”
Added Colorado forward Gabe Landeskog: “I think it’s awesome that we’re getting another team and especially a city like Seattle. I’ve personally never been, but I keep hearing great things about it.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Denver weather: Showers and thunderstorms likely on Friday

Denver will likely see rain showers and thunderstorms Friday , though the high temperature could still hit 90 degrees , @ @ @ @ @ Service .
The likelihood of those showers and thunderstorms gradually increases from earlier in the @ @ @ @ @ the weather service said .
Cloud coverage is likely to increase around 4 p.m. and @ @ @ @ @ around 60 % into the evening when temperatures are expected to cool off .
Low @ @ @ @ @ hit 63 degrees and wind gusts as fast as 21 mph are possible , the @ @ @ @ @ forecast to be a bit sunnier and just as hot with more showers and thunderstorms @ @ @ @ @ .

Denver will likely see rain showers and thunderstorms Friday, though the high temperature could still hit 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The likelihood of those showers and thunderstorms gradually increases from earlier in the day into the afternoon, the weather service said. Cloud coverage is likely to increase around 4 p.m. and the chance of rain sits around 60% into the evening when temperatures are expected to cool off.
Low temperatures in the evening could hit 63 degrees and wind gusts as fast as 21 mph are possible, the forecasters said. Saturday is forecast to be a bit sunnier and just as hot with more showers and thunderstorms possible in the early afternoon.


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Alec McKinney, admitted STEM School shooter, to be sentenced to prison Friday

Alec McKinney , the 17-year-old who opened fire inside a classroom at STEM School Highlands Ranch last year , will be sentenced Friday in Douglas County District Court .
In February , McKinney pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and 16 other charges for his role in the May 7 , 2019 , shooting that killed 18-year-old Kendrick Castillo and injured eight others .
A judge in December ruled McKinney would be tried as an adult , but since he was 16 at the time of the shooting , he can not be sentenced to death or to life without parole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 40 years and a maximum penalty that would add 408 additional years to the life sentence .
McKinney ’ s co-defendant , Devon Erickson , is scheduled to stand trial in September on the same charges .
Since he was 18 at time of the alleged offenses , he faces a maximum sentence of life without parole .
McKinney ’ s entire life came before the court , the victims and the public at a previous hearing on whether to transfer his case back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an abusive father , an absentee mother and drugs at home .
The teen struggled with his sexuality , substance use and school work , becoming angrier at his lack of acceptance , witnesses testified .
He began to offer his homicidal thoughts on social media , and found a partner in Erickson , whose defense attorneys say was bullied into taking part in last year ’ s attack .
McKinney told police after the shooting that he specifically targeted three students who had bullied him for being transgender , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students in the school suffer like he had .
The two teenagers broke into Erickson ’ s parents ’ gun safe and stole firearms , they told investigators .
They then set a car on fire in Erickson ’ s garage before driving to the school , carrying the guns in a backpack and a guitar case .
There , they brought the guns into an English class and opened fire , according to their arrest affidavits .

One by one, parents, students and teachers walked behind a wooden podium inside a Douglas County courtroom on Friday to tell a judge how their lives changed on May 7, 2019, when two teens opened fire inside an English class at STEM School Highlands Ranch.
The parade of victims — from high school seniors who were shot to teachers who risked their lives to protect students to parents who wondered if their children would come home that day — implored Judge Jeffrey K. Holmes to give the maximum sentence to Alec McKinney, the 17-year-old who earlier this year pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and 16 other charges in connection with the mass shooting that killed Kendrick Castillo and wounded eight others.
“Remember that name: Kendrick Castillo!” John Castillo said, his voice rising as he addressed McKinney. “Remember that face. I hope it haunts you every day of your life.”
After hours of testimony from grieving families who say they’ll never be the whole again, Holmes sentenced McKinney to life in prison, plus 38 years with the possibility of parole, for his role in killing 18-year-old Castillo and injuring eight others. It is unclear when McKinney would be eligible for parole, but the Castillo family and District Attorney George Brauchler expressed frustration Friday that the teen would get a chance to live part of his life outside of prison.
Holmes in December ruled McKinney would be tried as an adult, but since he was 16 at the time of the shooting, he couldn’t be sentenced to death or to life without parole under state law.
Victim after victim spoke about how their lives will never be the same: How they avoid malls and large crowds. How they can’t sleep at night. How they flinch at the sound of fireworks or during concerts.
The testimony culminated with John and Maria Castillo, Kendrick’s parents, delivering emotional calls for justice for their dead son.
Maria Castillo punctuated her words with gasps and sobs, saying she still wakes up in the middle of night, waiting for her son to come home.
“As long as I’m alive, I will do anything and everything in my power to ensure this evil killer pays for what he did,” she said. “I will never forgive you, evil killer. My only wish is to see you dead, burning in hell.”
Dr. Gabriella Leddy taught next door to room 107. She told the judge through intermittent sobs how she texted her husband that day to say goodbye to him and their young daughter. How even the smell of drywall still makes her throw up.
She remembers running out of school and seeing Castillo’s body on the ground, a bright green cloth laid over his head.
McKinney haunts Leddy.
“This is a heartless attack that spit in the face of caring adults like me,” she said. “I cannot express the proper words and sense of betrayal knowing it was Alec who orchestrated this. This attack felt personal to me.”
Nui Giasolli considered McKinney to be her best friend. She recalled showing him kindness when he was gender transitioning, saying she never cared how he chose to identify.
“And yet I was his first target,” Giasolli told the judge. “He was standing directly behind me, a gun aimed at the back of my head, ready to shoot me. He was ready to end my chance at life before I even had chance to love it myself.”
As speaker after speaker detailed the pain, the post-traumatic stress, the difficult in feeling safe doing menial everyday activities, McKinney cried, dabbing his eyes with a tissue. Clad in a dark polo, he appeared for his sentencing via a video stream from the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center in Centennial.
Those tears did little for the victims speaking Friday.
“He made himself judge, jury and executioner of room 107,” Giasolli said. “He hasn’t shown any remorse. He’s not crying cause he regrets it — he’s crying cause he got caught.”
Before the judge imposed his sentence, McKinney spoke publicly for the first time, directing apologies to each of the victims by name.
“I not only physically killed people, I mentally killed people too,” McKinney said through tears. “I don’t know how to describe the sorrow I feel when I think of the victims.”
McKinney told the judge he didn’t want any leniency. He didn’t want a lighter sentence.
“I don’t deserve to come home,” he said.
The 17-year-old said he’s angered to receive fan mail while in detention.
“This is to anyone who is thinking of committing a school shooting: get help now!” McKinney said. “The amount of pain it causes to anyone who ever cared about you, to the innocent people. Don’t be a coward and hide behind a gun. Be brave and learn how to get help.”
Morgan McKinney, Alec’s mother, called Kendrick Castillo a hero and apologized to his parents, as she wondered what went wrong with her son.
“I know it’s quite different,” she said, “but I’ve lost my child too.”
The Castillos walked out when McKinney’s mother gave a statement to the judge and again when McKinney offered his apology to the family.
“People will say all sorts of things after they commit a crime,” John Castillo told reporters after the sentencing.
McKinney’s troubled childhood has been examined throughout the criminal proceedings. He had an abusive father, an absentee mother and drugs were used in the home. The teen struggled with his sexuality, substance use and school work, becoming angrier at his lack of acceptance, witnesses testified in earlier proceedings.
He publicized his homicidal thoughts on social media and found a partner in classmate Devon Erickson, whose defense attorneys say was bullied into taking part in last year’s attack.
McKinney told police after the shooting that he specifically targeted three students who had bullied him for being transgender, but that he also wanted to make all the students in the school suffer like he had.
According to court documents and prior testimony, the two teenagers broke into Erickson’s parents’ gun safe and stole firearms on the day of the shooting. They then set a car on fire in Erickson’s garage before driving to the school, carrying the guns in a backpack and a guitar case. There, they brought the guns into an English class where McKinney admitted to opening fire.
Erickson is scheduled to stand trial in September on the same charges in connection with the shooting. Since he was 18 at time of the shooting, he faces a maximum sentence of life without parole.


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Kafer: Homeless encampments near Capitol, Morey must go for everyone’s sake

The city of Denver has no plans to clean it up .
The squalid camps that popped up outside the Capitol building in Lincoln Park , by the governor ’ s mansion , and near Morey Middle School will continue to fester .
A source of trash , human feces , and rat procreation , the tent cities are eyesores that prevent taxpayers and visitors from enjoying public spaces or even using the sidewalk .
Filthy and crowded , the camps offer ideal conditions for the spread of disease .
They are a slap in the face to the vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 which would have legalized this behavior .
Failure to remove the camps communicates the message that the city does not care about the will of the voters , the enforcement of existing laws , or the property financed and maintained by taxpayers .
The city ’ s tent city tolerance policy also shows they do not really care about the people living there .
Allowing people to live in such squalor does not empower them to achieve stable housing , employment , or rehabilitation ; it enables them to continue to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from going to a shelters where they can access shelter , food , help in securing employment , counseling , and sobriety support .
One such program at the Denver Rescue Mission not only saved a friend of mine from living on the streets ; the shelter helped him build a new life .
Officials say that disbanding the camps could cause COVID-19 to spread to other areas .
This excuse ignores the health dangers of allowing camps to remain .
The conditions are ripe for the spread of hepatitis , COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and other communicable diseases within the camps themselves .
Mayor Michael Hancock has said the city will open a temporary Safe Outdoor Space , a government-approved urban campsite with free services for people who refuse to go to shelters .
While there is some logic to this harm reduction approach ; it is far from a solution .
The plan does not address what will happen to those who refuse to relocate .
The city could end up with both government-provided and government-allowed tent city sites .
Secondly , where will this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who resent having to walk past trash and waste on the way to work may resent another such trash metropolis popping up in their neighborhood .
Nearly 10,000 pounds of trash and more than 50 hypodermic needles were collected from one Denver tent city sweep in May .
Even the most compassionate toward those experiencing homelessness don ’ t want that next door .
Also , if the Safe Outdoor Space allows individuals to continue to engage in unhealthy behaviors like drug use and panhandling , it is likely people will return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government-approved camping area closes after the pandemic ( assuming it closes ) , Denver will be right back where it started .
The humane long-term solution to destitution isn ’ t just offering shelter and other assistance , although these are essential .
It ’ s through encouraging personal responsibility .
Not allowing people to live on public property provides an incentive for individuals to take a step forward in forging a better life .
Shelter programs help people get full-time jobs .
Panhandling earns about $ 10 an hour according to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even a minimum wage job pays better .
Shelters also help people gain self-esteem , sobriety , money management habits , and stable housing .
In other words , shelters empower individuals to make lasting changes .
For everyone ’ s sake , Denver needs to remove the camps .
While the city ’ s urban camping law is tied up in a court challenge , there are plenty of other ordinances — from public defecation to public right-of-way laws — that prohibit establishing tent cities .
After disbanding the camps , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the city needs to prevent new ones from forming .
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist .
Follow her on Twitter : @ kristakafer .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

The city of Denver has no plans to clean it up. The squalid camps that popped up outside the Capitol building in Lincoln Park, by the governor’s mansion, and near Morey Middle School will continue to fester.
A source of trash, human feces, and rat procreation, the tent cities are eyesores that prevent taxpayers and visitors from enjoying public spaces or even using the sidewalk. Filthy and crowded, the camps offer ideal conditions for the spread of disease. They are a slap in the face to the vast majority of Denver voters who rejected Initiative 300 which would have legalized this behavior. Failure to remove the camps communicates the message that the city does not care about the will of the voters, the enforcement of existing laws, or the property financed and maintained by taxpayers.
The city’s tent city tolerance policy also shows they do not really care about the people living there. Allowing people to live in such squalor does not empower them to achieve stable housing, employment, or rehabilitation; it enables them to continue to live in abysmal conditions. It discourages them from going to a shelters where they can access shelter, food, help in securing employment, counseling, and sobriety support. One such program at the Denver Rescue Mission not only saved a friend of mine from living on the streets; the shelter helped him build a new life.
Officials say that disbanding the camps could cause COVID-19 to spread to other areas. This excuse ignores the health dangers of allowing camps to remain. The conditions are ripe for the spread of hepatitis, COVID-19, typhus, shigellosis, tuberculosis, scabies, and other communicable diseases within the camps themselves.
Mayor Michael Hancock has said the city will open a temporary Safe Outdoor Space, a government-approved urban campsite with free services for people who refuse to go to shelters. While there is some logic to this harm reduction approach; it is far from a solution. The plan does not address what will happen to those who refuse to relocate. The city could end up with both government-provided and government-allowed tent city sites.
Secondly, where will this government-sanctioned tent city be located? Taxpayers who resent having to walk past trash and waste on the way to work may resent another such trash metropolis popping up in their neighborhood. Nearly 10,000 pounds of trash and more than 50 hypodermic needles were collected from one Denver tent city sweep in May. Even the most compassionate toward those experiencing homelessness don’t want that next door.
Also, if the Safe Outdoor Space allows individuals to continue to engage in unhealthy behaviors like drug use and panhandling, it is likely people will return to park property. And once the temporary government-approved camping area closes after the pandemic (assuming it closes), Denver will be right back where it started.
The humane long-term solution to destitution isn’t just offering shelter and other assistance, although these are essential. It’s through encouraging personal responsibility. Not allowing people to live on public property provides an incentive for individuals to take a step forward in forging a better life.
Shelter programs help people get full-time jobs. Panhandling earns about $10 an hour according to a study by a University of Colorado researcher. Even a minimum wage job pays better. Shelters also help people gain self-esteem, sobriety, money management habits, and stable housing. In other words, shelters empower individuals to make lasting changes.
For everyone’s sake, Denver needs to remove the camps. While the city’s urban camping law is tied up in a court challenge, there are plenty of other ordinances — from public defecation to public right-of-way laws — that prohibit establishing tent cities. After disbanding the camps, cleaning up the trash and human waste, the city needs to prevent new ones from forming.
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist. Follow her on Twitter: @kristakafer.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Colorado was first with community solar but has since lagged behind other states. Why?

Count Eric Arnoldy among those who want to see more community solar gardens in the Denver area .
He drives an electric car and has bought renewable energy credits through his electric cooperative to do his bit to help reduce carbon emissions .
But he can ’ t put solar panels on his house in the Ken Caryl neighborhood in Jefferson County .
“ I ’ ve got one of those houses that does not have a big enough roof to get solar on my house , ” Arnoldy said .
That places him among the majority of Coloradans who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installing solar where they live because the roof isn ’ t big enough or it ’ s in the wrong spot .
Other people live in apartments or condominiums .
Community solar gardens are an option for people like Arnoldy who want to go green and take advantage of the declining solar costs .
Community solar gardens are centralized arrays of solar panels that users subscribe to and then get credits for on their monthly bills .
But for a while the demand for community solar in Colorado has outstripped the capacity available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location of arrays .
Arnoldy is watching as the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approves rules to carry out a 2019 law aimed at opening up more opportunities .
“ I ’ ll be the first one there .
I ’ ll be the first one to sign up , ” said Arnoldy , who testified before the PUC in favor of solar gardens .
However , community solar supporters say the implications of a recent decision by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission on new rules are unclear .
The CEO of SunShare Community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Storage Association will ask the PUC to reconsider portions of the decision they believe will hold up , rather than help , the expansion of the projects .
“ There were some good structural wins for community solar for sure , ” said David Amster-Olszewski , founder and CEO of Denver-based SunShare .
But the outcome on provisions important to increasing community solar in Colorado is “ muddled ” and seems to run counter to the intent of House Bill 1003 , Amster-Olszewski said .
“ It ’ s really clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community solar gardens , ” he added .
Colorado pioneered the concept of community solar gardens and in 2010 adopted the first statewide program .
Colorado has since lagged behind other states because of size limits and other restrictions , Amster-Olszewski said .
Minnesota , home to Colorado ’ s largest electric utility , Xcel Energy , has the most installed solar-garden capacity at 785.1 megawatts .
That ’ s about double the total in second-ranked New York , according to the Solar Energy Industries Association .
Colorado comes in fifth with 103.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avenue for shifting to renewable energy , said state Sen. Chris Hansen , a prime sponsor of HB 1003 .
“ About 75 % of the households can not put solar panels on their roof , including apartments and high-rise buildings , ” the Denver Democrat said .
The 2019 legislation increased to 5 megawatts from 2 megawatts the maximum size of a community array .
The cap will increase to 10 megawatts after July 1 , 2023 .
One megawatt of solar energy can supply electricity to 200 to 250 homes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirement that subscribers had to live in or next to the county where the project is located .
The requirement limited the number of solar gardens because many of the potential customers are in the Denver area where land is less available , Hansen said .
“ That was a restriction that Xcel Energy lobbied for and got into the original community solar act .
That doesn ’ t make any sense because we want to provide low-cost options for customers , ” he said .
The law applies to investor-owned utilities Xcel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy is the company that most solar developers work with .
Its resource plan , approved by the PUC , sets the total amount of capacity on the grid it will make available to solar developers .
This year , developers could bid on a total 40 of megawatts , said Mike Kruger , president and CEO of the Colorado Solar and Storage Association .
The demand from customers was for roughly 200 megawatts of community solar .
“ Xcel does not want a big expansion of community solar , ” Hansen said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PUC to not have anything that impinges on their market share.
” While Hansen doesn ’ t blame Xcel , a for-profit company , for trying to maximize its value for shareholders , he said the legislature wants to give Coloradans more choices .
“ My hope is the PUC will be able to work through these issues and get clarity for the market participants .
If we can ’ t get there , certainly legislation is an option.
” Xcel Energy is working to increase renewable energy on its system and reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president of rates and regulatory affairs for Xcel Energy-Colorado said in an email .
As part of the long-term plan to do that , more than half of a $ 2.5 billion investment will be made by independent power producers who will sell electricity to Xcel Energy , Trammell said .
“ We ’ ve enabled extensive growth in community solar gardens and will continue to help this program grow in the coming years .
Today , nearly 100 megawatts are online .
Nearly 90 ( megawatts ) more are in various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under its renewable Energy Plan , Trammell said Xcel will increase community solar garden offerings with 170 megawatts of capacity available by the end of 2021 .
Advocates say changes are needed to meet the demand in a timely manner .
They want to standardize the way companies propose solar gardens to Xcel Energy .
Draft rules proposed making up to 3 % of the regulated utilities ’ retail sales available for community solar .
That would have amounted to about 500 megawatts , or enough power for 100,000 homes .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped from the final rules .
It ’ s not clear how much capacity would be available to developers under a so-called “ standard offer ” by which companies build a project for a set price rather than bid for it .
Also unclear is how solar garden subscribers will claim renewable energy credits , which currently go to Xcel Energy .
The new rules will allow subscribers , including cities , companies and homeowners , to keep the credits .
The credits can be sold , but the price is low .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ small amount is as proof that owners are paying for renewable energy and working toward clean-energy goa

Count Eric Arnoldy among those who want to see more community solar gardens in the Denver area. He drives an electric car and has bought renewable energy credits through his electric cooperative to do his bit to help reduce carbon emissions.
But he can’t put solar panels on his house in the Ken Caryl neighborhood in Jefferson County.
“I’ve got one of those houses that does not have a big enough roof to get solar on my house,” Arnoldy said.
That places him among the majority of Coloradans who don’t have the option of installing solar where they live because the roof isn’t big enough or it’s in the wrong spot. Other people live in apartments or condominiums.
Community solar gardens are an option for people like Arnoldy who want to go green and take advantage of the declining solar costs. Community solar gardens are centralized arrays of solar panels that users subscribe to and then get credits for on their monthly bills.
But for a while the demand for community solar in Colorado has outstripped the capacity available because of limits on the size and location of arrays. Arnoldy is watching as the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approves rules to carry out a 2019 law aimed at opening up more opportunities.
“I’ll be the first one there. I’ll be the first one to sign up,” said Arnoldy, who testified before the PUC in favor of solar gardens.
However, community solar supporters say the implications of a recent decision by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission on new rules are unclear. The CEO of SunShare Community Solar and the industry group Colorado Solar and Storage Association will ask the PUC to reconsider portions of the decision they believe will hold up, rather than help, the expansion of the projects.
“There were some good structural wins for community solar for sure,” said David Amster-Olszewski, founder and CEO of Denver-based SunShare.
But the outcome on provisions important to increasing community solar in Colorado is “muddled” and seems to run counter to the intent of House Bill 1003, Amster-Olszewski said.
“It’s really clear that the administration and the legislature want more community solar gardens,” he added.
Colorado pioneered the concept of community solar gardens and in 2010 adopted the first statewide program. Colorado has since lagged behind other states because of size limits and other restrictions, Amster-Olszewski said.
Minnesota, home to Colorado’s largest electric utility, Xcel Energy, has the most installed solar-garden capacity at 785.1 megawatts. That’s about double the total in second-ranked New York, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Colorado comes in fifth with 103.2 megawatts.
Community solar provides an important avenue for shifting to renewable energy, said state Sen. Chris Hansen, a prime sponsor of HB 1003.
“About 75% of the households cannot put solar panels on their roof, including apartments and high-rise buildings,” the Denver Democrat said.
The 2019 legislation increased to 5 megawatts from 2 megawatts the maximum size of a community array. The cap will increase to 10 megawatts after July 1, 2023.
One megawatt of solar energy can supply electricity to 200 to 250 homes.
Another change is the elimination of a requirement that subscribers had to live in or next to the county where the project is located. The requirement limited the number of solar gardens because many of the potential customers are in the Denver area where land is less available, Hansen said.
“That was a restriction that Xcel Energy lobbied for and got into the original community solar act. That doesn’t make any sense because we want to provide low-cost options for customers,” he said.
The law applies to investor-owned utilities Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy. Xcel Energy is the company that most solar developers work with. Its resource plan, approved by the PUC, sets the total amount of capacity on the grid it will make available to solar developers.
This year, developers could bid on a total 40 of megawatts, said Mike Kruger, president and CEO of the Colorado Solar and Storage Association. The demand from customers was for roughly 200 megawatts of community solar.
“Xcel does not want a big expansion of community solar,” Hansen said. “They will work at the PUC to not have anything that impinges on their market share.”
While Hansen doesn’t blame Xcel, a for-profit company, for trying to maximize its value for shareholders, he said the legislature wants to give Coloradans more choices. “My hope is the PUC will be able to work through these issues and get clarity for the market participants. If we can’t get there, certainly legislation is an option.”
Xcel Energy is working to increase renewable energy on its system and reduce carbon emissions, Brooke Trammell, regional vice president of rates and regulatory affairs for Xcel Energy-Colorado said in an email. As part of the long-term plan to do that, more than half of a $2.5 billion investment will be made by independent power producers who will sell electricity to Xcel Energy, Trammell said.
“We’ve enabled extensive growth in community solar gardens and will continue to help this program grow in the coming years. Today, nearly 100 megawatts are online. Nearly 90 (megawatts) more are in various stages of development,” Trammell said.
Under its renewable Energy Plan, Trammell said Xcel will increase community solar garden offerings with 170 megawatts of capacity available by the end of 2021.
Advocates say changes are needed to meet the demand in a timely manner. They want to standardize the way companies propose solar gardens to Xcel Energy. Draft rules proposed making up to 3% of the regulated utilities’ retail sales available for community solar. That would have amounted to about 500 megawatts, or enough power for 100,000 homes.
But Kruger said the 3% figure was dropped from the final rules. It’s not clear how much capacity would be available to developers under a so-called “standard offer” by which companies build a project for a set price rather than bid for it.
Also unclear is how solar garden subscribers will claim renewable energy credits, which currently go to Xcel Energy. The new rules will allow subscribers, including cities, companies and homeowners, to keep the credits. The credits can be sold, but the price is low. Their main value for those with a small amount is as proof that owners are paying for renewable energy and working toward clean-energy goa


thedenverpost--2020-07-24--Denver Sports Omelette: A roundup of Rockies content heading into Opening Day

Opening day for the Rockies is finally here .
Even as the coronavirus put baseball on hold and cut the 2020 season short — because of players and owners arguing about dollars and games — it still feels good to have the Rox back .
Embrace the 60-game season .
Make fun of the piped-in crowd noise .
Argue with friends about the bad rule changes , and enjoy having baseball back .
If you missed any baseball-related coverage from The Denver Post , we have you covered .
Here ’ s a rundown of the top Rockies stories heading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Opening day is finally here , the one constant through all the years has been baseball .
+ How Rockies reliever Daniel Bard conquered the yips and returned to MLB seven years after he left it + Jim Hilliard , battling ALS , will get to watch son , Sam , play for Rockies Friday night + Keeler : Embrace Nolan Arenado .
Embrace weird .
Embrace asterisks .
2020 Rockies season is gift horse you don ’ t look in the mouth .
+ German Marquez will be Rockies ’ starter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s how other Colorado pitchers have fared If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers !
Subscribe to The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $ 6.99/month thereafter .
Cancel anytime .
+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .

Opening day for the Rockies is finally here.
Even as the coronavirus put baseball on hold and cut the 2020 season short — because of players and owners arguing about dollars and games — it still feels good to have the Rox back.
Embrace the 60-game season. Make fun of the piped-in crowd noise. Argue with friends about the bad rule changes, and enjoy having baseball back.
If you missed any baseball-related coverage from The Denver Post, we have you covered.
Here’s a rundown of the top Rockies stories heading into Opening Day.
+ Rockies Insider: Opening day is finally here, the one constant through all the years has been baseball.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Nolan Arenado-Jeff Bridich “feud,” Bud Black’s job security and Tony Wolters’ leadership
+ How Rockies reliever Daniel Bard conquered the yips and returned to MLB seven years after he left it
+ Jim Hilliard, battling ALS, will get to watch son, Sam, play for Rockies Friday night
+ Brendan Rodgers left off Rockies roster; RHP Peter Lambert has Tommy John surgery
+ Fast start looms large as Rockies enter weird, wild 2020 MLB season
+ Keeler: Embrace Nolan Arenado. Embrace weird. Embrace asterisks. 2020 Rockies season is gift horse you don’t look in the mouth.
+ German Marquez will be Rockies’ starter for 2020 season opener. Here’s how other Colorado pitchers have fared
+ Rockies reliever Scott Oberg starting season on injured list due to back strain
+ Rockies’ plan for playing safe, finishing MLB season amid coronavirus pandemic
+ Denver Post staff predictions for the 2020 MLB season
+ Rockies 2020 preview: MLB coronavirus opt-out tracker
— Jeff Bailey, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.