thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Multiple wolves and possible pup alive in Colorado after killings over border in Wyoming, wildlife o

Multiple wolves and possible pup alive in Colorado after killings over border in Wyoming, wildlife officials say

With Colorado voters set to decide whether to order a re-introduction of wolves , wildlife officials using cameras and “ howl surveys ” say they ’ ve regularly detected multiple wolves in the northwestern part of the state — possibly including a pup from a newly-arrived pack .
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said Thursday that as recently as August they ’ ve confirmed the presence of “ at least four ” wolves .
An off-duty CPW biologist in June spotted a wolf pup , agency spokeswoman Rebecca Ferrell said .
CPW leaders , who years ago rejected wolf reintroduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documented a pack of six wolves roaming in the northwestern part of the state .
Agency officials provided information in response to queries about the status of wolves in the state amid reports from Wyoming , where hunting wolves is legal , that two wolves were killed months ago in Sweetwater County just north of the Colorado border .
There was no evidence backing up claims made by pro-wolf advocates Thursday that the wolves killed in Wyoming came from the Colorado pack , CPW officials said , confirming they learned in May from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were killed in Wyoming .
Pro-wolf groups pointed to those killings as evidence that wolves can not survive in Colorado without the state-led re-introduction that voters could order in the November election by passing Proposition 114 , aimed at restoring ecological balance .
“ We have continued monitoring the area and have continued to see the presence of wolves on the landscape in northwest Colorado since then , including images of multiple wolves from game cameras captured after hearing of wolves being taken in Wyoming , ” Ferrell said .
“ It would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wyoming are part of the pack regularly seen in Colorado , ” she said .
A U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service investigation into the killings determined no laws were broken , Wyoming state Sen. Mike Gierau , D-Jackson , said Thursday afternoon in an interview , a couple hours after talking with the director of Wyoming Game and Fish .
“ There was a dispute over whether these wolves were enticed over the border to Wyoming , where they legally can be taken .
It was the U.S .
Fish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gierau said .
“ The U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service concluded there was no illegal activity.
” Pronouncing those wolves part of the Colorado pack would be “ conjecture , ” he said .
Somebody in Wyoming had sent an anonymous letter dated Aug. 22 from Cheyenne to Montana state Sen. Mike Phillips , a scientist who led the National Park Service restoration of wolves in Yellowstone and who serves as adviser for the wolf push in Colorado .
It says “ at least 3 wolves have been shot from the pack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defenders of Wildlife officials on Thursday issued a statement lamenting “ the loss of these pioneering wolves — the first pack in Colorado in over 75 years.
” Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund president Rob Edward , who has led the ballot push , said that “ whoever killed these wolves unwittingly demolished the myth of wandering wolves re-colonizing Colorado.
” In Montana , Phillips said details around the killings should be released .
“ The opponents might say wolves ‘ are already here.
’ That ’ s true , if more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Coloradans aspire for gray wolves to be present in a viable population , you ’ re going to have to re-introduce them .
“ You would reintroduce 30 or 40 wolves over the course of 12 to 18 months , ” Phillips said , estimating this would lead within a decade to a self-sustaining population of around 100 .
If Colorado voters approved the ballot initiative , state wildlife biologists would be required to install wolves on public land west of the Continental Divide by the end of 2023 , enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and compensation for ranchers who lose livestock .
The wording of the ballot measure enshrines proponents ’ view that wolves were “ an essential part of the wild habitat of Colorado ” before extermination and must be restored to bring back “ a critical balance in nature.
” Wyoming Game and Fish officials didn ’ t respond to queries other than to indicate “ we are aware ” of the killings .
Federal wildlife law enforcement officials could not be reached .
Wolves once roamed Colorado before ranchers and others eradicated the species @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Colorado after wandering from northwestern states where , 25 years ago , government-run re-introductions restored healthy populations .
While hunting wolves now is legal across most of Wyoming , gray wolves in Colorado still receive protection under the federal Endangered Species Act .
Killing a gray wolf in Colorado can lead to a year in prison and a $ 100,000 fine .
State howl surveys , where state biologists mimic wolves and wait to hear responses , detected wolves through the end of August , CPW officials said .
This month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mainstay of the northwestern Colorado economy , and wolves typically leave their dens .
“ We ’ ve continued monitoring the area , following up on credible sighting reports , ” Ferrell said .
“ And we ’ ve continued to see the presence of wolves on the landscape in northwestern Colorado via camera images and tracks .
”

With Colorado voters set to decide whether to order a re-introduction of wolves, wildlife officials using cameras and “howl surveys” say they’ve regularly detected multiple wolves in the northwestern part of the state — possibly including a pup from a newly-arrived pack.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said Thursday that as recently as August they’ve confirmed the presence of “at least four” wolves. An off-duty CPW biologist in June spotted a wolf pup, agency spokeswoman Rebecca Ferrell said. CPW leaders, who years ago rejected wolf reintroduction, announced last winter they’d documented a pack of six wolves roaming in the northwestern part of the state.
Agency officials provided information in response to queries about the status of wolves in the state amid reports from Wyoming, where hunting wolves is legal, that two wolves were killed months ago in Sweetwater County just north of the Colorado border.
There was no evidence backing up claims made by pro-wolf advocates Thursday that the wolves killed in Wyoming came from the Colorado pack, CPW officials said, confirming they learned in May from federal authorities that “some wolves” were killed in Wyoming.
Pro-wolf groups pointed to those killings as evidence that wolves cannot survive in Colorado without the state-led re-introduction that voters could order in the November election by passing Proposition 114, aimed at restoring ecological balance.
“We have continued monitoring the area and have continued to see the presence of wolves on the landscape in northwest Colorado since then, including images of multiple wolves from game cameras captured after hearing of wolves being taken in Wyoming,” Ferrell said.
“It would be speculative to say that wolves killed in Wyoming are part of the pack regularly seen in Colorado,” she said.
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigation into the killings determined no laws were broken, Wyoming state Sen. Mike Gierau, D-Jackson, said Thursday afternoon in an interview, a couple hours after talking with the director of Wyoming Game and Fish.
“There was a dispute over whether these wolves were enticed over the border to Wyoming, where they legally can be taken. It was the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that investigated it,” Gierau said. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded there was no illegal activity.”
Pronouncing those wolves part of the Colorado pack would be “conjecture,” he said.
Somebody in Wyoming had sent an anonymous letter dated Aug. 22 from Cheyenne to Montana state Sen. Mike Phillips, a scientist who led the National Park Service restoration of wolves in Yellowstone and who serves as adviser for the wolf push in Colorado. It says “at least 3 wolves have been shot from the pack in Colorado. Multiple agencies know.”
Defenders of Wildlife officials on Thursday issued a statement lamenting “the loss of these pioneering wolves — the first pack in Colorado in over 75 years.” Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund president Rob Edward, who has led the ballot push, said that “whoever killed these wolves unwittingly demolished the myth of wandering wolves re-colonizing Colorado.”
In Montana, Phillips said details around the killings should be released. “The opponents might say wolves ‘are already here.’ That’s true, if more than two are within state boundaries. But if Coloradans aspire for gray wolves to be present in a viable population, you’re going to have to re-introduce them.
“You would reintroduce 30 or 40 wolves over the course of 12 to 18 months,” Phillips said, estimating this would lead within a decade to a self-sustaining population of around 100.
If Colorado voters approved the ballot initiative, state wildlife biologists would be required to install wolves on public land west of the Continental Divide by the end of 2023, enough to ensure wolf survival, with public input and compensation for ranchers who lose livestock. The wording of the ballot measure enshrines proponents’ view that wolves were “an essential part of the wild habitat of Colorado” before extermination and must be restored to bring back “a critical balance in nature.”
Wyoming Game and Fish officials didn’t respond to queries other than to indicate “we are aware” of the killings. Federal wildlife law enforcement officials could not be reached.
Wolves once roamed Colorado before ranchers and others eradicated the species around 1940. Few wolves have survived in Colorado after wandering from northwestern states where, 25 years ago, government-run re-introductions restored healthy populations.
While hunting wolves now is legal across most of Wyoming, gray wolves in Colorado still receive protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Killing a gray wolf in Colorado can lead to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
State howl surveys, where state biologists mimic wolves and wait to hear responses, detected wolves through the end of August, CPW officials said. This month, hunting season is about to begin, a mainstay of the northwestern Colorado economy, and wolves typically leave their dens.
“We’ve continued monitoring the area, following up on credible sighting reports,” Ferrell said. “And we’ve continued to see the presence of wolves on the landscape in northwestern Colorado via camera images and tracks.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Guest commentary: Diverse leadership is critical in fight for clean air, against climate change

Colorado is seeing the impacts of climate change in real time .
Wildfires , drought , and soaring temperatures have again gripped the state this summer .
Over 295,000 acres have burned and I-70 , a lifeline of commerce , saw its longest closure in recent memory .
In our hometown of Grand Junction , air quality warnings have gone out and smoke and ash covered the valley as the Pine Gulch fire grew to the largest in the state ’ s history .
As grandsons of miners from Colorado and Arizona , we understand the value of utilizing our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a job that provides for your family can bring .
Fair , equitable and clean energy policy does not mean taking from those opportunities , rather it is providing the same reverence for all communities impacted by energy development .
Our conservation values come from our upbringing and our heritage , values from our parents and generations of Latino people who helped build and preserve these great lands .
Now it ’ s our turn .
Climate change and pollution from fossil fuel development are the paramount issues of our time .
Carbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are committed to making a positive change and we demand action by those with power to enact change .
Climate change has an acute and disproportionate impact on people of color .
A study by the National Academies of Sciences found that Black and Latino communities are exposed to far more air pollution than they produce , while white Americans experience better air quality , even though their activities are the source of more pollution .
Colorado is not exempt from these realities , which is why we must collectively address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have endangered the health and future of our great state .
Colorado has the 8th largest Latino population in the nation .
We are predicted to comprise 46 % of Colorado ’ s population in 2050 , compared to 30 % currently , according to the Bell Policy Center .
Despite our demographic presence , people of color continue to strain our eyes to find ourselves in board rooms , government commissions , and in leadership positions that influence our energy policy decisions .
Protesting outside a meeting and writing letters is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a seat at the table – every table – and we need our leaders to listen to our concerns .
Embracing diversity is not about political correctness .
It is the frank recognition that people of color have been , and continue to be left out of important conversations , not because they are not qualified participants , but because of systemic , direct and passive actions that removed their seats from the table .
Our collective future should no longer accept a predominately Latino neighborhood in Denver as the ‘ most polluted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should no longer accept the inequity laid bare by energy development siting issues connected to Bella Romero Academy where fracking exceeded eight-hour health standards for cancer-causing benzene 113 times during the monitoring period , including school days , according to Barrett Engineering .
We will no longer accept the long list of health impacts many Latino communities face , including three times the risk of cancer due to air toxic emissions , and two times higher asthma rates nationwide , which can be connected to proximity to poor air quality , among others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these alarming realities , but one way we can start to fix these issues is inclusion , opportunity , and fair representation .
Our state and our nation are in desperate need of collaboration .
Diversity in boardrooms and in government is a solid start , but that should just be the beginning .
We demand that our representatives step up and work with our state ’ s diverse populations , to listen to us regarding the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change .
Solutions abound .
Recently , both the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the U.S. Senate Special Committee on the Climate Crisis released robust reports outlining pathways for climate action that dramatically cut carbon pollution by moving rapidly toward a clean energy future .
The plans would grow our economy , create millions of jobs and clean up our air and our communities .
But those solutions require actions by everyone .
Our elected leaders must move past partisanship and enact the proper policies , our communities need to look past differences and find common ground , and as individuals , it ’ s our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change .
Colorado ’ s future depends on it .
Jerry and Gabriel Otero are brothers who live in western Colorado and are fourth-generation Coloradans .
Jerry Otero is the senior energy analyst for the National Parks Conservation Association and national co-chair of NPCA ’ s Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion initiative .
Gabriel Otero is the Colorado Plateau representative for the Wilderness Society .
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 .

Colorado is seeing the impacts of climate change in real time. Wildfires, drought, and soaring temperatures have again gripped the state this summer. Over 295,000 acres have burned and I-70, a lifeline of commerce, saw its longest closure in recent memory. In our hometown of Grand Junction, air quality warnings have gone out and smoke and ash covered the valley as the Pine Gulch fire grew to the largest in the state’s history.
As grandsons of miners from Colorado and Arizona, we understand the value of utilizing our natural resources, and the dignity that a job that provides for your family can bring. Fair, equitable and clean energy policy does not mean taking from those opportunities, rather it is providing the same reverence for all communities impacted by energy development. Our conservation values come from our upbringing and our heritage, values from our parents and generations of Latino people who helped build and preserve these great lands. Now it’s our turn. Climate change and pollution from fossil fuel development are the paramount issues of our time. Carbon and other pollutants are harming our communities. We are committed to making a positive change and we demand action by those with power to enact change.
Climate change has an acute and disproportionate impact on people of color. A study by the National Academies of Sciences found that Black and Latino communities are exposed to far more air pollution than they produce, while white Americans experience better air quality, even though their activities are the source of more pollution. Colorado is not exempt from these realities, which is why we must collectively address the disparities to change the inequities that have endangered the health and future of our great state. Colorado has the 8th largest Latino population in the nation. We are predicted to comprise 46% of Colorado’s population in 2050, compared to 30% currently, according to the Bell Policy Center. Despite our demographic presence, people of color continue to strain our eyes to find ourselves in board rooms, government commissions, and in leadership positions that influence our energy policy decisions. Protesting outside a meeting and writing letters is no longer adequate.
People of color need a seat at the table – every table – and we need our leaders to listen to our concerns. Embracing diversity is not about political correctness. It is the frank recognition that people of color have been, and continue to be left out of important conversations, not because they are not qualified participants, but because of systemic, direct and passive actions that removed their seats from the table. Our collective future should no longer accept a predominately Latino neighborhood in Denver as the ‘most polluted zip code’ in America. We should no longer accept the inequity laid bare by energy development siting issues connected to Bella Romero Academy where fracking exceeded eight-hour
health standards for cancer-causing benzene 113 times during the monitoring period, including school days, according to Barrett Engineering. We will no longer accept the long list of health impacts many Latino communities face, including three times the risk of cancer due to air toxic emissions, and two times higher asthma rates nationwide, which can be connected to proximity to poor air quality, among others. There are many systemic tethers to these alarming realities, but one way we can start to fix these issues is inclusion, opportunity, and fair representation.
Our state and our nation are in desperate need of collaboration. Diversity in boardrooms and in government is a solid start, but that should just be the beginning. We demand that our representatives step up and work with our state’s diverse populations, to listen to us regarding the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change. Solutions abound. Recently, both the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and the U.S. Senate Special Committee on the Climate Crisis released robust reports outlining pathways for climate action that dramatically cut carbon pollution by moving rapidly toward a clean energy future. The plans would grow our economy, create millions of jobs and clean up our air and our communities.
But those solutions require actions by everyone. Our elected leaders must move past partisanship and enact the proper policies, our communities need to look past differences and find common ground, and as individuals, it’s our responsibility to do our part to combat climate change. Colorado’s future depends on it.
Jerry and Gabriel Otero are brothers who live in western Colorado and are fourth-generation Coloradans. Jerry Otero is the senior energy analyst for the National Parks Conservation Association and national co-chair of NPCA’s Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion initiative. Gabriel Otero is the Colorado Plateau representative for the Wilderness Society. Both are GreenLatino members.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--The Spot: Democrats get on the same page on family leave, and Gardner casts COVID relief vote

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 .
I recently received an email with the subject line , “ Democratic Colorado State Legislators Endorse Paid Leave.
” Fifty-eight of them ( 40 in the House , and 18 in the Senate ) were backing Proposition 118 , a ballot measure that proposes to provide Colorado workers with up to 12 weeks of paid family or medical leave — plus another four weeks on top of that , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Colorado Democrats who have controlled the legislature for the past two years couldn ’ t coalesce around a bill to provide paid leave statewide .
What ’ s more , the various stalled bill drafts that were so hotly contested in the legislature were mostly much more moderate than the ballot measure .
Lawmakers couldn ’ t agree over policies that would ’ ve provided eight weeks of leave through a program run through private insurance .
Now the Democrats are almost universally on board with a ballot initiative that promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the private sector in favor of a government-run approach .
But also not surprising .
The paid leave bills I ’ ve covered over the past couple years have been complex , and understandably so — this would be a really big-deal policy change .
The more complex a bill , the more details for lawmakers , the governor and lobbyists to haggle over .
Two Democratic sponsors took their names off the bill as it evolved earlier this year , feeling that efforts to moderate it to please Gov .
Jared Polis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot measure , on the other hand , says what it says , and lawmakers can ’ t change it at will .
That means the various Democrats who wavered on paid leave bills must , in the case of Prop 118 , pick a side .
No amendments , no lobbyists urging rewrites , no task force to study the matter further .
Just a ballot with a yes-or-no choice .
Given this choice , 18 people in the 35-member Senate and 40 people in the 65-member House say they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
And it ’ ll up to the people of Colorado to decide if , on balance , they want a progressive version of paid family and medical leave or not .
Also in this week ’ s Spot , don ’ t miss Conrad Swanson on a far-left Denver councilwoman siding with protesters , and Justin Wingerter on the latest in Hick v. Gardner .
• The governor says Colorado high school football can be played this fall .
CHSAA says no thanks .
• Colorado is making progress on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it will take to make it happen .
• Booming Front Range cities take first steps to build $ 500 million dam and reservoir near Holy Cross Wilderness .
To support the important journalism we do , you can become a Denver Post subscriber here .
You can send tips , comments and questions to me at aburness @ denverpost.com or to the other Post reporters below .
More than three out of four claims made for unemployment assistance under a program for self-employed workers and independent contractors since July 18 were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Labor and Employment said Thursday .
Late Tuesday morning , Lakewood teacher Julia Johns sat in the corner of a classroom and , behind a mask and face shield , spoke in a quivering voice about how her students , some of them refugees , must eat meals on copy paper because the classroom lacks disinfectant wipes .
Johns spoke at a virtual event for U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper , along with a southeast Colorado mayor , a Fort Collins small business owner , a Pueblo military veteran and another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each was that the federal government is not doing enough .
Ballots will be mailed to Coloradans , many of whom are struggling mightily , in less than a month and between now and then Congress will seek an agreement on a fifth relief bill .
It will be a final test for Sen. Cory Gardner — maybe the last thing voters see him do in Washington before casting their ballots in his re-election run .
“ As Coloradans struggle to make ends meet , keep their businesses open , and provide for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress to come together to help our country through this pandemic , ” Gardner said in a press release Tuesday .
The Senate voted Thursday on a Republican relief bill that fell short of the 60 votes it needs to pass .
Democrats considered it woefully inadequate when considering the enormity of the economic crisis .
“ I can go down the list of things that aren ’ t in this skinny bill , ” Hickenlooper said , emphasizing the adjective .
“ Again , this is a crisis .
We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the negotiations.
” Republicans quickly criticized Hickenlooper ’ s opposition to the bill as proof he doesn ’ t care about getting relief to Coloradans .
Gardner voted in favor of it Thursday , which will allow him to say he voted to alleviate the economic burdens crushing Coloradans and accuse Democrats of obstructionism .
Related : Congress returns as Coloradans seek help with housing and unemployment .
• Poll shows narrowest lead yet for Hickenlooper in Senate challenge of Gardner .
• The 2020 presidential election will have a major impact on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats accused Gardner of “ jamming through … anti-choice judges ” this week .
But those nominees are also backed by Democrats , National Journal reports .
• A new ad accuses Gardner of disguising his alcoholic drink preferences , Colorado Politics reports .
The Post ’ s original story on the champagne party he attended is here .
• The fiscal conservatives at Club for Growth are attacking Diane Mitsch Bush , the 3rd District Democrat , with what Politico reports is a $ 216,000 ad buy .
Everyone was doing what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August near the intersection of 28th Street and Glenarm Place .
Sort of .
Police stood guard , city staffers swept through the homeless encampment there , and people experiencing homelessness , well , moved .
But a group of protesters had something to say about the sweep — a practice has come under more intense scrutiny during the pandemic — and Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca joined them .
Police body camera footage obtained by Denver7 offers some insight into the protest and the councilwoman ’ s actions as the scene heated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV station found : In the video , CdeBaca calls the officers “ dogs ” and insults them .
“ They don ’ t know s– , they do what they ’ re told .
They ’ re f—ing guard dogs .
They ’ re f—ing guard dogs .
They ’ re just animals like pit bulls , they ’ re f—ing guard dogs , ” CdeBaca said during the incident .
These particular dogs were sicced on the people by Mayor Michael Hancock , CdeBaca said .
Apparently an officer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and CdeBaca told protesters to keep it .
“ There might be footage on there that we need , ” she said after protesters presented the camera to her , the video shows .
“ But I don ’ t know how to access it .
We could give it to the attorney.
” Those actions apparently rubbed the police union the wrong way .
President Nick Rodgers told Denver7 the attempt was “ felony criminal tampering.
” It ’ s unclear whether Rodgers is correct that attempting to access video , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway , is actually a felony .
There doesn ’ t appear to be a legitimate push to file a criminal charge against CdeBaca , in any event .
And CdeBaca has said that her actions have been meant to hold police accountable .
She told Denver7 that while she might have used harsh language , it was directed at officers performing a “ militarized sweep ” while city residents suffered medical episodes .
The footage shouldn ’ t come as much of a surprise .
While the vocabulary might be more coarse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shy about her opinions about the mayor , police practices or the sweeps through homeless encampments in the city .
She proposed a ballot measure recently abolishing the police department and replacing it with a “ peace force , ” though her colleagues forcefully shot down the idea .
It appears unlikely the camera footage will change much , if anything .
Police will continue to stand guard as staffers repeat the sweeps month after month , and CdeBaca and others will be there to speak out against the practice .
Related : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As Denver debates police funding , these numbers offer an inside look .
• RTD is weighing more than 600 layoffs to close its budget shortfall .
• Denver city attorneys win a round in fight over the constitutionality of the city ’ s urban camping ban .
• Many hope to take Denver ’ s shared streets pilot program a step further , adding to the trend that has already begun to tip Denver away from its reliance on cars .
• A Denver neighborhood tiff over yard signs is probably just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with polarizing issues .
• Thornton ’ s mayor left half of city council in the dark about a taxpayer-funded trip to D.C .

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.
I recently received an email with the subject line, “Democratic Colorado State Legislators Endorse Paid Leave.”
Fifty-eight of them (40 in the House, and 18 in the Senate) were backing Proposition 118, a ballot measure that proposes to provide Colorado workers with up to 12 weeks of paid family or medical leave — plus another four weeks on top of that, in some cases.
The funny thing is, the Colorado Democrats who have controlled the legislature for the past two years couldn’t coalesce around a bill to provide paid leave statewide. What’s more, the various stalled bill drafts that were so hotly contested in the legislature were mostly much more moderate than the ballot measure. Lawmakers couldn’t agree over policies that would’ve provided eight weeks of leave through a program run through private insurance. Now the Democrats are almost universally on board with a ballot initiative that promises workers more time off and cuts out the private sector in favor of a government-run approach.
Weird.
But also not surprising.
The paid leave bills I’ve covered over the past couple years have been complex, and understandably so — this would be a really big-deal policy change. The more complex a bill, the more details for lawmakers, the governor and lobbyists to haggle over. Two Democratic sponsors took their names off the bill as it evolved earlier this year, feeling that efforts to moderate it to please Gov. Jared Polis and others went too far.
A ballot measure, on the other hand, says what it says, and lawmakers can’t change it at will. That means the various Democrats who wavered on paid leave bills must, in the case of Prop 118, pick a side. No amendments, no lobbyists urging rewrites, no task force to study the matter further. Just a ballot with a yes-or-no choice.
Given this choice, 18 people in the 35-member Senate and 40 people in the 65-member House say they’re in. Polis is staying neutral for now. And it’ll up to the people of Colorado to decide if, on balance, they want a progressive version of paid family and medical leave or not.
Also in this week’s Spot, don’t miss Conrad Swanson on a far-left Denver councilwoman siding with protesters, and Justin Wingerter on the latest in Hick v. Gardner.
Other state politics news
To support the important journalism we do, you can become a Denver Post subscriber here.
You can send tips, comments and questions to me at aburness@denverpost.com or to the other Post reporters below.
Top Line
More than three out of four claims made for unemployment assistance under a program for self-employed workers and independent contractors since July 18 were found to be fraudulent, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment said Thursday.
#COSen 2020 • By Justin Wingerter
A final test for Gardner in Washington
Late Tuesday morning, Lakewood teacher Julia Johns sat in the corner of a classroom and, behind a mask and face shield, spoke in a quivering voice about how her students, some of them refugees, must eat meals on copy paper because the classroom lacks disinfectant wipes.
Johns spoke at a virtual event for U.S. Senate candidate John Hickenlooper, along with a southeast Colorado mayor, a Fort Collins small business owner, a Pueblo military veteran and another Denver-area teacher. The overlapping message from each was that the federal government is not doing enough.
Ballots will be mailed to Coloradans, many of whom are struggling mightily, in less than a month and between now and then Congress will seek an agreement on a fifth relief bill. It will be a final test for Sen. Cory Gardner — maybe the last thing voters see him do in Washington before casting their ballots in his re-election run.
“As Coloradans struggle to make ends meet, keep their businesses open, and provide for their families, they are looking for Congress to come together to help our country through this pandemic,” Gardner said in a press release Tuesday.
The Senate voted Thursday on a Republican relief bill that fell short of the 60 votes it needs to pass. Democrats considered it woefully inadequate when considering the enormity of the economic crisis.
“I can go down the list of things that aren’t in this skinny bill,” Hickenlooper said, emphasizing the adjective. “Again, this is a crisis. We don’t have the time for dragging out the negotiations.”
Republicans quickly criticized Hickenlooper’s opposition to the bill as proof he doesn’t care about getting relief to Coloradans. Gardner voted in favor of it Thursday, which will allow him to say he voted to alleviate the economic burdens crushing Coloradans and accuse Democrats of obstructionism.
Related: Congress returns as Coloradans seek help with housing and unemployment.
More federal election news
Mile High Politics • By Conrad Swanson
Candid camera: CdeBaca vs. the police
Everyone was doing what they were told to do in late August near the intersection of 28th Street and Glenarm Place. Sort of.
Police stood guard, city staffers swept through the homeless encampment there, and people experiencing homelessness, well, moved.
But a group of protesters had something to say about the sweep — a practice has come under more intense scrutiny during the pandemic — and Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca joined them.
Police body camera footage obtained by Denver7 offers some insight into the protest and the councilwoman’s actions as the scene heated up. Here’s what the TV station found:
In the video, CdeBaca calls the officers “dogs” and insults them.
“They don’t know s–, they do what they’re told. They’re f—ing guard dogs. They’re f—ing guard dogs. They’re just animals like pit bulls, they’re f—ing guard dogs,” CdeBaca said during the incident.
These particular dogs were sicced on the people by Mayor Michael Hancock, CdeBaca said.
Apparently an officer’s body camera fell during the run-in, and CdeBaca told protesters to keep it.
“There might be footage on there that we need,” she said after protesters presented the camera to her, the video shows. “But I don’t know how to access it. We could give it to the attorney.”
Those actions apparently rubbed the police union the wrong way. President Nick Rodgers told Denver7 the attempt was “felony criminal tampering.”
It’s unclear whether Rodgers is correct that attempting to access video, which by and large might be considered public anyway, is actually a felony. There doesn’t appear to be a legitimate push to file a criminal charge against CdeBaca, in any event.
And CdeBaca has said that her actions have been meant to hold police accountable. She told Denver7 that while she might have used harsh language, it was directed at officers performing a “militarized sweep” while city residents suffered medical episodes.
The footage shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. While the vocabulary might be more coarse than normal, CdeBaca has never been shy about her opinions about the mayor, police practices or the sweeps through homeless encampments in the city. She proposed a ballot measure recently abolishing the police department and replacing it with a “peace force,” though her colleagues forcefully shot down the idea.
It appears unlikely the camera footage will change much, if anything. Police will continue to stand guard as staffers repeat the sweeps month after month, and CdeBaca and others will be there to speak out against the practice.
Related: How do cops spend their time? As Denver debates police funding, these numbers offer an inside look.
More Denver and suburban politics news


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Denver weather: The 70s are making a comeback with mostly sunny skies

A return to the 70s is imminent — at least without the disco balls .
The low temperature in Denver @ @ @ @ @ , tying the previous record low set more than 120 years ago in 1898 , @ @ @ @ @ Service in Boulder .
That makes Thursday the third consecutive day to tie for a @ @ @ @ @ agency posted on Twitter .
But Denver is switching course from the last couple of @ @ @ @ @ calls for a high near 70 degrees with mostly sunny skies and a low near @ @ @ @ @ at night could get up to 20 mph , according to the weather service .
@ @ @ @ @ continue over the weekend .
Saturday won ’ t be quite the disco inferno you @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s predicted to bring Denverites a high near 78 degrees with wind gusts @ @ @ @ @ Evening skies are forecast to be clear with a high near 49 degrees , according @ @ @ @ @

A return to the 70s is imminent — at least without the disco balls.
The low temperature Thursday night in Denver was 35 degrees, tying the previous record low set more than 120 years ago in 1898, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder. That makes Thursday the third consecutive day to tie for a previous record low, the agency posted on Twitter.
But Denver is switching course from the last couple of days and the forecast Friday calls for a high near 70 degrees with mostly sunny skies and a low near 46 degrees. Wind gusts at night could get up to 20 mph, according to the weather service.
The warming trend will likely continue over the weekend.
Saturday won’t be quite the disco inferno you may have expected, but it’s predicted to bring Denverites a high near 78 degrees with wind gusts up to 16 mph. Evening skies are forecast to be clear with a high near 49 degrees, according to the weather service.


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Don’t stop washing your hands, but airborne coronavirus also demands new strategies

When COVID-19 reached the United States earlier this year , much of what we were told to do to stay safe , like washing our hands frequently and standing six feet apart , was based on the idea that the virus primarily spread through droplets people coughed or sneezed out .
Now , consensus is increasing in the scientific community that droplets aren ’ t the only problem we need to worry about .
Much smaller water particles that we produce while speaking or even breathing , called aerosols , also can carry the virus , and they can stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ droplets .
It ’ s important to understand how a virus spreads , because the control methods are different , said Dr. Jonathan Samet , dean of the Colorado School of Public Health .
Large droplets can be contained if people wear masks in public , and cleaned from surfaces where they land , but smaller aerosols are different .
Homemade masks generally can ’ t contain particles that small , though there ’ s still a benefit to wearing them to reduce droplet transmission , Samet said .
For aerosols , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and increasing ventilation in public spaces as much as possible , he said .
Some people have criticized the emphasis on cleaning surfaces as “ hygiene theater ” as it has become clear that airborne transmission plays a bigger role than originally thought .
But it ’ s worth continuing to disinfect shared spaces , both because of the possibility of picking up virus particles on your hands , and because movement can disturb the fallen particles and send them back into the air temporarily , Samet said .
“ Perhaps all ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps some are more important , ” he said .
“ We need a package ( of strategies ) to deal with airborne viruses.
” There ’ s no clear dividing line between a safe and unsafe setting with the new coronavirus , Samet said .
Part of the reason for that is that we don ’ t know how many virus particles a person needs to inhale before an infection takes hold .
Some studies in animals are trying to answer that question , but you can ’ t expose people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they get sick , he said .
In general , a quiet place is safer than one where people are singing or talking loudly ; less-crowded places are better than ones that are jam-packed ; being surrounded by people wearing masks is safer than those without ; and outdoor settings are less-risky than indoor ones , especially if the indoor spaces aren ’ t well-ventilated .
And of course , the less time you spend somewhere , the less likely you are to pick up the virus there .
Dr. Shelly Miller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Colorado Boulder , said during a virtual event hosted by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science that ventilation can substantially reduce the risk of aerosol transmission in public spaces .
Studies of dorms and other university buildings found respiratory diseases are less likely to spread in buildings with more ventilation , Miller said .
Air filtering systems and germ-killing ultraviolet light set-ups also can make public spaces safer , though they aren ’ t practical for home use , she said .
Increased ventilation alone won ’ t stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Miller said .
In those cases , it ’ s important to consider other measures , like limiting the length of gatherings , she said .
Asking about the ventilation practices in public spaces you plan to visit isn ’ t a bad idea , though you can get a rough sense of how well air circulates based on whether it feels hot or stuffy , Miller said .
Ideally , regulators would come up with a certification system , so businesses can clearly show what safety steps they ’ ve taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective , she said .
“ It ’ s really hard to walk into a space and know anything about the ventilation , ” she said .

When COVID-19 reached the United States earlier this year, much of what we were told to do to stay safe, like washing our hands frequently and standing six feet apart, was based on the idea that the virus primarily spread through droplets people coughed or sneezed out.
Now, consensus is increasing in the scientific community that droplets aren’t the only problem we need to worry about. Much smaller water particles that we produce while speaking or even breathing, called aerosols, also can carry the virus, and they can stay in the air far longer than the droplets.
It’s important to understand how a virus spreads, because the control methods are different, said Dr. Jonathan Samet, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health. Large droplets can be contained if people wear masks in public, and cleaned from surfaces where they land, but smaller aerosols are different.
Homemade masks generally can’t contain particles that small, though there’s still a benefit to wearing them to reduce droplet transmission, Samet said. For aerosols, the best methods are avoiding higher-risk settings, and increasing ventilation in public spaces as much as possible, he said.
Some people have criticized the emphasis on cleaning surfaces as “hygiene theater” as it has become clear that airborne transmission plays a bigger role than originally thought. But it’s worth continuing to disinfect shared spaces, both because of the possibility of picking up virus particles on your hands, and because movement can disturb the fallen particles and send them back into the air temporarily, Samet said.
“Perhaps all (methods for transmission) are important, perhaps some are more important,” he said. “We need a package (of strategies) to deal with airborne viruses.”
There’s no clear dividing line between a safe and unsafe setting with the new coronavirus, Samet said. Part of the reason for that is that we don’t know how many virus particles a person needs to inhale before an infection takes hold. Some studies in animals are trying to answer that question, but you can’t expose people to varying amounts of the virus and see if they get sick, he said.
In general, a quiet place is safer than one where people are singing or talking loudly; less-crowded places are better than ones that are jam-packed; being surrounded by people wearing masks is safer than those without; and outdoor settings are less-risky than indoor ones, especially if the indoor spaces aren’t well-ventilated. And of course, the less time you spend somewhere, the less likely you are to pick up the virus there.
Dr. Shelly Miller, a professor of medical engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, said during a virtual event hosted by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science that ventilation can substantially reduce the risk of aerosol transmission in public spaces.
Studies of dorms and other university buildings found respiratory diseases are less likely to spread in buildings with more ventilation, Miller said. Air filtering systems and germ-killing ultraviolet light set-ups also can make public spaces safer, though they aren’t practical for home use, she said.
Increased ventilation alone won’t stop the virus from spreading in high-risk settings, Miller said. In those cases, it’s important to consider other measures, like limiting the length of gatherings, she said.
Asking about the ventilation practices in public spaces you plan to visit isn’t a bad idea, though you can get a rough sense of how well air circulates based on whether it feels hot or stuffy, Miller said. Ideally, regulators would come up with a certification system, so businesses can clearly show what safety steps they’ve taken and customers can trust those steps are effective, she said.
“It’s really hard to walk into a space and know anything about the ventilation,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--“Where did these students go?” Significant drop in CU Boulder freshman enrollment presents longer-te

“Where did these students go?” Significant drop in CU Boulder freshman enrollment presents longer-term challenges

Freshman enrollment at the University of Colorado Boulder is down significantly more than expected for the fall semester , eliciting budget concerns among university leaders Thursday and what one CU regent described as “ the billion dollar question.
” Where did those students go ?
First-year enrollment has dropped across all CU campuses , a pattern university officials said mirrored trends across the country as the pandemic has warped the traditional college experience .
But the declines on the Boulder campus — freshman numbers are down 10 % more than forecast earlier this summer — are most concerning to CU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boulder declined 12.3 % from last year , dipping from 7,113 students to 6,235 , according to a presentation during Thursday ’ s CU Board of Regents meeting .
CU officials sounded the alarm about enrollment last week , but didn ’ t announce numbers at the time .
Enrollment also dropped significantly compared to last year among international students , with undergraduate international student enrollment plummeting 22 % on the Boulder campus and international graduate student enrollment falling 11.4 % .
CU Boulder , the largest higher education institution in Colorado , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus leaders anticipated in their June budget projections due to those enrollment drops , for a total budget hit of around $ 66 million below where the school ’ s budget was last year — largely due to the drastic toll COVID-19 has taken on higher education finances .
“ Where did these students go ?
” asked CU Regent Jack Kroll , D-Denver , during the presentation .
“ Are we looking at some sort of massive amount nationally of students that just forewent a college education ?
That ’ s troubling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole.
” Regent Sue Sharkey , R-Castle Rock , wondered whether some of that drop-off could be attributed to students taking a gap year amid the uncertainty of college life during a pandemic .
“ It may be that next year , knock on wood , things with the pandemic will be under control and enrollment numbers may be really high for freshmen because you ’ ve got the freshmen coming ordinarily plus this year ’ s freshmen who took a gap year , ” Sharkey said .
“ Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rourke , CU Boulder ’ s chief operation officer , said a significantly higher number of students than usual decided to defer their enrollment for the fall 2020 semester , meaning they asked the university to hold their place for up to one year without the need to reapply .
Last year , 342 freshmen deferred compared to 1,247 students this year — a 264 % increase .
“ The challenge will be if we have a super-sized class for next year , where do we put them all ?
” Kroll asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential bumper crop of 2021 freshmen was an issue worth following .
“ That raises challenges because you have to consider what are the number of deferrals going to be when admitting next year to get capacity right , ” O ’ Rourke said .
Next year ’ s challenges aside , many on the Boulder campus are engrossed with the current work of testing , contact-tracing and managing increasing COVID-19 cases among the campus population .
During Thursday ’ s meeting , CU Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano said the campus currently has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day but hopes to double that to 3,000 tests per day by next week if they ’ re able to secure the equipment .
The fight for COVID-19 testing equipment between institutions across the nation can cause lags as organizations wait to secure the goods .
On Thursday , CU Boulder updated its testing findings for the prior day , confirming 41 new coronavirus infections on campus for a total of 174 cases since classes began Aug. 24 .
Campus officials have been quick to say caseloads have been manageable so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a possible 249 quarantine spaces .

Freshman enrollment at the University of Colorado Boulder is down significantly more than expected for the fall semester, eliciting budget concerns among university leaders Thursday and what one CU regent described as “the billion dollar question.”
Where did those students go?
First-year enrollment has dropped across all CU campuses, a pattern university officials said mirrored trends across the country as the pandemic has warped the traditional college experience.
But the declines on the Boulder campus — freshman numbers are down 10% more than forecast earlier this summer — are most concerning to CU leadership.
New freshman enrollment at CU Boulder declined 12.3% from last year, dipping from 7,113 students to 6,235, according to a presentation during Thursday’s CU Board of Regents meeting. CU officials sounded the alarm about enrollment last week, but didn’t announce numbers at the time.
Enrollment also dropped significantly compared to last year among international students, with undergraduate international student enrollment plummeting 22% on the Boulder campus and international graduate student enrollment falling 11.4%.
CU Boulder, the largest higher education institution in Colorado, will lose $25.2 million more than campus leaders anticipated in their June budget projections due to those enrollment drops, for a total budget hit of around $66 million below where the school’s budget was last year — largely due to the drastic toll COVID-19 has taken on higher education finances.
“Where did these students go?” asked CU Regent Jack Kroll, D-Denver, during the presentation. “Are we looking at some sort of massive amount nationally of students that just forewent a college education? That’s troubling not just for us but society as a whole.”
Regent Sue Sharkey, R-Castle Rock, wondered whether some of that drop-off could be attributed to students taking a gap year amid the uncertainty of college life during a pandemic.
“It may be that next year, knock on wood, things with the pandemic will be under control and enrollment numbers may be really high for freshmen because you’ve got the freshmen coming ordinarily plus this year’s freshmen who took a gap year,” Sharkey said. “Let’s hope for that.”
Patrick O’Rourke, CU Boulder’s chief operation officer, said a significantly higher number of students than usual decided to defer their enrollment for the fall 2020 semester, meaning they asked the university to hold their place for up to one year without the need to reapply.
Last year, 342 freshmen deferred compared to 1,247 students this year — a 264% increase.
“The challenge will be if we have a super-sized class for next year, where do we put them all?” Kroll asked.
O’Rourke agreed that the potential bumper crop of 2021 freshmen was an issue worth following.
“That raises challenges because you have to consider what are the number of deferrals going to be when admitting next year to get capacity right,” O’Rourke said.
Next year’s challenges aside, many on the Boulder campus are engrossed with the current work of testing, contact-tracing and managing increasing COVID-19 cases among the campus population.
During Thursday’s meeting, CU Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano said the campus currently has the capacity to run about 1,500 tests a day but hopes to double that to 3,000 tests per day by next week if they’re able to secure the equipment. The fight for COVID-19 testing equipment between institutions across the nation can cause lags as organizations wait to secure the goods.
On Thursday, CU Boulder updated its testing findings for the prior day, confirming 41 new coronavirus infections on campus for a total of 174 cases since classes began Aug. 24.
Campus officials have been quick to say caseloads have been manageable so far with 35 students in on-campus isolation out of a possible 249 quarantine spaces.


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Ask Amy: Parent worries about drug-dealing partner

Dear Amy : I don ’ t like my 33-year-old daughter ’ s decisions regarding her choice of partners .
I provide financial support to her and her three children .
She lives in a townhouse I own , and she pays a discounted rent .
She drives a car that I purchased for her .
I didn ’ t like her most recent man from the start , and I verbalized my concerns ( which she ignored ) .
She got pregnant with her third child , and my opinion of him never improved .
He never worked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ older kids don ’ t get along with him .
Then federal marshals showed up at the door , and he is currently serving a two-year sentence for drug distribution .
I told my daughter that after he gets out , he is not welcome in the townhouse .
She was not happy , and I don ’ t think she believes me when I say that this time , I am serious .
I told her that if she chooses to stay with him , that ’ s her choice — but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m so torn with my decision , and I wonder if I ’ m being unreasonable .
Dear Torn : Yes , you should lay down a non-negotiable regarding providing housing for a drug dealer .
If you could look at your own choices with total clarity , you might see that your decisions have , in some ways , been as fateful as your daughter ’ s .
You don ’ t say if she has a profession or ambitions to continue with her education or improve her life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never had to face the actual consequences of her choices .
She knows that you will continue to provide housing and financial assistance , regardless .
Because there are children involved , you should do everything possible to protect and support them .
During this man ’ s incarceration , you should start to wean your daughter off of your support , perhaps by raising her rent gradually .
Maybe you could watch the children while she increases her work hours .
( If she is working hard to support her family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will feel the pressure of having a partner who does nothing to contribute to the household .
She might also choose NOT to have more children until she can support them . )
She risks the safety , welfare ( and possibly custody ) of her children if she creates an unsafe environment in the home .
When her partner is released , he should stay elsewhere .
Dear Amy : My mother is adamant that the two sons of her recently deceased second husband attend his military funeral .
One son , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex offender .
My mother remarried when her and her new husband ’ s children were adults in their 20s — three children each .
L sexually abused his brother ’ s daughter , my brother ’ s daughter and his own daughter , and he exposed himself to my daughter .
All victims were tweens .
When he sexually abused his daughter ’ s friend , the police arrested him .
His prison term ended last year .
My mother ’ s late husband championed the offender , saying he “ earned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how .
He insisted that we all welcome him back into the family .
My mother has bought into this under the heading of “ Christian forgiveness.
” Frankly , I do hope the best for the offender — I want him to live a productive life and to NEVER HURT ANYONE AGAIN .
I am not out for retribution .
I just need him to never be in my life .
His actions broke a trust that can not be mended .
His membership to the family terminated when he abused our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the offender ’ s brother will not go the funeral if he is there .
I will not go if he is there .
What is the right thing to do ?
Dear Won ’ t Forget : You can forgive someone — and want the best outcome for them — but still not want to be in their presence .
If someone sexually abused my child , I ’ d definitely need to stay away from them — in part , for their own safety .
You should not attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but — I agree with the decision of those who have decided to steer clear .
Dear Amy : “ Worried Mom ” was concerned about her college sophomore daughter , now taking a gap year due to COVID-19 .
I could definitely relate .
In addition to your suggestions for her , I would like to recommend a daily yoga practice .
YouTube has many offerings .
Dear Child ’ s Pose : Absolutely .
The yoga mats strewn around my household are evidence that yoga can work wonders .

Dear Amy: I don’t like my 33-year-old daughter’s decisions regarding her choice of partners.
I provide financial support to her and her three children. She lives in a townhouse I own, and she pays a discounted rent. She drives a car that I purchased for her.
I didn’t like her most recent man from the start, and I verbalized my concerns (which she ignored).
She got pregnant with her third child, and my opinion of him never improved. He never worked. He had excuses for everything. The older kids don’t get along with him.
Then federal marshals showed up at the door, and he is currently serving a two-year sentence for drug distribution.
I told my daughter that after he gets out, he is not welcome in the townhouse. She was not happy, and I don’t think she believes me when I say that this time, I am serious.
I told her that if she chooses to stay with him, that’s her choice — but they cannot stay in the townhouse.
I’m so torn with my decision, and I wonder if I’m being unreasonable.
Your thoughts?
— Torn Mother
Dear Torn: Yes, you should lay down a non-negotiable regarding providing housing for a drug dealer. If you could look at your own choices with total clarity, you might see that your decisions have, in some ways, been as fateful as your daughter’s.
You don’t say if she has a profession or ambitions to continue with her education or improve her life. It is possible that she has never had to face the actual consequences of her choices. She knows that you will continue to provide housing and financial assistance, regardless.
Because there are children involved, you should do everything possible to protect and support them. During this man’s incarceration, you should start to wean your daughter off of your support, perhaps by raising her rent gradually. Maybe you could watch the children while she increases her work hours. (If she is working hard to support her family, her self-esteem will improve, and she will feel the pressure of having a partner who does nothing to contribute to the household. She might also choose NOT to have more children until she can support them.)
She risks the safety, welfare (and possibly custody) of her children if she creates an unsafe environment in the home. When her partner is released, he should stay elsewhere.
Dear Amy: My mother is adamant that the two sons of her recently deceased second husband attend his military funeral. One son, “L,” is a convicted sex offender.
My mother remarried when her and her new husband’s children were adults in their 20s — three children each.
L sexually abused his brother’s daughter, my brother’s daughter and his own daughter, and he exposed himself to my daughter.
All victims were tweens. When he sexually abused his daughter’s friend, the police arrested him. His prison term ended last year.
My mother’s late husband championed the offender, saying he “earned back his trust” without ever saying how. He insisted that we all welcome him back into the family. My mother has bought into this under the heading of “Christian forgiveness.”
Frankly, I do hope the best for the offender — I want him to live a productive life and to NEVER HURT ANYONE AGAIN. I am not out for retribution. I just need him to never be in my life. His actions broke a trust that cannot be mended. His membership to the family terminated when he abused our most vulnerable.
My mother is livid that the offender’s brother will not go the funeral if he is there. I will not go if he is there. What is the right thing to do?
— Won’t Forget
Dear Won’t Forget: You can forgive someone — and want the best outcome for them — but still not want to be in their presence.
If someone sexually abused my child, I’d definitely need to stay away from them — in part, for their own safety.
You should not attempt to control your mother’s choices, but — I agree with the decision of those who have decided to steer clear.
Dear Amy: “Worried Mom” was concerned about her college sophomore daughter, now taking a gap year due to COVID-19.
I could definitely relate. In addition to your suggestions for her, I would like to recommend a daily yoga practice. YouTube has many offerings.
— In Child’s Pose
Dear Child’s Pose: Absolutely. The yoga mats strewn around my household are evidence that yoga can work wonders.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-09-11--Chiefs begin title defense with 34-20 victory over Texans

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
— Just about the only thing that looked familiar about the NFL ’ s long-awaited return Thursday night was the sight of Patrick Mahomes effortlessly leading the Kansas City Chiefs up and down the field .
The Super Bowl MVP threw for 211 yards and three touchdowns , Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran through the rain for 138 yards and another score , and the Chiefs began defense of their first championship in 50 years by beating the Houston Texans 34-20 on Thursday night before a socially distanced crowd of about 17,000 due to the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyreek Hill each caught TD passes for the Chiefs .
They have won 10 straight dating to last season .
That run includes a come-from-behind 51-31 victory over the Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs .
“ I ’ m proud of our players but I ’ m also proud of our fans .
They came out there .
They were loud , ” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid , who claimed he didn ’ t notice some booing from fans during a pregame moment of unity involving both teams .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides of the ball and special teams , I thought they were solid , ” Reid continued .
“ For the first game there were some good things that were done , some great individual performances.
” The Texans ’ Deshaun Watson threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score , but he also was under relentless pressure and was intercepted once .
David Johnson provided the biggest bright spot for Houston , running for 77 yards and a score .
“ There ’ s a lot to fix , ” Texans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s only one game .
We have to improve pretty quickly .
But it ’ s only one game .
We have to get back to work pretty soon and fix these things.
” The world has changed dramatically in the seven months since the Chiefs hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in Miami .
Within six weeks , the term COVID-19 had become a part of everyday life , the disease killing more than 900,000 people around the globe .
The death of George Floyd at the knee of a white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black Lives Matter movement , which in turn has led to a summer of social unrest that has gripped the country .
Against that backdrop came an NFL opener unlike any other : masks worn by everyone from fans to the coaching staffs ; a series of videos raising awareness of social justice initiatives and encouraging the public to vote ; and ultimately both teams locking arms in a display of unity prior to the coin toss .
To the relief of many , kickoff finally brought 4 hours of normalcy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead against Kansas City in the the playoffs , struck first when they marched 80 yards for a touchdown .
The elusive Johnson finished it off by scampering 19 yards to the end zone for a 7-0 lead .
But just like that cold January day , the red-hot Chiefs quickly overcame their slow start .
They tied it moments later when Mahomes threw a short touchdown pass to Kelce , then took the lead when they forced a quick punt and Mahomes found Watkins in the end zone .
Harrison Butker capped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field goal that sent the Chiefs to the locker room with a 17-7 lead .
Edwards-Helaire , their first-round pick , padded the lead in the third quarter .
After ripping off an 11-yard gain early in the drive , the pint-sized dynamo out of LSU unleashed a wicked stutter-step before running 27 yards for another score .
“ H ’ es just another weapon I have in this offense , ” Mahomes said .
The Chiefs put the game away when rookie L ’ Jarius Sneed picked off Watson ’ s jump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third quarter .
Mahomes was bailed out of a fourth-down interception by pass interference in the end zone , then he zipped a dart to Hill streaking across the field for a 31-7 lead early in the fourth quarter .
“ We just trust whatever Coach Reid is dialing up , ” said Kelce , who finished with six catches for 50 yards .
“ They do an unbelievable job preparing us and scheming up defenses and we just trust what they ’ re doing.
” Watson threw a touchdown pass and ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the final score a bit more respectable .
“ It was a little different but the fans did what they did for their home team and that was pretty much it , ” Watson said .
“ We just got to continue to do our job , find the rhythm , get guys on the same page and that ’ s pretty much it.
” The Chiefs had a touchdown on their opening series brought back when the officials determined Demarcus Robinson failed to control a 36-yard pass from Mahomes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overturned when Watkins caught a 9-yard pass in the second quarter , though he wound up catching a screen pass for a TD two plays later .
The Chiefs lined up along the goal line about 30 minutes before kickoff and watched Alicia Keyes perform “ Lift Every Voice and Sing , ” which is often considered the Black national anthem , in a video designed to address racial inequality .
The Texans had already left the field when the demonstration occurred .
They remained there until R & B duo Chloe x @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Star-Spangled Banner , ” then ran onto the field to a chorus of boos from fans .
Some fans were still booing when the teams met at midfield and shook hands .
The teams then stood together in a line that stretched from one end zone to the other for a moment of silence before the coin toss .
“ Listen , I didn ’ t really notice it , ” Reid said of the booing .
“ I thought that was kind of a neat deal , both sides coming together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told there .
Whether it was the national anthems and how those were presented , the singers — Alicia Keyes was phenomenal — and then guys joining hands together for a cause .
Really just to make us all better and a stronger country than we all are .
We have a chance to be unstoppable when we all come together.
” In a relatively muted celebration , the Chiefs unveiled their Super Bowl banner and presented the Lombardi Trophy to their fans — along with a 20-foot replica that was wheeled onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game began .
Chiefs : DT Khalen Saunders ( elbow ) left in the first quarter with an elbow injury .
DE Alex Okafor hurt his hamstring in the third and did not return .
CB Charvarius Ward left in the fourth quarter with a hand injury .
Texans : RB Duke Johnson left in the fourth quarter with a leg injury .
He did not return .
The Texans play their home opener against the Ravens on Sept. 20 .
The Chiefs visit the Chargers the same day .

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Just about the only thing that looked familiar about the NFL’s long-awaited return Thursday night was the sight of Patrick Mahomes effortlessly leading the Kansas City Chiefs up and down the field.
The Super Bowl MVP threw for 211 yards and three touchdowns, Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran through the rain for 138 yards and another score, and the Chiefs began defense of their first championship in 50 years by beating the Houston Texans 34-20 on Thursday night before a socially distanced crowd of about 17,000 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins and Tyreek Hill each caught TD passes for the Chiefs. They have won 10 straight dating to last season. That run includes a come-from-behind 51-31 victory over the Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs.
“I’m proud of our players but I’m also proud of our fans. They came out there. They were loud,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who claimed he didn’t notice some booing from fans during a pregame moment of unity involving both teams.
“Obviously, our players, both sides of the ball and special teams , I thought they were solid,” Reid continued. “For the first game there were some good things that were done, some great individual performances.”
The Texans’ Deshaun Watson threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score, but he also was under relentless pressure and was intercepted once. David Johnson provided the biggest bright spot for Houston, running for 77 yards and a score.
“There’s a lot to fix,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “It’s only one game. We have to improve pretty quickly. But it’s only one game . We have to get back to work pretty soon and fix these things.”
The world has changed dramatically in the seven months since the Chiefs hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in Miami.
Within six weeks, the term COVID-19 had become a part of everyday life, the disease killing more than 900,000 people around the globe. The death of George Floyd at the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer in May touched off the Black Lives Matter movement, which in turn has led to a summer of social unrest that has gripped the country.
Against that backdrop came an NFL opener unlike any other: masks worn by everyone from fans to the coaching staffs; a series of videos raising awareness of social justice initiatives and encouraging the public to vote; and ultimately both teams locking arms in a display of unity prior to the coin toss.
To the relief of many, kickoff finally brought 4 hours of normalcy.
The Texans, who blew a 24-point lead against Kansas City in the the playoffs, struck first when they marched 80 yards for a touchdown. The elusive Johnson finished it off by scampering 19 yards to the end zone for a 7-0 lead.
But just like that cold January day, the red-hot Chiefs quickly overcame their slow start.
They tied it moments later when Mahomes threw a short touchdown pass to Kelce, then took the lead when they forced a quick punt and Mahomes found Watkins in the end zone. Harrison Butker capped the first half by kicking a chip-shot field goal that sent the Chiefs to the locker room with a 17-7 lead.
Edwards-Helaire, their first-round pick, padded the lead in the third quarter. After ripping off an 11-yard gain early in the drive, the pint-sized dynamo out of LSU unleashed a wicked stutter-step before running 27 yards for another score.
“H’es just another weapon I have in this offense,” Mahomes said.
The Chiefs put the game away when rookie L’Jarius Sneed picked off Watson’s jump ball in the closing seconds of the third quarter. Mahomes was bailed out of a fourth-down interception by pass interference in the end zone, then he zipped a dart to Hill streaking across the field for a 31-7 lead early in the fourth quarter.
“We just trust whatever Coach Reid is dialing up,” said Kelce, who finished with six catches for 50 yards. “They do an unbelievable job preparing us and scheming up defenses and we just trust what they’re doing.”
Watson threw a touchdown pass and ran for a TD later in the quarter to make the final score a bit more respectable.
“It was a little different but the fans did what they did for their home team and that was pretty much it,” Watson said. “We just got to continue to do our job, find the rhythm, get guys on the same page and that’s pretty much it.”
UPON FURTHER REVIEW
The Chiefs had a touchdown on their opening series brought back when the officials determined Demarcus Robinson failed to control a 36-yard pass from Mahomes in the end zone. They had another overturned when Watkins caught a 9-yard pass in the second quarter, though he wound up catching a screen pass for a TD two plays later.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
The Chiefs lined up along the goal line about 30 minutes before kickoff and watched Alicia Keyes perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is often considered the Black national anthem, in a video designed to address racial inequality.
The Texans had already left the field when the demonstration occurred. They remained there until R&B duo Chloe x Halle finished a virtual performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” then ran onto the field to a chorus of boos from fans.
Some fans were still booing when the teams met at midfield and shook hands. The teams then stood together in a line that stretched from one end zone to the other for a moment of silence before the coin toss.
“Listen, I didn’t really notice it,” Reid said of the booing. “I thought that was kind of a neat deal, both sides coming together for a cause. The story was told there. Whether it was the national anthems and how those were presented, the singers — Alicia Keyes was phenomenal — and then guys joining hands together for a cause. Really just to make us all better and a stronger country than we all are. We have a chance to be unstoppable when we all come together.”
SUPER CELEBRATION
In a relatively muted celebration, the Chiefs unveiled their Super Bowl banner and presented the Lombardi Trophy to their fans — along with a 20-foot replica that was wheeled onto the field — about 15 minutes before the game began.
INJURIES
Chiefs: DT Khalen Saunders (elbow) left in the first quarter with an elbow injury. DE Alex Okafor hurt his hamstring in the third and did not return. CB Charvarius Ward left in the fourth quarter with a hand injury.
Texans: RB Duke Johnson left in the fourth quarter with a leg injury. He did not return.
UP NEXT
The Texans play their home opener against the Ravens on Sept. 20. The Chiefs visit the Chargers the same day.


thedenverpost--2020-09-12--Nuggets 3-Pointers: Michael Porter Jr. got the last word in Game 5. And it spoke volumes.

1 .
Actions speak louder than words , MPJ .
Big shot , kid .
Big .
Freaking .
Shot .
After being held scoreless for the game ’ s first 46 minutes , Michael Porter Jr. drained one of the biggest shots of the Nuggets ’ season — a 3-pointer with 1:11 left that gave Denver a 105-100 lead in a must-win Game 5 .
MPJ accounted for four of the Nuggets ’ final six points , all at the free-throw line , and netted all seven of his points in the contest ’ s last two minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You wondered all day how the Nuggets vets would respond to MPJ ’ s pointed comments — translation : get me the ball — after Game 4 .
The awkward exchanges between the Denver rookie and his teammates were brought out into the open via comments from TNT sideline reporter Jared Greenberg , who hinted that Nuggets veterans weren ’ t amused .
The cold shoulder showed on the court too : Through 45 minutes , Porter had played just 20 minutes with zero points .
3 .
Just call ‘ em @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s win , the Nuggets are now 4-0 this postseason when facing a win-or-go-home scenario .
Denver was down 3-1 to Utah in the first round before winning three straight to close out that series , becoming the first Nuggets team to ever rally from 3-1 down in the postseason to advance .
Could we be staring at even more history after this weekend ?

1. Actions speak louder than words, MPJ. Big shot, kid. Big. Freaking. Shot. After being held scoreless for the game’s first 46 minutes, Michael Porter Jr. drained one of the biggest shots of the Nuggets’ season — a 3-pointer with 1:11 left that gave Denver a 105-100 lead in a must-win Game 5. MPJ accounted for four of the Nuggets’ final six points, all at the free-throw line, and netted all seven of his points in the contest’s last two minutes.
2. Especially words demanding the ball. You wondered all day how the Nuggets vets would respond to MPJ’s pointed comments — translation: get me the ball — after Game 4. The awkward exchanges between the Denver rookie and his teammates were brought out into the open via comments from TNT sideline reporter Jared Greenberg, who hinted that Nuggets veterans weren’t amused. The cold shoulder showed on the court too: Through 45 minutes, Porter had played just 20 minutes with zero points.
3. Just call ‘em the Cardiac Kids. With Friday’s win, the Nuggets are now 4-0 this postseason when facing a win-or-go-home scenario. Denver was down 3-1 to Utah in the first round before winning three straight to close out that series, becoming the first Nuggets team to ever rally from 3-1 down in the postseason to advance. Could we be staring at even more history after this weekend?


thedenverpost--2020-09-12--Nuggets’ stunning second-half comeback saves season, forces Game 6 vs. Clippers

The Denver Nuggets have some cockroach in them .
Left for dead with their season on the brink , the Nuggets refused to die Friday night .
After trailing by 15 in the third quarter , the Nuggets ripped off a stirring second-half comeback that fought off elimination for the fourth time this postseason .
Denver ’ s 111-105 win over the Clippers guaranteed a Game 6 on Sunday in the Western Conference semifinals .
After Paul Millsap ’ s season-saving third quarter made the margin manageable , Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray seized the fourth quarter .
Both found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver ’ s season .
Amid a clutch 14-2 run midway through what could ’ ve been the Nuggets ’ final quarter of the season , Murray and Jokic combined for three 3-pointers that flipped momentum and gave the Nuggets a fragile 94-88 lead .
On the other end , Denver ’ s defense buckled down and revealed the fly-around mentality their coach had begged for .
Not that Kawhi Leonard or Paul George was going to concede for a chance with the Western Conference Finals on the line .
Both stars kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denver ’ s wings .
The Clippers drew to within 102-100 with 1:58 left before Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. drained a 3-pointer that must ’ ve lifted the weight of the world off him .
Another block and key rebound by Porter Jr. helped seal the victory down the stretch .
Jokic powered the Nuggets with 22 points and 14 rebounds , while Murray finished with 26 points and five 3-pointers .
Millsap almost single-handedly kept the Nuggets afloat in the third quarter as the Clippers threatened , multiple times , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 17 points , draining one 3-pointer to complement his steady marches to the free-throw line .
Denver trailed by as many as 15 just minutes into the second half before clawing its way back and sawing the margin to just 80-73 heading into the fourth .
Their effort – and perhaps their pride – was indicative of the same outfit that fought back from a 3-1 deficit against Utah .
Nuggets coach Michael Malone said his team “ briefly ” discussed Porter Jr. ’ s critical postgame comments following Game 4 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep those feelings in-house .
“ Obviously during the playoffs , the last thing you want is any type of distraction , and if those frustrations are there for Michael or for anybody , it is much better to keep those conversations internal , in the locker room and amongst ourselves , ” Malone said .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear how those critical comments landed among Porter ’ s teammates .
The Nuggets took a day off on Thursday to decompress and process their second 3-1 deficit in the playoffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , Malone briefly re-visited Game 4 and diagnosed what needed to change .
“ How we can help ourselves is , if the defense stays where it has been , get out and run , attack , get to the rim , get to the paint , put pressure on them , ” Malone said .
“ Don ’ t stand , make sure the ball is moving , make sure bodies are moving .
Have to set better screens .
“ I understand – I don ’ t listen to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home are criticizing Jamal because of his play , which I think is just outlandish , ” Malone continued .
“ Please consider who is guarding him and how they ’ re guarding him.
” Murray averaged over 31 points per game on nearly 50 % shooting from the 3-point line in the first round .
Entering Game 5 , Murray was shooting just 37 % overall and finding less than 18 points per game .
Though the Nuggets ’ offense struggled again in the first half , they played with the energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clippers carried a 56-44 lead into halftime built on the sturdy shoulders of Leonard .
Once again , Murray saw waves of Clipper defenders but wasn ’ t going to defer .
He had 15 points on 15 shots in the first half , his stubborn persistence one of the defining traits of the opening half .
The Nuggets also showed some momentary fight when Millsap and Marcus Morris got tangled up fighting for a rebound late in the second quarter .
Jokic managed just nine points over the first two quarters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five .
The difference early was Los Angeles ’ scorching outside shooting .
The Clippers rained nine 3-pointers , including three from George .

The Denver Nuggets have some cockroach in them. You better make sure they’re buried or they’ll come back to haunt you.
Left for dead with their season on the brink, the Nuggets refused to back down Friday night. After trailing by as many as 16, the Nuggets ripped off a stirring second-half comeback that fought off elimination for the fourth time this postseason. Denver’s 111-105 win over the Clippers guaranteed a Game 6 on Sunday in the Western Conference semifinals.
“I know there’s not a lot of belief (outside our locker room),” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “But we believe in ourselves.”
After Paul Millsap’s season-saving third quarter made the margin manageable, Nikola Jokic (22 points, 14 rebounds) and Jamal Murray seized the fourth quarter. First a screen freed up Murray at the top of the key, creating some airspace he’s rarely enjoyed throughout a grueling series. Murray buried the 3-pointer, perhaps serving as an ember for the fire to come.
“Most of the night, I got where I wanted,” Murray said, his 26 points on 25 field goals an indication of the offensive slog he faced on nearly every possession.
Then a momentum-tilting alley-oop from Michael Porter Jr. to Mason Plumlee cut the deficit to 82-80. More importantly, it revealed a dangerous unselfish quality that tends to elevate the Nuggets to another gear. The loose, selfless play trickled into the defensive end, where the Nuggets scrapped and made the Clippers work for everything.
It was more or less what L.A. had done to the Nuggets the prior two games.
Soon, Jokic and Murray were trading 3-point daggers and unfiltered roars, alternating which superstar threw the next debilitating punch. By the time their individual fireworks were over, the Nuggets had peeled off a 14-2 run that gave Denver a six-point cushion with under six minutes left. By the end, Jokic and Murray had 20 of the team’s 38 points in the fourth, while the Clippers managed just 25 total.
“Nikola started finding his rhythm, Jamal found his rhythm, Michael Porter made some big plays for us,” Malone said. “But it always starts with our defense.”
Not that Kawhi Leonard or Paul George was going to concede with a spot in the Western Conference Finals on the line. Both stars kept charging, forcing their relentless offense on Denver’s wings. The Clippers drew to within 102-100 with 1:58 left before Porter drained a 3-pointer that must’ve lifted the weight of the world off him. All seven of Porter’s points came in the final two minutes but it was a huge block followed by a clutch rebound that may ultimately engender more trust than his buckets.
“Everybody knows it wasn’t the best shot selection, but something made me shoot it, so I shot it,” said Porter, beaming after the game.
Millsap almost single-handedly kept the Nuggets afloat in the third quarter as the Clippers threatened, multiple times, to pull away. Millsap scored 14 of his 17 points, draining one 3-pointer to complement his steady marches to the free-throw line. Denver trailed by as many as 15 just minutes into the second half before clawing its way back and sawing the margin to just 80-73 heading into the fourth.
“‘Sap won us that game,” Porter said, referring to the Nuggets’ aging power forward. “We were down and he kept clawing away.”
The Nuggets also showed some momentary resistance when Millsap and Marcus Morris got tangled up fighting for a rebound late in the second quarter. Their effort – and perhaps their pride – was indicative of the same outfit that fought back from a 3-1 deficit against Utah.
Malone said his team “briefly” discussed Porter’s critical postgame comments following Game 4 and reminded the rookie how imperative it is to keep those feelings in-house.
“Obviously during the playoffs, the last thing you want is any type of distraction, and if those frustrations are there for Michael or for anybody, it is much better to keep those conversations internal, in the locker room and amongst ourselves,” Malone said.
It wasn’t immediately clear how those critical comments landed among Porter’s teammates.
The Nuggets took a day off Thursday to decompress and process their second 3-1 deficit in the playoffs. After a day to think about it, Malone briefly re-visited Game 4 and diagnosed what needed to change.
“How we can help ourselves is, if the defense stays where it has been, get out and run, attack, get to the rim, get to the paint, put pressure on them,” Malone said. “Don’t stand, make sure the ball is moving, make sure bodies are moving. Have to set better screens.
“I understand – I don’t listen to it, but I hear that people back home are criticizing Jamal because of his play, which I think is just outlandish,” Malone continued. “Please consider who is guarding him and how they’re guarding him.”
On Friday, the waves of Clippers defenders didn’t matter. Murray and the Nuggets brought a will they couldn’t stifle.


thedenverpost--2020-09-12--The last day to get coronavirus testing at the Pepsi Center will be Sept. 30

The large-scale free coronavirus testing site at the Pepsi Center is scheduled to shut down in October and is reducing its number of drive-thru lanes starting Sunday .
The announcement comes on the same day Gov .
Jared Polis said at a news conference that the number of people getting tested is going down , leading to an uptick in the past week in the state ’ s positivity rate .
In the last couple of days , sites across the state were testing a total of 5,000-7,000 people per day , when before that they were testing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He encouraged Coloradans to get tested if they have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who was sick at one of the free testing sites across the state , including the Pepsi Center .
Early identification is crucial , Polis added , rather than waiting for hospitalizations .
In late July , public officials were trying to find ways to increase state testing as a national backlog at state labs delayed test results .
Earlier that month , the site had to close early and change its limit for tests per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and County of Denver officials said the city will instead focus on community-based testing sites with the closure of the Pepsi Center location .
They recommend Coloradans use those sites or get tested through their primary care doctors .
“ The Pepsi Center site provided the broad , regional testing capacity needed early in our response , to stand in the gap to give the city time to build out a community-based testing program , ” said Robert McDonald , executive director of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the city can focus its testing resources where they are most effective , at a community level in highly impacted and underserved neighborhoods.
” Starting Sunday , the lanes for testing at the Pepsi Center will go down from eight to four .
People who want to get tested are encouraged to register ahead of time through Sept. 30 .
To register or to find other testing sites around the state , go to www.denvergov.org/covid19testing .

The large-scale free coronavirus testing site at the Pepsi Center is scheduled to shut down in October and is reducing its number of drive-thru lanes starting Sunday.
The announcement comes on the same day Gov. Jared Polis said at a news conference that the number of people getting tested is going down, leading to an uptick in the past week in the state’s positivity rate.
In the last couple of days, sites across the state were testing a total of 5,000-7,000 people per day, when before that they were testing in the 10,000-12,000 per day range, Polis said.
He encouraged Coloradans to get tested at one of the free testing sites across the state, including the Pepsi Center, if they have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who was sick. Early identification is crucial, rather than waiting for hospitalizations, he added.
In late July, public officials were trying to find ways to increase state testing as a national backlog at state labs delayed test results. Earlier that month, the site had to close early and change its limit for tests per day as demand exceeded capacity.
City and County of Denver officials said the city will instead focus on community-based testing sites with the closure of the Pepsi Center location. They recommend Coloradans use those sites or get tested through their primary care doctors.
“The Pepsi Center site provided the broad, regional testing capacity needed early in our response, to stand in the gap to give the city time to build out a community-based testing program,” said Robert McDonald, executive director of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, in a statement. “With that accomplished, the city can focus its testing resources where they are most effective, at a community level in highly impacted and underserved neighborhoods.”
Starting Sunday, the lanes for testing at the Pepsi Center will go down from eight to four. People who want to get tested are encouraged to register ahead of time through Sept. 30.
To register or to find other testing sites around the state, go to www.denvergov.org/covid19testing.


thedenverpost--2020-09-12--Nathan MacKinnon wins Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship

EDMONTON , Alberta — Colorado ’ s Nathan MacKinnon has won the Lady Byng Trophy given for sportsmanship and gentlemanly @ @ @ @ @ .
The NHL announced MacKinnon as the winner of the award Friday .
He finished @ @ @ @ @ Auston Matthews and St. Louis ’ Ryan O ’ Reilly in voting by the Professional @ @ @ @ @ had a career-low 12 penalty minutes this season .
No other forward averaged more ice @ @ @ @ @ 21:13 average while taking fewer penalties .
MacKinnon is also a finalist for the Hart @ @ @ @ @ That award will be announced during the Stanley Cup Final .
The Avalanche were eliminated @ @ @ @ @ the playoffs through no fault of MacKinnon , who led them with 25 points on @ @ @ @ @ .
The 25-year-old is still the postseason ’ s leading scorer six games into the @ @ @

EDMONTON, Alberta — Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon has won the Lady Byng Trophy given for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with strong play.
The NHL announced MacKinnon as the winner of the award Friday. He finished ahead of Toronto’s Auston Matthews and St. Louis’ Ryan O’Reilly in voting by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
MacKinnon had a career-low 12 penalty minutes this season. No other forward averaged more ice time than MacKinnon’s 21:13 average while taking fewer penalties.
MacKinnon is also a finalist for the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP. That award will be announced during the Stanley Cup Final.
The Avalanche were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs through no fault of MacKinnon, who led them with 25 points on nine goals and 16 assists. The 25-year-old is still the postseason’s leading scorer six games into the conference finals.