thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Keeler: For Avalanche’s Cale Makar, Calder Trophy race is a family affair

This part still cracks Gary Makar up .
He and son Cale , the Avalanche ’ s wunderkind defenseman , found themselves hanging at Bill Hay ’ s house in Alberta last summer , not long after the younger Makar found himself jumping straight from college to the Stanley Cup playoffs .
Gary ’ s known Hay , the former Chicago Blackhawks center and ex-Calgary Flames president , for a while now , through various business dealings and mutual friends .
Hay was the linchpin of the Blackhawks ’ celebrated “ Million-Dollar Line ” in the early ‘ 60s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Murray Balfour on the right .
A member of Colorado College ’ s 1957 national champs and former CEO of the Hockey Hall of Fame , the man ’ s a walking Wikipedia .
At one point , Bill shared with the pair a picture of himself with the Calder Memorial Trophy that he won with Chicago in 1960 .
Then he looked at Cale .
“ Wouldn ’ t that be something , ” Hay said to the young Avs star , “ if you and I both had our names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yeah , it would , although it ’ s been a coin flip for months now .
The favorites to take home honors as the NHL ’ s top first-year player are two defenders : Makar , who ranks second among rookies in points ( 50 ) and Vancouver ’ s Quinn Hughes , who tops the newbie scoring charts ( 53 ) .
Makar has the edge in points per game , with 0.88 to Quinn ’ s 0.78 , thanks to the Avs rookie having to miss a stretch of contests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the first time since World War II that a couple of defensemen ranked 1-2 in rookie points .
“ All his friends that know him , they would even ask him ( about it ) , ” Gary Makar said of the Calder Trophy .
“ And honestly , it would be an incredible honor , but it ’ s not even a 1 % priority with him .
I know he doesn ’ t even follow that ( debate ) .
“ I ’ ll follow it .
I do follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t help but read some stuff from fans , especially here in Canada , with us being so close to Vancouver.
” When it comes to the Makars and the Calder Trophy , there ’ s a little family history .
And maybe a sense of payback , too .
Gary ’ s cousin , former Flames center Tom Lysiak , finished second in Calder voting in 1974 to Islanders defender Denis Potvin .
“ Again , it ’ s just nice , ” Gary said .
“ But if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not .
I know ( Cale ) doesn ’ t even think about that stuff.
” He ’ s thinking about unfinished business .
About how soon he ’ ll have to be game-ready for the 24-team playoff format pitched by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman last week .
About getting off the roller blades and onto the ice — real ice , ice he hasn ’ t been able to skate on since the coronavirus chased him back to the family home up in Calgary 10 weeks ago .
“ Obviously it weighs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gary said .
“ The great thing is , I know some of the players , they do talk .
Obviously , as a rookie , he just follows .
‘ OK , this is what I have to do , ’ ( and ) it makes it a lot easier.
” Although at this point , the kid ’ s running out of bit to champ .
When the Avs rookie saw areas in the United States start to open up in May , especially across the South , he turned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my gosh .
Those guys are skating , but I can ’ t. ” Dad chuckled at that one , too .
“ You ’ re getting antsy because you see guys in Florida where ice ( rinks ) are open , ” Gary said .
“ Not only do you want to get out there , but it ’ s like those guys are going to have an advantage.
” And a promise to an old friend .
“ Bill ’ s not in great health right now , ” Gary said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December .
“ To me , would there be anything cooler then if Bill ’ s still here and whenever they ( award ) this thing , if Cale could call him and say , ‘ Bill , look at this !
’ That , to me , would be unreal .
”

This part still cracks Gary Makar up. He and son Cale, the Avalanche’s wunderkind defenseman, found themselves hanging at Bill Hay’s house in Alberta last summer, not long after the younger Makar found himself jumping straight from college to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Gary’s known Hay, the former Chicago Blackhawks center and ex-Calgary Flames president, for a while now, through various business dealings and mutual friends. Hay was the linchpin of the Blackhawks’ celebrated “Million-Dollar Line” in the early ‘60s, flanked by Bobby Hull on the left and Murray Balfour on the right. A member of Colorado College’s 1957 national champs and former CEO of the Hockey Hall of Fame, the man’s a walking Wikipedia.
At one point, Bill shared with the pair a picture of himself with the Calder Memorial Trophy that he won with Chicago in 1960.
Then he looked at Cale.
“Wouldn’t that be something,” Hay said to the young Avs star, “if you and I both had our names on the Calder Trophy?”
Heck yeah, it would, although it’s been a coin flip for months now. The favorites to take home honors as the NHL’s top first-year player are two defenders: Makar, who ranks second among rookies in points (50) and Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes, who tops the newbie scoring charts (53).
Makar has the edge in points per game, with 0.88 to Quinn’s 0.78, thanks to the Avs rookie having to miss a stretch of contests with an upper-body injury. It’s the first time since World War II that a couple of defensemen ranked 1-2 in rookie points.
“All his friends that know him, they would even ask him (about it),” Gary Makar said of the Calder Trophy. “And honestly, it would be an incredible honor, but it’s not even a 1 % priority with him. I know he doesn’t even follow that (debate).
“I’ll follow it. I do follow a lot of it, and I can’t help but read some stuff from fans, especially here in Canada, with us being so close to Vancouver.”
When it comes to the Makars and the Calder Trophy, there’s a little family history. And maybe a sense of payback, too. Gary’s cousin, former Flames center Tom Lysiak, finished second in Calder voting in 1974 to Islanders defender Denis Potvin.
“Again, it’s just nice,” Gary said. “But if you’re not, you’re not. I know (Cale) doesn’t even think about that stuff.”
He’s thinking about unfinished business. About how soon he’ll have to be game-ready for the 24-team playoff format pitched by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman last week. About getting off the roller blades and onto the ice — real ice, ice he hasn’t been able to skate on since the coronavirus chased him back to the family home up in Calgary 10 weeks ago.
“Obviously it weighs on his mind every day,” Gary said. “The great thing is, I know some of the players, they do talk. Obviously, as a rookie, he just follows. ‘OK, this is what I have to do,’ (and) it makes it a lot easier.”
Although at this point, the kid’s running out of bit to champ. When the Avs rookie saw areas in the United States start to open up in May, especially across the South, he turned to his dad and grumbled:
“Oh my gosh. Those guys are skating, but I can’t.”
Dad chuckled at that one, too.
“You’re getting antsy because you see guys in Florida where ice (rinks) are open,” Gary said. “Not only do you want to get out there, but it’s like those guys are going to have an advantage.”
Again, unfinished business.
And a promise to an old friend.
“Bill’s not in great health right now,” Gary said of Hay, who turned 84 last December.
“To me, would there be anything cooler then if Bill’s still here and whenever they (award) this thing, if Cale could call him and say, ‘Bill, look at this!’ That, to me, would be unreal.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Denver weather: Sunny and hot with chance of afternoon rain

Warm weather and mostly sunny skies are in the forecast for Denver Monday before possible storms in the afternoon , @ @ @ @ @ Service .
The high temperature is expected to reach 91 degrees with an overnight low @ @ @ @ @ a 30 % chance of rain and thunderstorms in the metro area after 3 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ in the evening , according to the NWS .
The warm weather is expected to @ @ @ @ @ high 80s to low 90s with slight chances of afternoon thunderstorms through the end of @ @ @ @ @ s high will be 88 degrees with a low of 60 in the nighttime .

It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer.
Warm weather and mostly sunny skies are in the forecast for Denver Monday before possible storms in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
The high temperature is expected to reach 91 degrees with an overnight low of 61. There is a 30% chance of rain and thunderstorms in the metro area after 3 p.m., falling to 20% in the evening, according to the NWS.
The warm weather is expected to continue with temperatures reaching the high 80s to low 90s with slight chances of afternoon thunderstorms through the end of the week. Tuesday’s high will be 88 degrees with a low of 60 in the nighttime.


thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Ask Amy: Rent-less son could become house sitter

Dear Amy : My husband and I are retired .
We own two homes – one in the north , one in the south .
Our 40-year-old son still lives with us up north .
We spend about six months of the year in each place .
We are covering all expenses for our son ( except for his food , car , and telephone ) .
We pay heat , electric , water , cable , insurance , landscaping , etc .
He does not contribute financially in any way .
He has worked full-time since graduating college and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comforting to have someone in the house while we are gone .
He does take care of things if a need arises .
When we return , however , I have to deep-clean the place and my husband becomes 24-hour gardener to restore the home to how it was when we left .
I strongly feel that my son should be contributing financially and doing some chores , but my husband keeps saying , “ Oh , leave him alone.
” I think he should be paying rent .
And we definitely want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his comings and goings ( and those of his acquaintances ) .
We love our son dearly and do not want to hurt or alienate him .
Can you help resolve this dilemma ?
Dear Frustrated : Your son should be paying rent during the six months when you are all in the house together .
His rent should be reduced or eliminated during the time he is basically house-sitting for you during the winter .
Many people hire seasonal house sitters during the off-season , because of the substantial risks to leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it in exchange for a place to live , but many charge a per/day fee .
In terms of you returning home to face many large tasks , he is 40 years old !
He should help with cleaning and do all of the yard work ( unless your husband enjoys it ) , and yes – you should return to a house ( basically ) as clean as you left it .
It is completely reasonable to expect this .
I ’ m guessing you have never made this expectation clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve offered practical ideas .
However , it sounds as if you just don ’ t want to live with your son .
That is completely understandable and absolutely within reason .
You could suggest he move out altogether , or look into a six-month furnished rental during the summer ( when you ’ re in the house ) and then move into your home ( rent free ) in the winter .
Dear Amy : I live 3,000 miles away from my parents and have only been able to communicate with them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to age , my parents are considered to be higher risk for the virus .
They tell me they are careful .
Last week , they announced they were going to a beach house with two other couples and planned to visit tourist destinations in the area that were reopening .
I was floored .
I begged them to reconsider and their response was , “ We understand your concern and promise to be careful.
” My sister later learned through mutual friends that my parents have not been as careful as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in their house , they regularly have meals with neighbors , etc. )
.
I don ’ t think they ’ ve lied to us , but I believe they ’ ve conveniently withheld details .
I don ’ t know what to do .
I ’ ve shared my concern about the consequences of their decisions .
We ’ re all fatigued by this virus , but I want to put my foot down .
How do I get through to them ?
Dear Upset : You won ’ t get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking risks , and they know this because they haven ’ t been honest with you about their choices .
You can not control them from 3,000 miles away .
You likely wouldn ’ t be able to control them from one mile away .
This lack of control is a major stressor for family members everywhere , and it is a sadness you will have to learn to tolerate , while you put your hands together and hope for the best .
Dear Amy : You ran a letter from “ Wondering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stayed open during the coronavirus pandemic .
As an addictionologist , I will tell you that individuals who quit drinking “ cold-turkey ” risk the potential of severe , even life-threatening withdrawal .
While I doubt that this was in the thoughts of the politicians who made these decisions , keeping the liquor stores open saved lives .
Dear Charles : Many other readers pointed out the risk of alcohol withdrawal , and I appreciate the perspective and correction .

Dear Amy: My husband and I are retired. We own two homes – one in the north, one in the south. Our 40-year-old son still lives with us up north.
We spend about six months of the year in each place. We are covering all expenses for our son (except for his food, car, and telephone). We pay heat, electric, water, cable, insurance, landscaping, etc.
He does not contribute financially in any way. He has worked full-time since graduating college and is doing fine financially.
It is comforting to have someone in the house while we are gone. He does take care of things if a need arises. When we return, however, I have to deep-clean the place and my husband becomes 24-hour gardener to restore the home to how it was when we left.
I strongly feel that my son should be contributing financially and doing some chores, but my husband keeps saying, “Oh, leave him alone.”
I think he should be paying rent. And we definitely want to relax and not be interrupted by his comings and goings (and those of his acquaintances).
We love our son dearly and do not want to hurt or alienate him.
Can you help resolve this dilemma?
— Frustrated Mom
Dear Frustrated: Your son should be paying rent during the six months when you are all in the house together. His rent should be reduced or eliminated during the time he is basically house-sitting for you during the winter.
Many people hire seasonal house sitters during the off-season, because of the substantial risks to leaving a house empty. Some house sitters do it in exchange for a place to live, but many charge a per/day fee.
In terms of you returning home to face many large tasks, he is 40 years old! He should help with cleaning and do all of the yard work (unless your husband enjoys it), and yes – you should return to a house (basically) as clean as you left it. It is completely reasonable to expect this. I’m guessing you have never made this expectation clear to him, however.
I’ve offered practical ideas. However, it sounds as if you just don’t want to live with your son. That is completely understandable and absolutely within reason. You could suggest he move out altogether, or look into a six-month furnished rental during the summer (when you’re in the house) and then move into your home (rent free) in the winter.
Dear Amy: I live 3,000 miles away from my parents and have only been able to communicate with them by phone/video chat during COVID.
Due to age, my parents are considered to be higher risk for the virus. They tell me they are careful. Last week, they announced they were going to a beach house with two other couples and planned to visit tourist destinations in the area that were reopening. I was floored. I begged them to reconsider and their response was, “We understand your concern and promise to be careful.” My sister later learned through mutual friends that my parents have not been as careful as they’ve let on (friends have been in their house, they regularly have meals with neighbors, etc.).
I don’t think they’ve lied to us, but I believe they’ve conveniently withheld details. I don’t know what to do. I’ve shared my concern about the consequences of their decisions. We’re all fatigued by this virus, but I want to put my foot down. How do I get through to them?
— Upset
Dear Upset: You won’t get through to them. Your parents are taking risks, and they know this because they haven’t been honest with you about their choices. You cannot control them from 3,000 miles away. You likely wouldn’t be able to control them from one mile away. This lack of control is a major stressor for family members everywhere, and it is a sadness you will have to learn to tolerate, while you put your hands together and hope for the best.
Dear Amy: You ran a letter from “Wondering,” who asked why liquor stores stayed open during the coronavirus pandemic.
As an addictionologist, I will tell you that individuals who quit drinking “cold-turkey” risk the potential of severe, even life-threatening withdrawal.
While I doubt that this was in the thoughts of the politicians who made these decisions, keeping the liquor stores open saved lives.
— Charles Schauberger, MD, FASAM
Dear Charles: Many other readers pointed out the risk of alcohol withdrawal, and I appreciate the perspective and correction.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Mass gatherings, erosion of trust upend coronavirus control

NEW YORK — Protests erupting across the nation over the past week — and law enforcement ’ s response to them — are threatening to upend efforts by health officials to track and contain the spread of coronavirus just as those efforts were finally getting underway .
Health experts need newly infected people to remember and recount everyone they ’ ve interacted with over several days in order to alert others who may have been exposed , and prevent them from spreading the disease further .
But that process , known as contact tracing , relies on people knowing who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a daunting task if they ’ ve been to a mass gathering .
And the process relies on something that may be suddenly be in especially short supply : Trust in government .
“ These events that are happening now are further threats to the trust we need , ” said Dr. Sandro Galea , dean of the Boston University School of Public Health .
“ If we do not have that , I worry our capacity to control new outbreaks becomes more limited , ” he said .
Government officials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churches and other organizations after months of stay-at-home orders and other infection-prevention measures .
But health experts also hoped that any reopening would be accompanied by widespread testing , contact tracing and isolation to prevent new waves of illness from beginning .
Over the past week , protests sparked by the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned a knee to his neck , have involved thousands of people gathered tightly together in large crowds in more than 20 cities nationwide .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will trigger large new outbreaks .
The protests were outside , where infections don ’ t spread as readily as indoors .
Also , many of the protesters were wearing masks , and much of the contact was likely less-hazardous “ transient ” moments of people moving around , passing each other , said Dr. William Schaffner , an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University .
But , still , experts worry that public efforts to contain the disease in the future could be undermined .
In Los Angeles , the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centers were being closed because of safety concerns related to violent protests .
Testing in Minneapolis will be affected because some of the clinics that provide the service have been damaged in the protests , according to a city government spokesperson .
Reduced testing could “ be giving the virus another head start , ” Schaffner said .
And contract tracing , which is only just getting going in several states , is an even bigger concern .
It involves people who work for or with health departments asking intimate questions about where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been talking to — and getting full , truthful answers in return .
“ In this current environment which has enhanced or brought forth a mistrust of governmental authority , it might make them disinclined to speak with anyone in government , ” Schaffner said .
That is especially true in black communities trying to cope with episodes of police violence and longstanding frustrations with how they have been marginalized and mistreated by people who work for government agencies .
And those are the communities that have been hardest hit by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in need of public health measures to help control it .
In a press conference Saturday , Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington used the term “ contact tracing ” when describing an investigation into arrested protesters there .
He said the goal is to “ see if there are crime or white supremacy organizations that have played a role ” and “ to understand how do we go after them , legally , ” Harrington said .
But Harrington ’ s use of “ contact tracing ” by law enforcement may complicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they try to track the virus ’ s spread , some experts said .
“ That was an abuse of the word ‘ contact tracing.
’ That is not what contact tracing is , ” said Dr. Tom Frieden , former director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ Contact tracing is a service to patients and their contacts to provide services for patients and warning for contacts .
It has nothing to do with police activity .
Nothing , ” said Frieden , who currently president of Resolve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works to prevent epidemics .
Galea said he hopes many people will separate in their minds the contact tracing done by public health workers from crime investigations by the police .
But , he added , “ I do think sometimes it ’ s difficult to make a distinction when you feel marginalized by , and targeted by , the the entire government.
” The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get health news sent straight to your inbox .
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado .

NEW YORK — Protests erupting across the nation over the past week — and law enforcement’s response to them — are threatening to upend efforts by health officials to track and contain the spread of coronavirus just as those efforts were finally getting underway.
Health experts need newly infected people to remember and recount everyone they’ve interacted with over several days in order to alert others who may have been exposed, and prevent them from spreading the disease further. But that process, known as contact tracing, relies on people knowing who they’ve been in contact with — a daunting task if they’ve been to a mass gathering.
And the process relies on something that may be suddenly be in especially short supply: Trust in government.
“These events that are happening now are further threats to the trust we need,” said Dr. Sandro Galea, dean of the Boston University School of Public Health. “If we do not have that, I worry our capacity to control new outbreaks becomes more limited,” he said.
Government officials have been hoping to continue reopening businesses, churches and other organizations after months of stay-at-home orders and other infection-prevention measures. But health experts also hoped that any reopening would be accompanied by widespread testing, contact tracing and isolation to prevent new waves of illness from beginning.
Over the past week, protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned a knee to his neck, have involved thousands of people gathered tightly together in large crowds in more than 20 cities nationwide.
It’s unclear if the protests themselves will trigger large new outbreaks. The protests were outside, where infections don’t spread as readily as indoors. Also, many of the protesters were wearing masks, and much of the contact was likely less-hazardous “transient” moments of people moving around, passing each other, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University.
But, still, experts worry that public efforts to contain the disease in the future could be undermined.
In Los Angeles, the city’s mayor announced Saturday that COVID-19 testing centers were being closed because of safety concerns related to violent protests. Testing in Minneapolis will be affected because some of the clinics that provide the service have been damaged in the protests, according to a city government spokesperson.
Reduced testing could “be giving the virus another head start,” Schaffner said.
And contract tracing, which is only just getting going in several states, is an even bigger concern. It involves people who work for or with health departments asking intimate questions about where a person has been and who they’ve been talking to — and getting full, truthful answers in return.
“In this current environment which has enhanced or brought forth a mistrust of governmental authority, it might make them disinclined to speak with anyone in government,” Schaffner said.
That is especially true in black communities trying to cope with episodes of police violence and longstanding frustrations with how they have been marginalized and mistreated by people who work for government agencies. And those are the communities that have been hardest hit by the coronavirus in the U.S. and most in need of public health measures to help control it.
In a press conference Saturday, Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington used the term “contact tracing” when describing an investigation into arrested protesters there. He said the goal is to “see if there are crime or white supremacy organizations that have played a role” and “to understand how do we go after them, legally,” Harrington said.
But Harrington’s use of “contact tracing” by law enforcement may complicate the job of help health workers as they try to track the virus’s spread, some experts said.
“That was an abuse of the word ‘contact tracing.’ That is not what contact tracing is,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Contact tracing is a service to patients and their contacts to provide services for patients and warning for contacts. It has nothing to do with police activity. Nothing,” said Frieden, who currently president of Resolve to Save Lives, a nonprofit that works to prevent epidemics.
Galea said he hopes many people will separate in their minds the contact tracing done by public health workers from crime investigations by the police. But, he added, “I do think sometimes it’s difficult to make a distinction when you feel marginalized by, and targeted by, the the entire government.”
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on coronavirus in Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Fifth night of George Floyd protests underway in Denver

Denver police Chief Paul Pazen linked arms with two black men Monday evening and walked past the City-County Building as demonstrators began the fifth day of protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis .
Chiefs and police officers in other cities have mingled with protesters but this is Pazen ’ s first time meeting face-to-face with demonstrators .
The images of the chief in his regular uniform and only wearing a cloth mask to protect him from the novel coronavirus provided a contrast to images of Denver police officers in riot gearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests .
As on the previous days , Monday ’ s demonstrations began peacefully .
With people walking and chanting through the heart of downtown .
Lucas Simonis went on Facebook and asked people to bring flowers to place along police barricades .
He figured only a few close friends would participate but hundreds latched onto the idea .
“ This is meant to be a way to keep things positive and calm and to make sure everyone knows we ’ re unified in a goal of nonviolence and earnest desire for change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd ’ s death began Thursday night in Denver and have brought days of unrest as people chant and march over the deaths of black people at the hands of law enforcement .
But the demonstrations also have erupted into violence with police officers firing tear gas and foam bullets at protesters as people vandalized businesses and government buildings , including setting fires .
Some protesters have lobbed rocks and bottles toward police , and Mayor Michael Hancock said during a Monday morning interview on Colorado Public Radio that officers have confiscated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday extended an emergency curfew order through the week , telling residents they must be off the streets by 9 p.m .
The first curfew was put in place on Saturday , but protesters have ignored the order and remained on the state Capitol grounds well past their deadline to leave .
Since protests began on Thursday , Denver police have arrested 284 people , including 170 who were cited on Sunday .
Violations have ranged from assault on a peace officer to burglary and arson to a curfew violations .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful , and volunteers have cleaned graffiti off monuments and buildings even as others were shouting and marching .
Taroya Hawthorne brought her 11-year-old and 7-year-old to the Capitol Monday morning to get a sense of the mood and to listen to others .
She ’ s married to a veteran police officer in Alabama .
She understands why people are mad and even though she does not condone violence , said , “ It ’ s been going on for too long .
When you do it peacefully , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Denver police Chief Paul Pazen linked arms with protesters, many of them black, Monday evening and walked past the City and County Building as demonstrators began the fifth day of protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis.
Chiefs and police officers in other cities have mingled with protesters, including holding signs and kneeling, but this was Pazen’s first time meeting face-to-face with demonstrators. The images of the chief in his regular uniform and only wearing a cloth mask to protect him from the novel coronavirus provided a contrast to images of Denver police officers in riot gearing firing tear gas at people during previous protests.
Seventeen-year-old Ashira Campbell said she walked with Pazen, telling him, “I’m tired, chief.”
“This needs to go out to all police departments,” Campbell said. “Justice needs to be served to all lives. Right now, black people are targeted. Enough is enough.”
Campbell, who was on her third day of protesting, attended with her mom, Porshai Campbell. On previous days, she challenged officers by asking them, “Are you here for my protection or are you here to kill me?” But seeing the chief on the streets and watching other officers joining him “was very encouraging.”
As on the previous days, Monday’s demonstrations began peacefully with people assembling outside the Colorado Capitol. For eight minutes and 45 seconds — the amount of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on the back of Floyd’s neck — hundreds knelt in silence on the state house lawn.
But the tension increased as night fell and a curfew approached. Mayor Michael Hancock extended a curfew he imposed on Saturday, but changed the time to 9 p.m. nightly through Friday.
Just as the clock struck 9 Monday, an estimated 1,000 protesters marched along Welton Street shouting, “We want justice!” and “(expletive) your curfew!” But police were not obviously visible. On Sunday, police held off until more than an hour after the curfew passed.
More than two hours after curfew passed, several hundred people continued to march, pausing to lie face down in the street with hands behind their backs. An occasional firework would burst overhead, and a recording, aired over a loudspeaker, warned people against violating curfew. Still, police kept away.
Finally, around midnight, Denver police fired tear gas at the remaining protesters, sending them scurrying through the streets. Most appeared to be heading home.
Still, some veterans of the five-days of unrest said that Monday felt more peaceful and less tense than other days. There appeared to be very little vandalism. They were not sure why.
Sade Dixon, 25, of Denver, used her black Chevrolet Suburban to distribute water and snacks to participants. In past days, it’s also been used to ferry away people who were injured or choking on tear gas and the SUV has been hit multiple times with projectiles fired by police, she said.
“Today’s crowd is really peaceful,” Dixon said. “Everybody has each other’s backs. I haven’t seen anything like this in the history of my life.”
Protests over Floyd’s death began Thursday night in Denver and brought days of unrest as thousands chanted and marched over the deaths of black people at the hands of law enforcement. But the demonstrations also have erupted into violence with police officers firing tear gas and foam bullets at protesters as people vandalized businesses and government buildings, including setting fires. Some protesters have lobbed rocks and bottles toward police, and Mayor Michael Hancock said during a Monday morning interview on Colorado Public Radio’s Colorado Matters talk show that police have confiscated many weapons, including assault rifles and Molatov cocktails. He insisted that officers only responded with force after protesters became aggressive toward them. People on the streets have disagreed with that take.
Since protests began on Thursday, Denver police have arrested 284 people, including 170 who were cited on Sunday. Violations have ranged from assault on a peace officer to burglary and arson to a curfew violations.
Many organizers have urged fellow protesters to remain peaceful, and volunteers have cleaned graffiti off monuments and buildings even as others were shouting and marching.
Lucas Simonis was among those who tried to change the tenor of protests. He went on Facebook and asked people to bring flowers to place along police barricades. He figured only a few close friends would participate but hundreds latched onto the idea.
“This is meant to be a way to keep things positive and calm and to make sure everyone knows we’re unified in a goal of nonviolence and earnest desire for change,” Simonis said.
Taroya Hawthorne brought her 11-year-old and 7-year-old to the Capitol Monday morning to get a sense of the mood and to listen to others. She’s married to a veteran police officer in Alabama. She understands why people are mad and even though she does not condone violence, said, “It’s been going on for too long. When you do it peacefully, it’s like you’re not getting heard.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Editorial: George Floyd’s final moments should change us all but not turn us to violence

Even after George Floyd appears to lose consciousness , Derek Chauvin keeps his knee on the 46-year-old ’ s neck .
Chauvin , and at least three other Minneapolis police officers , ignore Floyd ’ s repeated pleas for help .
“ I can ’ t breathe , ” Floyd tells the police ; he calls for his mother ; he agrees to get into the police car if the police will just get off him .
After his limp body is loaded into an ambulance , paramedics report George Floyd ’ s heart isn ’ t beating .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd ’ s final moments , captured by witnesses who begged Chauvin to remove his knee from Floyd ’ s neck , are horrifying .
His last moments are also tragically familiar .
We know — frequently only because of video evidence — that police in Colorado and across America can use excessive force with deadly results .
We ’ ve seen police fire their weapons into the backs of fleeing suspects .
We ’ ve seen law enforcement use Tasers and tear gas on restrained individuals .
We ’ ve seen sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on prone suspects long after they ’ ve stopped resisting or passed out .
Just last month , shocking video was released showing the son of a former Georgia law enforcement officer shooting and killing Ahmaud Arbery , a young man out for a run in broad daylight .
The victims are disproportionally black and Hispanic men .
And long before everyone carried a video camera in their pockets , the killers of these men often escaped justice .
Today , there is hope for justice .
Chauvin has been arrested and charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been charged with murder in the death of Arbery .
The outcomes of these cases will be critical .
The blind eye the justice system has turned toward victims of police brutality in America has allowed a few police and vigilantes to act as jury , judge and executioner .
If more of these uniformed killers were in jail for their actions , perhaps these rogue police officers wouldn ’ t feel empowered to kill again .
There is hope for change .
Around the world , hundreds of thousands of people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can prevent police brutality and vigilante justice .
But there is also cause for great despair .
Senseless deaths in Georgia and Minnesota have been met with senseless violence in cities across America .
At night , Denver has turned into a place of danger and destruction .
Buildings have been vandalized and police say they are being attacked by organized groups trying to provoke a reaction from officers .
This must stop .
Yes , non-violent protest is tragically slow , but it is also righteous and sustainable .
Harming innocent property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and endangering innocent lives are also acts of evil , regardless of how the crimes were provoked .
We won ’ t pretend to know who it is throwing rocks , wielding knives and detonating homemade explosives in downtown Denver .
We ’ ve heard reports that they are leftist anarchist and anti-fascist groups .
We ’ ve heard reports that they are right-wing , nut-jobs trying to incite a race war .
We ’ ve heard reports that it ’ s some strange combination of the two .
But even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mothers of black men , brokenhearted and desperate to make the world a safer place for their children , the violence would be a mistake .
For all of her problems , for all of her flaws , America is trudging toward good .
We believe , and we think most Americans believe , that we are a long way from the justifiable use of force against America ’ s government .
We are a long way from calling for the violent overthrow of our establishments .
We are a long way from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and honest .
Most care deeply about the communities they work in and most use force judiciously .
Many desperately want criminal justice reform and better use-of-force policies in their departments .
These men and women deserve to go home at night to their families just as George Floyd deserved to go home to his family .
“ What hurts the most is that people don ’ t think we are angry too , ” Murphy Robinson , Denver ’ s executive director of the Department of Public Safety , told us on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
They know and they feel as though this should have never happened.
” Robinson , who is a former police officer , has been on the front lines of the protests downtown when they have become violent and he is urging Coloradans to stay home .
Given reports from Robinson and others that protests during the day have been peaceful , we hope at the very least that Coloradans will respect Denver ’ s 9 p.m. curfew and go home after a day of exercising their constitutional right to protest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ still in the middle of an unprecedented public health crisis — one that has already disproportionately impacted minority communities in Colorado and globally .
In the light of the potential for harming themselves and our health care workers , we urge protesters to join us in finding alternative outlets for our anger and frustration .
Colorado lawmakers should — this month — address the many shortcomings in Colorado law dealing with the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers .
For example , in August police shot De ’ Von Bailey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back as he ran from the police .
According to Colorado law , an officer is justified in using deadly physical force in several circumstances , including “ to effect an arrest , or to prevent the escape from custody , of a person whom he reasonably believes : Has committed or attempted to commit a felony involving the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon.
” Bailey had a gun in his shorts that he had been accused of using in a mugging .
But police discovered the gun only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the back .
We think Colorado officers should exercise a higher standard than “ reasonably believes ” for using deadly force .
No one was charged with a crime in regard to Bailey ’ s death .
The entire statute needs to be revisited and improved .
Again , we call for police departments across the state to emulate Denver ’ s model of external oversight .
We urge the state to look at creating a standard procedure that sends all criminal proceedings against police to a grand jury run by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event occurred .
And across America , political leaders need to find a way to break the protections put in place by police unions that are keeping bad officers and deputies on the force despite repeated warning signs .
In March , the Colorado Supreme Court refused to review a lower-court ruling that effectively reinstated two police officers who were fired years ago for lying about their use of force during an incident that was caught on tape .
The officers received 11 years worth of back pay .
It made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this state and Denver ’ s police union must work to ensure it never happens again .
These changes will not come without continued , sustained pressure on elected and appointed officials .
The time for change was decades ago , but America and Colorado can take steps today that will perhaps someday save a life .
George Floyd ’ s final moments were captured by onlookers who refused to simply walk away from the horror unfolding before them .
None of us should be able to walk away from those videos unchanged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a better world .
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 .

Even after George Floyd appears to lose consciousness, Derek Chauvin keeps his knee on the 46-year-old’s neck. Chauvin, and at least three other Minneapolis police officers, ignore Floyd’s repeated pleas for help. “I can’t breathe,” Floyd tells the police; he calls for his mother; he agrees to get into the police car if the police will just get off him. After his limp body is loaded into an ambulance, paramedics report George Floyd’s heart isn’t beating. He is pronounced dead at the hospital.
Floyd’s final moments, captured by witnesses who begged Chauvin to remove his knee from Floyd’s neck, are horrifying.
His last moments are also tragically familiar.
We know — frequently only because of video evidence — that police in Colorado and across America can use excessive force with deadly results. We’ve seen police fire their weapons into the backs of fleeing suspects. We’ve seen law enforcement use Tasers and tear gas on restrained individuals. We’ve seen sheriff’s deputies and police officers kneel on prone suspects long after they’ve stopped resisting or passed out.
Just last month, shocking video was released showing the son of a former Georgia law enforcement officer shooting and killing Ahmaud Arbery, a young man out for a run in broad daylight.
The victims are disproportionally black and Hispanic men. And long before everyone carried a video camera in their pockets, the killers of these men often escaped justice.
Today, there is hope for justice. Chauvin has been arrested and charged with murder, and two men have been charged with murder in the death of Arbery. The outcomes of these cases will be critical. The blind eye the justice system has turned toward victims of police brutality in America has allowed a few police and vigilantes to act as jury, judge and executioner. If more of these uniformed killers were in jail for their actions, perhaps these rogue police officers wouldn’t feel empowered to kill again.
There is hope for change. Around the world, hundreds of thousands of people are peacefully protesting, calling for reforms that can prevent police brutality and vigilante justice.
But there is also cause for great despair.
Senseless deaths in Georgia and Minnesota have been met with senseless violence in cities across America. At night, Denver has turned into a place of danger and destruction. Buildings have been vandalized and police say they are being attacked by organized groups trying to provoke a reaction from officers.
This must stop. Yes, non-violent protest is tragically slow, but it is also righteous and sustainable. Harming innocent property owners, destroying public buildings and monuments, and endangering innocent lives are also acts of evil, regardless of how the crimes were provoked.
We won’t pretend to know who it is throwing rocks, wielding knives and detonating homemade explosives in downtown Denver. We’ve heard reports that they are leftist anarchist and anti-fascist groups. We’ve heard reports that they are right-wing, nut-jobs trying to incite a race war. We’ve heard reports that it’s some strange combination of the two.
But even if the bricks were being lobbed by the mothers of black men, brokenhearted and desperate to make the world a safer place for their children, the violence would be a mistake.
For all of her problems, for all of her flaws, America is trudging toward good. We believe, and we think most Americans believe, that we are a long way from the justifiable use of force against America’s government. We are a long way from calling for the violent overthrow of our establishments. We are a long way from anarchy.
Most police officers are hard-working and honest. Most care deeply about the communities they work in and most use force judiciously. Many desperately want criminal justice reform and better use-of-force policies in their departments.
These men and women deserve to go home at night to their families just as George Floyd deserved to go home to his family.
“What hurts the most is that people don’t think we are angry too,” Murphy Robinson, Denver’s executive director of the Department of Public Safety, told us on Monday. “Cops are angry about this. They know and they feel as though this should have never happened.”
Robinson, who is a former police officer, has been on the front lines of the protests downtown when they have become violent and he is urging Coloradans to stay home.
Given reports from Robinson and others that protests during the day have been peaceful, we hope at the very least that Coloradans will respect Denver’s 9 p.m. curfew and go home after a day of exercising their constitutional right to protest.
But we also recognize that we are still in the middle of an unprecedented public health crisis — one that has already disproportionately impacted minority communities in Colorado and globally. In the light of the potential for harming themselves and our health care workers, we urge protesters to join us in finding alternative outlets for our anger and frustration.
Colorado lawmakers should — this month — address the many shortcomings in Colorado law dealing with the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. For example, in August police shot De’Von Bailey, a 19-year-old from Colorado Springs, in the back as he ran from the police.
According to Colorado law, an officer is justified in using deadly physical force in several circumstances, including “to effect an arrest, or to prevent the escape from custody, of a person whom he reasonably believes: Has committed or attempted to commit a felony involving the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon.” Bailey had a gun in his shorts that he had been accused of using in a mugging. But police discovered the gun only after Bailey had been shot several times in the back. We think Colorado officers should exercise a higher standard than “reasonably believes” for using deadly force. No one was charged with a crime in regard to Bailey’s death.
The entire statute needs to be revisited and improved.
Again, we call for police departments across the state to emulate Denver’s model of external oversight. We urge the state to look at creating a standard procedure that sends all criminal proceedings against police to a grand jury run by a district attorney outside of the county where the event occurred.
And across America, political leaders need to find a way to break the protections put in place by police unions that are keeping bad officers and deputies on the force despite repeated warning signs. In March, the Colorado Supreme Court refused to review a lower-court ruling that effectively reinstated two police officers who were fired years ago for lying about their use of force during an incident that was caught on tape. The officers received 11 years worth of back pay. It made a mockery of honest law enforcement officers across this state and Denver’s police union must work to ensure it never happens again.
These changes will not come without continued, sustained pressure on elected and appointed officials. The time for change was decades ago, but America and Colorado can take steps today that will perhaps someday save a life.
George Floyd’s final moments were captured by onlookers who refused to simply walk away from the horror unfolding before them. None of us should be able to walk away from those videos unchanged. All of us should be calling for a better world.
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--2020-06-02--Personhood debate: Colorado Supreme Court rules child abuse can’t happen in the womb

In a split decision , the Colorado Supreme Court ruled Monday that those who injure unborn babies can ’ t be prosecuted for child abuse , even if the infant is born and survives an in utero attack with lifelong injuries .
In the 4-3 decision , the majority of justices found that the state ’ s child abuse law is unclear as to whether child abuse can happen in the womb .
Because of that ambiguity , the court followed a last-resort approach that obligated them to rule in favor of the defense and found that Andre Jones , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convicted of shooting his pregnant wife in the stomach — killing her and causing lasting injuries to her unborn daughter — can not be convicted of child abuse , even though the girl still suffers from debilitating neurological damage .
The ruling is another step in a years-long and nuanced debate about whether fetuses ought to be recognized as persons under state law — a hot-button topic with wide-ranging implications stretching from abortion to the criminal prosecution of pregnant women .
Practically , the court ’ s ruling will likely stop the prosecution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child abuse charges if the child survives the attack .
But the decision also leaves open the possibility that fetuses can be considered persons under Colorado law and puts it in the hands of state lawmakers to clarify whether unborn babies should be protected under the state ’ s child abuse statutes , said Aya Gruber , a professor of law at the University of Colorado Boulder .
“ It ’ s kind of wild that they ’ re saying , ‘ It ’ s not clear to us on the face of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t really mean ‘ person or fetus , ’ she said .
“ In other words , they ’ re saying it is a completely plausible facial meaning of the word ‘ person ’ to include ‘ fetus.
’ That part of it all seems like a pretty big blow to the anti-personhood [ movement ] and maybe a symbolic victory for the personhood movement.
” The majority of justices could not determine whether lawmakers intended to protect unborn fetuses under the child abuse statute by using the statute ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including considering common law doctrine that says child abuse prosecutions are permissible if a child injured in utero is born alive , according to the 31-page majority opinion supported by Justices William Hood , Monica Marquez , Richard Gabriel and Melissa Hart .
“ We are particularly concerned that adopting the ‘ born alive ’ doctrine to define a criminal element would usurp the role of the legislature , ” Hood wrote .
“ Therefore , we decline the temptation to make law , no matter how sympathetic the alleged victim.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Nathan Coats and Justices Brian Boatright and Carlos Samour call the majority ’ s opinion a “ policy decision ” that goes beyond the court ’ s role and does , in fact , usurp the role of the legislature .
They argue that lawmakers ’ ambiguity in the child abuse statute was intentional , and lawmakers ’ subsequent refusal to clarify the language — despite a decade-old appeal from the courts to do so — shows legislators wanted to allow for the criminal prosecution of suspects who injure unborn babies when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lasting injuries .
“ In the simplest of terms , the majority does in two paragraphs what the legislature has declined to do for over ten years : it redefines the definition of ‘ child ’ in the child abuse statute , ” Boatright wrote in the dissent .
He argued that the court did not need to follow its last-resort decision making method — which defaults the judgment in favor of the defendant — because the legislature ’ s intent can be understood from the lack of action and through common sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ actions , this child stands as an independent victim , separate and apart from her mother , ” he wrote .
“ She will suffer for her entire life because of the defendant ’ s actions .
Surely the legislature did not intend to disregard her as a victim.
” Jones was convicted of killing his estranged wife , Lakeisha Jones , 32 , in 2013 .
Prosecutors said he broke into her apartment , waited for her to come home and shot her in the belly as she unlocked her door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones ’ conviction for first-degree murder in the case and ordered that he be granted a new trial after finding that his right to a public trial was violated when the judge excluded his parents from the courtroom during the testimony of two witnesses .
Jones can not be retried on the child abuse charge .
A spokesman for Attorney General Phil Weiser , whose office brought the appeal to the state ’ s highest court , was not immediately available for comment Monday .
The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Life did not return a request for comment .

In a split decision, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled Monday that those who injure unborn babies can’t be prosecuted for child abuse, even if the infant is born and survives an in utero attack with lifelong injuries.
In the 4-3 decision, the majority of justices found that the state’s child abuse law is unclear as to whether child abuse can happen in the womb. Because of that ambiguity, the court followed a last-resort approach that obligated them to rule in favor of the defense and found that Andre Jones, 38, of Fountain, who was convicted of shooting his pregnant wife in the stomach — killing her and causing lasting injuries to her unborn daughter — cannot be convicted of child abuse, even though the girl still suffers from debilitating neurological damage.
The ruling is another step in a years-long and nuanced debate about whether fetuses ought to be recognized as persons under state law — a hot-button topic with wide-ranging implications stretching from abortion to the criminal prosecution of pregnant women.
Practically, the court’s ruling will likely stop the prosecution of suspects who injure unborn children on child abuse charges if the child survives the attack. But the decision also leaves open the possibility that fetuses can be considered persons under Colorado law and puts it in the hands of state lawmakers to clarify whether unborn babies should be protected under the state’s child abuse statutes, said Aya Gruber, a professor of law at the University of Colorado Boulder.
“It’s kind of wild that they’re saying, ‘It’s not clear to us on the face of it that the word ‘person’ doesn’t really mean ‘person or fetus,’ she said. “In other words, they’re saying it is a completely plausible facial meaning of the word ‘person’ to include ‘fetus.’ That part of it all seems like a pretty big blow to the anti-personhood [movement] and maybe a symbolic victory for the personhood movement.”
The majority of justices could not determine whether lawmakers intended to protect unborn fetuses under the child abuse statute by using the statute’s plain language or through other legal methods, including considering common law doctrine that says child abuse prosecutions are permissible if a child injured in utero is born alive, according to the 31-page majority opinion supported by Justices William Hood, Monica Marquez, Richard Gabriel and Melissa Hart.
“We are particularly concerned that adopting the ‘born alive’ doctrine to define a criminal element would usurp the role of the legislature,” Hood wrote. “Therefore, we decline the temptation to make law, no matter how sympathetic the alleged victim.”
But in a 29-page dissent, Chief Justice Nathan Coats and Justices Brian Boatright and Carlos Samour call the majority’s opinion a “policy decision” that goes beyond the court’s role and does, in fact, usurp the role of the legislature.
They argue that lawmakers’ ambiguity in the child abuse statute was intentional, and lawmakers’ subsequent refusal to clarify the language — despite a decade-old appeal from the courts to do so — shows legislators wanted to allow for the criminal prosecution of suspects who injure unborn babies when those babies are born and live with lasting injuries.
“In the simplest of terms, the majority does in two paragraphs what the legislature has declined to do for over ten years: it redefines the definition of ‘child’ in the child abuse statute,” Boatright wrote in the dissent.
He argued that the court did not need to follow its last-resort decision making method — which defaults the judgment in favor of the defendant — because the legislature’s intent can be understood from the lack of action and through common sense.
“As a result of Jones’ actions, this child stands as an independent victim, separate and apart from her mother,” he wrote. “She will suffer for her entire life because of the defendant’s actions. Surely the legislature did not intend to disregard her as a victim.”
Jones was convicted of killing his estranged wife, Lakeisha Jones, 32, in 2013. Prosecutors said he broke into her apartment, waited for her to come home and shot her in the belly as she unlocked her door.
On Monday, the court overturned Jones’ conviction for first-degree murder in the case and ordered that he be granted a new trial after finding that his right to a public trial was violated when the judge excluded his parents from the courtroom during the testimony of two witnesses.
Jones cannot be retried on the child abuse charge.
A spokesman for Attorney General Phil Weiser, whose office brought the appeal to the state’s highest court, was not immediately available for comment Monday.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado was unavailable for comment and Colorado Right to Life did not return a request for comment.


thedenverpost--2020-06-02--Colorado may start allowing guided groups for fishing, biking, climbing and other outdoor recreation

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is soliciting public input on a draft of proposed rules regarding outdoor recreation with new Safer at Home guidelines due to be finalized on Thursday .
The invitation to public comment came as Gov .
Jared Polis issued an executive order on Monday relaxing restrictions on “ high-risk ” Coloradans — those 65 years old and older , along with those who have underlying health conditions — who were previously required to stay at home due to COVID-19 .
Monday ’ s executive order says they are now “ encouraged ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing , while staying at home “ as much as possible.
” The draft guidance for outdoor recreation would allow unguided outdoor recreation of any kind for groups of up to 10 people .
It would allow guided groups for fishing , biking , horseback riding , canoeing , kayaking , climbing and other activities for groups of up to 10 .
River outfitters , rafting and Jeep tours could occur if parties in boats or Jeeps were limited to household members .
The draft also includes a long list of rules for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public has until noon on Wednesday to weigh in .
Regarding the relaxation of at-risk people recreating outdoors , Monday ’ s executive order says “ vulnerable individuals ” should “ stay at home or in the vast , great outdoors away from others as much as possible ” while continuing to limit social interactions , maintaining 6-foot distancing and wearing face coverings .
Vulnerable individuals include those 65 or older along with individuals with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma , serious heart conditions , those who are immunocompromised , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be high risk by a licensed healthcare provider.
” “ Our state has some of the most beautiful natural open spaces in the world and we want Coloradans to enjoy our vast , great outdoors , ” Polis said in a news release .
“ Coloradans have to remain diligent , and must continue staying home or in the great outdoors away from others as much as possible , wearing masks when we leave the house , and washing our hands .
Over these next few weeks , each and every one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others , especially as we begin venturing out onto our trails and open space.
” Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , The Adventurist , to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox .

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is soliciting public input on a draft of proposed rules regarding outdoor recreation with new Safer at Home guidelines due to be finalized on Thursday.
The invitation to public comment came as Gov. Jared Polis issued an executive order on Monday relaxing restrictions on “high-risk” Coloradans — those 65 years old and older, along with those who have underlying health conditions — who were previously required to stay at home due to COVID-19. Monday’s executive order says they are now “encouraged” to enjoy the Colorado outdoors, with social distancing, while staying at home “as much as possible.”
The draft guidance for outdoor recreation would allow unguided outdoor recreation of any kind for groups of up to 10 people. It would allow guided groups for fishing, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, climbing and other activities for groups of up to 10. River outfitters, rafting and Jeep tours could occur if parties in boats or Jeeps were limited to household members.
The draft also includes a long list of rules for operators and recreators to follow. The public has until noon on Wednesday to weigh in.
Regarding the relaxation of at-risk people recreating outdoors, Monday’s executive order says “vulnerable individuals” should “stay at home or in the vast, great outdoors away from others as much as possible” while continuing to limit social interactions, maintaining 6-foot distancing and wearing face coverings. Vulnerable individuals include those 65 or older along with individuals with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, those who are immunocompromised, pregnant women and those “determined to be high risk by a licensed healthcare provider.”
“Our state has some of the most beautiful natural open spaces in the world and we want Coloradans to enjoy our vast, great outdoors,” Polis said in a news release. “Coloradans have to remain diligent, and must continue staying home or in the great outdoors away from others as much as possible, wearing masks when we leave the house, and washing our hands. Over these next few weeks, each and every one of us has a responsibility to protect ourselves and others, especially as we begin venturing out onto our trails and open space.”
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Proposed rules would let Colorado pools, playgrounds reopen, recreational sports restart

As Colorado ’ s coronavirus numbers continue to improve , Gov .
Jared Polis released draft orders Monday on the reopening of swimming pools and playgrounds and the resumption of youth and adult recreational sports leagues .
The rules would allow outdoor swimming pools to open at half capacity or for up to 50 people , whichever is fewer .
Up to 10 people at a time would be allowed on playgrounds .
People who don ’ t belong to the same household would have to stay 6 feet apart , and extra cleaning and disinfecting requirements would be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said last week that city pools and playgrounds would be closed at least through June 30 .
The public can comment on the recommendations until noon Wednesday , the governor ’ s office announced in a news release , and the state will finalize the rules Thursday .
The proposed orders come more than a month after Polis ’ Safer at Home plan began the process of reopening the state .
Sports leagues would be allowed to have groups of up to 25 participants outdoors and 10 indoors under the proposal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ permitted to open to up to 10 people at a time .
Masks are encouraged under the draft guidelines .
Draft guidance for places of worship , also released , would allow them to open at 50 % capacity or with up to 50 people in the worship space , whichever is fewer .
Masks would be required at all times .
For outdoor worshiping , participants should be spaced 6 feet apart .
Polis also issued an order Monday allowing short-term rentals to reopen as long as hosts provide hand sanitizer or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait a day before entering the property for cleaning .
While the orders relax some restrictions , Polis called for Coloradans to remain diligent and continue to distance themselves from each other as much as possible , wear face coverings and wash their hands often .
“ It may feel like we are getting back to normal , but the virus is still here , and it could surge back the moment we let our guard down , ” he said in the release .
“ We are still far from normal.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other regulations is available at covid19.colorado.gov .

As Colorado’s coronavirus numbers continue to improve, Gov. Jared Polis released draft orders Monday on the reopening of swimming pools and playgrounds and the resumption of youth and adult recreational sports leagues.
The rules would allow outdoor swimming pools to open at half capacity or for up to 50 people, whichever is fewer. Up to 10 people at a time would be allowed on playgrounds. People who don’t belong to the same household would have to stay 6 feet apart, and extra cleaning and disinfecting requirements would be in place.
Denver city officials, however, said last week that city pools and playgrounds would be closed at least through June 30.
The public can comment on the recommendations until noon Wednesday, the governor’s office announced in a news release, and the state will finalize the rules Thursday. The proposed orders come more than a month after Polis’ Safer at Home plan began the process of reopening the state.
Sports leagues would be allowed to have groups of up to 25 participants outdoors and 10 indoors under the proposal. Outdoor tennis and basketball courts would be permitted to open to up to 10 people at a time. Masks are encouraged under the draft guidelines.
Draft guidance for places of worship, also released, would allow them to open at 50% capacity or with up to 50 people in the worship space, whichever is fewer. Masks would be required at all times. For outdoor worshiping, participants should be spaced 6 feet apart.
Polis also issued an order Monday allowing short-term rentals to reopen as long as hosts provide hand sanitizer or soap and water, cleaning products and wait a day before entering the property for cleaning.
While the orders relax some restrictions, Polis called for Coloradans to remain diligent and continue to distance themselves from each other as much as possible, wear face coverings and wash their hands often.
“It may feel like we are getting back to normal, but the virus is still here, and it could surge back the moment we let our guard down,” he said in the release. “We are still far from normal.”
Additional information on the draft plans and other regulations is available at covid19.colorado.gov.


thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Some parking enforcement measures in Denver resume after COVID-19 break

Some parking enforcement activities resumed Monday in Denver , including the restart of parking meters downtown and elsewhere .
Parking enforcement in Denver was suspended in March because of COVID-19 concerns .
Downtown-area parking meters are operational and will run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. , the according to a city news release said .
Parking meters beyond downtown are also operational , and people should follow the posted price , limits and hours of operation .
Enforcement of time-limited , non-metered parking spaces and residential parking programs also resumes .
Existing permit holders should renew expired permits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should apply and check their status online at www.parksmartdenver.com , the release said .
People unable to provide necessary permit documentation because of COVID-19 illness can pursue a 90-day temporary permit online .
Street sweeping enforcement in Denver will resume on July 1 as will enforcement of 72-hour parking limits .
Fire hydrant clearances and other safety zone measures remained in effect during the safe-at-home and safer-at-home guidelines .
School bus loading zones will go back into enforcement when school resumes .
Vehicles towed because of street paving operations will be left in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car was parked without a citation , according to the release .
Residents who need help finding such vehicles can call ( 720 ) 913-2000 for assistance .

Some parking enforcement activities resumed Monday in Denver, including the restart of parking meters downtown and elsewhere.
Parking enforcement in Denver was suspended in March because of COVID-19 concerns. Downtown-area parking meters are operational and will run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., the according to a city news release said. Parking meters beyond downtown are also operational, and people should follow the posted price, limits and hours of operation.
Enforcement of time-limited, non-metered parking spaces and residential parking programs also resumes. Existing permit holders should renew expired permits, and residents eligible for residential parking permits should apply and check their status online at www.parksmartdenver.com, the release said. People unable to provide necessary permit documentation because of COVID-19 illness can pursue a 90-day temporary permit online.
Street sweeping enforcement in Denver will resume on July 1 as will enforcement of 72-hour parking limits.
Fire hydrant clearances and other safety zone measures remained in effect during the safe-at-home and safer-at-home guidelines. School bus loading zones will go back into enforcement when school resumes.
Vehicles towed because of street paving operations will be left in about a two-block radius of where the car was parked without a citation, according to the release. Residents who need help finding such vehicles can call (720) 913-2000 for assistance.


thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Trump declares he’s president of law and order, warns of military deployment as protests resume

Amid racial unrest across the nation , President Donald Trump on Monday declared himself “ the president of law and order ” and threatened to deploy the United States military to American cities to quell a rise of violent protests .
As Trump spoke , an incredible TV split screen developed around the White House .
While he addressed the nation in the White House ’ s idyllic Rose Garden , a series of military vehicles rolled out front on Pennsylvania Avenue and military police and law enforcement clashed with protesters at Lafayette Park .
Those peaceful demonstrators were cleared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to St. John ’ s Episcopal Church , known as “ The Church of the Presidents , ” which suffered fire damage in a protest this week .
Holding a Bible , he then stood with several of his Cabinet members as the cameras clicked .
“ We have the greatest country in the world , ” Trump declared .
“ We ’ re going to keep it safe.
” Trump said he would mobilize “ thousands and thousands ” of soldiers to keep the peace if governors did not use the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Loud tear gas explosions could be heard as authorities moved what appeared to be peaceful protests in the park .
The escalation came just after Attorney General William Barr came to the park to to survey the demonstrators .
According to senior defense officials , between 600 and 800 National Guard members from five states were being sent to Washington to provide assistance .
Those troops were either already on the ground or will arrive by midnight .
Under the Civil War-era Posse Comitatus Act , federal troops are prohibited from performing domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seizing property or searching people .
In extreme cases , however , the president can invoke the Insurrection Act , also from the Civil War , which allows the use of active-duty or National Guard troops for law enforcement .
The officials said that some of the National Guard in D.C. will be armed and others will not .
They said that the D.C. guard members do not have non-lethal weapons .
The military police that are visible in the city are members of the Guard .
Trump on Monday derided many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tougher crackdowns on burning and stealing among some demonstrations in the aftermath of violent protests in dozens of American cities .
Trump spoke to governors on a video teleconference that also included law enforcement and national security officials , telling the state leaders they “ have to get much tougher.
” “ Most of you are weak , ” Trump said .
“ You have to arrest people.
” The days of protests were triggered by the death of George Floyd , a black man who died when a white Minneapolis police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air .
The demonstrations turned violent in several cities , with people trashing stores , smashing and burning police cars and igniting fires in historic Lafayette Park across from the White House .
Accused by critics of doing too little to defuse the crisis , Trump was to address the nation early Monday evening .
The president urged the governors to deploy the National Guard , which he credited for helping calm the situation Sunday night in Minneapolis .
He demanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities that also experienced violence , including New York , Philadelphia and Los Angeles .
“ You ’ ve got to arrest people , you have to track people , you have to put them in jail for 10 years and you ’ ll never see this stuff again , ” said Trump .
“ We ’ re doing it in Washington , D.C. We ’ re going to do something that people haven ’ t seen before.
” The president told the governors they were making themselves “ look like fools ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Guard as a show for force on city streets .
Attorney General Bill Barr , who was also on the call , told governors that a joint terrorist task force would be used to track agitators and urged local officials to “ dominate ” the streets and control , not react to crowds .
He urged the governors to “ go after troublemakers.
” Trump ’ s angry exhortations at the nation ’ s governors came after a Sunday night of escalating violence , images of fires and looting and clashes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and overshadowing the largely peaceful protests .
The protests had grown so heated Friday night that the Secret Service rushed the president to an underground bunker previously used during terrorist attacks .
On Monday , Trump also spoke of trying to criminalize flag-burning .
The Supreme Court has conservative new members since it last ruled on that issue , and Trump said that “ I think it ’ s time to review that again.
” He continued his effort to project strength , using inflammatory tweets and delivering partisan attacks .
As cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of violence have dominated television coverage , Trump ’ s advisers have discussed the prospect of an Oval Office address in an attempt to ease tensions .
The notion was quickly scrapped for lack of policy proposals and the president ’ s own seeming disinterest in delivering a message of unity .
Trump did not appear in public on Sunday and was not scheduled to on Monday either .
The demonstrations in Washington appeared to catch officers by surprise .
They sparked one of the highest alerts at the White House complex since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has told advisers he worries about his safety , while both privately and publicly praising the work of the Secret Service .
Demonstrators returned Sunday afternoon , facing off against police at Lafayette Park into the evening .
Trump retweeted a message from a conservative commentator encouraging authorities to respond with greater force .
“ This isn ’ t going to stop until the good guys are willing to use overwhelming force against the bad guys , ” Buck Sexton wrote in a message amplified by the president .
In recent days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinforced by the National Guard and additional personnel from the Secret Service and the U.S. Park Police .
The Justice Department deployed members of the U.S .
Marshals Service and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration to supplement National Guard troops outside the White House , according to a senior Justice Department official .
The official could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity .

Amid racial unrest across the nation, President Donald Trump on Monday declared himself “the president of law and order” and threatened to deploy the United States military to American cities to quell a rise of violent protests.
As Trump spoke, an incredible TV split screen developed around the White House. While he addressed the nation in the White House’s idyllic Rose Garden, a series of military vehicles rolled out front on Pennsylvania Avenue and military police and law enforcement clashed with protesters at Lafayette Park.
Those peaceful demonstrators were cleared so Trump could walk across the park to St. John’s Episcopal Church, known as “The Church of the Presidents,” which suffered fire damage in a protest this week. Holding a Bible, he then stood with several of his Cabinet members as the cameras clicked.
“We have the greatest country in the world,” Trump declared. “We’re going to keep it safe.”
Trump said he would mobilize “thousands and thousands” of soldiers to keep the peace if governors did not use the National Guard to shut down the protests. Loud tear gas explosions could be heard as authorities moved what appeared to be peaceful protests in the park. The escalation came just after Attorney General William Barr came to the park to to survey the demonstrators.
According to senior defense officials, between 600 and 800 National Guard members from five states were being sent to Washington to provide assistance. Those troops were either already on the ground or will arrive by midnight.
Under the Civil War-era Posse Comitatus Act, federal troops are prohibited from performing domestic law enforcement actions such as making arrests, seizing property or searching people. In extreme cases, however, the president can invoke the Insurrection Act, also from the Civil War, which allows the use of active-duty or National Guard troops for law enforcement.
The officials said that some of the National Guard in D.C. will be armed and others will not. They said that the D.C. guard members do not have non-lethal weapons. The military police that are visible in the city are members of the Guard.
Trump on Monday derided many governors as “weak” and demanded tougher crackdowns on burning and stealing among some demonstrations in the aftermath of violent protests in dozens of American cities.
Trump spoke to governors on a video teleconference that also included law enforcement and national security officials, telling the state leaders they “have to get much tougher.”
“Most of you are weak,” Trump said. “You have to arrest people.”
The days of protests were triggered by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. The demonstrations turned violent in several cities, with people trashing stores, smashing and burning police cars and igniting fires in historic Lafayette Park across from the White House.
Accused by critics of doing too little to defuse the crisis, Trump was to address the nation early Monday evening.
The president urged the governors to deploy the National Guard, which he credited for helping calm the situation Sunday night in Minneapolis. He demanded that similarly tough measures be taken in cities that also experienced violence, including New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
“You’ve got to arrest people, you have to track people, you have to put them in jail for 10 years and you’ll never see this stuff again,” said Trump. “We’re doing it in Washington, D.C. We’re going to do something that people haven’t seen before.”
The president told the governors they were making themselves “look like fools” for not calling up more of the National Guard as a show for force on city streets.
Attorney General Bill Barr, who was also on the call, told governors that a joint terrorist task force would be used to track agitators and urged local officials to “dominate” the streets and control, not react to crowds. He urged the governors to “go after troublemakers.”
Trump’s angry exhortations at the nation’s governors came after a Sunday night of escalating violence, images of fires and looting and clashes with police filling the nation’s airwaves and overshadowing the largely peaceful protests. The protests had grown so heated Friday night that the Secret Service rushed the president to an underground bunker previously used during terrorist attacks.
On Monday, Trump also spoke of trying to criminalize flag-burning. The Supreme Court has conservative new members since it last ruled on that issue, and Trump said that “I think it’s time to review that again.”
He continued his effort to project strength, using inflammatory tweets and delivering partisan attacks.
As cities have burned night after night and images of violence have dominated television coverage, Trump’s advisers have discussed the prospect of an Oval Office address in an attempt to ease tensions. The notion was quickly scrapped for lack of policy proposals and the president’s own seeming disinterest in delivering a message of unity.
Trump did not appear in public on Sunday and was not scheduled to on Monday either.
The demonstrations in Washington appeared to catch officers by surprise. They sparked one of the highest alerts at the White House complex since the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.
Trump has told advisers he worries about his safety, while both privately and publicly praising the work of the Secret Service.
Demonstrators returned Sunday afternoon, facing off against police at Lafayette Park into the evening. Trump retweeted a message from a conservative commentator encouraging authorities to respond with greater force.
“This isn’t going to stop until the good guys are willing to use overwhelming force against the bad guys,” Buck Sexton wrote in a message amplified by the president.
In recent days security at the White House has been reinforced by the National Guard and additional personnel from the Secret Service and the U.S. Park Police.
The Justice Department deployed members of the U.S. Marshals Service and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration to supplement National Guard troops outside the White House, according to a senior Justice Department official. The official could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.


thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Deaths in Colorado caused by COVID-19 rise by 4 as hospitalizations reach new post-peak low

After two straight days with no new deaths caused by COVID-19 reported to Colorado ’ s health department , the state ’ s tally inched up by four Monday , while the number of fatalities among people who had the coronavirus — even if it didn ’ t directly kill them — rose by 13 .
The deaths announced by Colorado ’ s Department of Public Health and Environment each day did not necessarily occur in the past 24 hours , as there can be a lag of days or even weeks in reporting them to the state .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death certificates show they died from the COVID-19 respiratory disease .
State health officials recently began reporting the number of people who died who had been infected by the virus , and not necessarily killed by it , as well as those whose deaths have been directly attributed to COVID-19 .
As of Monday , 1,458 people with the coronavirus had died in Colorado and 1,185 deaths were directly caused by COVID-19 .
Hospitalizations of coronavirus patients continue to drop , with 272 people currently hospitalized for COVID-19 in Colorado , the lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low from the state ’ s mid-April peak , when more than 200 people were being hospitalized with the virus every day .
All told , 4,372 people have been hospitalized for COVID-19 since the virus was first confirmed in the state in early March .
And 30 coronavirus patients have been discharged or transferred to a lower level of care in the last 24 hours .
State data also shows that 318 of Colorado ’ s 1,093 available ventilators are in use , and that none of the hospitals surveyed expected shortages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit beds in the next week .
Four facilities did expect staffing shortages .
Private facilities and the state-run lab tested 5,069 people on Sunday , a drop after several days of high testing levels that brings Colorado ’ s daily testing rate to 89 tests per 100,000 people per day .
That ’ s much lower than the 152 tests per 100,000 people level that health officials say is needed to understand where the virus is spreading .
To date , 26,577 people have tested positive for or are believed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they believe the true number is much higher .
Officials also have confirmed outbreaks at 282 contained facilities across the state , including nursing homes , jails and factories — one more than the previous day .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

After two straight days with no new deaths caused by COVID-19 reported to Colorado’s health department, the state’s tally inched up by four Monday, while the number of fatalities among people who had the coronavirus — even if it didn’t directly kill them — rose by 13.
The deaths announced by Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment each day did not necessarily occur in the past 24 hours, as there can be a lag of days or even weeks in reporting them to the state. That’s particularly true for those whose death certificates show they died from the COVID-19 respiratory disease.
State health officials recently began reporting the number of people who died who had been infected by the virus, and not necessarily killed by it, as well as those whose deaths have been directly attributed to COVID-19.
As of Monday, 1,458 people with the coronavirus had died in Colorado and 1,185 deaths were directly caused by COVID-19.
Hospitalizations of coronavirus patients continue to drop, with 272 people currently hospitalized for COVID-19 in Colorado, the lowest level since March 26 — a new low from the state’s mid-April peak, when more than 200 people were being hospitalized with the virus every day.
All told, 4,372 people have been hospitalized for COVID-19 since the virus was first confirmed in the state in early March. And 30 coronavirus patients have been discharged or transferred to a lower level of care in the last 24 hours.
State data also shows that 318 of Colorado’s 1,093 available ventilators are in use, and that none of the hospitals surveyed expected shortages of personal protective equipment or intensive care unit beds in the next week. Four facilities did expect staffing shortages.
Private facilities and the state-run lab tested 5,069 people on Sunday, a drop after several days of high testing levels that brings Colorado’s daily testing rate to 89 tests per 100,000 people per day. That’s much lower than the 152 tests per 100,000 people level that health officials say is needed to understand where the virus is spreading.
To date, 26,577 people have tested positive for or are believed to have COVID-19 in Colorado, though health officials say they believe the true number is much higher.
Officials also have confirmed outbreaks at 282 contained facilities across the state, including nursing homes, jails and factories — one more than the previous day.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-01--Amid protests, Colorado lawmakers float bill to counter police brutality

Colorado lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Monday , walking past spray-painted messages like “ good cop = dead cop , ” mere hours after the building ’ s grounds were covered with a massive crowd of protesters and tear gas filled the air .
For portions of the day , a spectator inside the building would have had no reason to think that anything has changed recently even as as outside protesters trickled onto the Capitol lawn for a fifth day of unrest over George Floyd ’ s death .
In the Senate , lawmakers debated a bill concerning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slew of bills , including one proposing to change standards for how egg-laying hens are housed .
But some lawmakers , already swamped by a myriad of coronavirus-related challenges — among other tasks , they ’ re trying to quickly pass a budget with about $ 3 billion in cuts — say that the message of the protests is not lost on them , and that they intend to take action .
Rep. Leslie Herod , a Denver Democrat who has joined protesters downtown during the day , is planning to introduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said is aimed at addressing police brutality and accountability in Colorado by removing the shield of immunity for prosecution from law enforcement officers found to have acted unlawfully .
It would allow them to be sued in their individual capacities ; currently attorney fees and settlements are paid out by cities and counties at taxpayer expense .
The news organization Denverite , reporting a snapshot of an eight-month period , found in 2017 that $ 2.78 million in taxpayer money had gone to eight Denver Police Department settlements .
“ I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard of integrity , respect and responsibility and the bill will reflect that , ” Herod told The Denver Post on Monday .
“ We need to ensure that law enforcement officers who act outside of their authority , who harm and murder people , especially people of color , unlawfully , are held accountable.
” Herod said a Denver Post investigation into police shootings across the state sparked conversations about the issue at the beginning of the session , and since the killing of George Floyd , lawmakers have brought those conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s working with the black and Latinx caucuses , and that Senate President Leroy Garcia , a Pueblo Democrat , is working with her on the bill .
That his name will be attached is an indication not only of where he stands on the bill but of the odds that it gets passed ; a member of leadership generally has power to ensure their bill gets a serious hearing in a way other members may not .
Garcia ’ s remarks about police violence and public trust in law enforcement have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Michael Hancock and Gov .
Jared Polis .
“ This isn ’ t just about what ’ s going on in other states , ” Garcia said .
“ This is about what ’ s happening in our own backyards .
And sadly , we shouldn ’ t need body cams and people using their cell phones to catch the lack of integrity .
We must address the issues that are associated with police brutality and this bias or it ’ s going to erode the profession.
” Garcia said law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when first hiring officers to ensure they meet standards , but they need to continue to monitor them .
He said he believes most cops are heroes but added in an interview Monday : “ We have officers who lack integrity and violate the law , every day , that they ’ re sworn to uphold .
We should care about that as elected officials.
” Other lawmakers spoke publicly Monday on the protests , including Rep. James Coleman , a Denver Democrat who from the House floor called for holding “ law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and who condemned rioting but said he supports the right to protest .
“ I ’ ve had to talk to my son , ” said Sen. Rhonda Fields , an Aurora Democrat who sits on the Black Caucus with Coleman .
“ We have to teach our young men how to behave when you get pulled over by the police , because if you don ’ t , you might end up not being about to breathe .
”

Colorado lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Monday, walking past spray-painted messages like “good cop = dead cop,” mere hours after the building’s grounds were covered with a massive crowd of protesters and tear gas filled the air.
For portions of the day, a spectator inside the building would have had no reason to think that anything has changed recently even as as outside protesters trickled onto the Capitol lawn for a fifth day of unrest over George Floyd’s death. In the Senate, lawmakers debated a bill concerning union powers. The House took up a slew of bills, including one proposing to change standards for how egg-laying hens are housed.
But some lawmakers, already swamped by a myriad of coronavirus-related challenges — among other tasks, they’re trying to quickly pass a budget with about $3 billion in cuts — say that the message of the protests is not lost on them, and that they intend to take action.
Rep. Leslie Herod, a Denver Democrat who has joined protesters downtown during the day, is planning to introduce a bill as soon as Tuesday that she said is aimed at addressing police brutality and accountability in Colorado by removing the shield of immunity for prosecution from law enforcement officers found to have acted unlawfully. It would allow them to be sued in their individual capacities; currently attorney fees and settlements are paid out by cities and counties at taxpayer expense.
The news organization Denverite, reporting a snapshot of an eight-month period, found in 2017 that $2.78 million in taxpayer money had gone to eight Denver Police Department settlements.
“I believe law enforcement should be held to a standard of integrity, respect and responsibility and the bill will reflect that,” Herod told The Denver Post on Monday. “We need to ensure that law enforcement officers who act outside of their authority, who harm and murder people, especially people of color, unlawfully, are held accountable.”
Herod said a Denver Post investigation into police shootings across the state sparked conversations about the issue at the beginning of the session, and since the killing of George Floyd, lawmakers have brought those conversations back. She also said she’s working with the black and Latinx caucuses, and that Senate President Leroy Garcia, a Pueblo Democrat, is working with her on the bill. That his name will be attached is an indication not only of where he stands on the bill but of the odds that it gets passed; a member of leadership generally has power to ensure their bill gets a serious hearing in a way other members may not.
Garcia’s remarks about police violence and public trust in law enforcement have been significantly more pointed than those from Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Gov. Jared Polis.
“This isn’t just about what’s going on in other states,” Garcia said. “This is about what’s happening in our own backyards. And sadly, we shouldn’t need body cams and people using their cell phones to catch the lack of integrity. We must address the issues that are associated with police brutality and this bias or it’s going to erode the profession.”
Garcia said law enforcement agencies in Colorado do a good job when first hiring officers to ensure they meet standards, but they need to continue to monitor them.
He said he believes most cops are heroes but added in an interview Monday: “We have officers who lack integrity and violate the law, every day, that they’re sworn to uphold. We should care about that as elected officials.”
Other lawmakers spoke publicly Monday on the protests, including Rep. James Coleman, a Denver Democrat who from the House floor called for holding “law enforcement officers who abuse their privilege accountable,” and who condemned rioting but said he supports the right to protest.
“I’ve had to talk to my son,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, an Aurora Democrat who sits on the Black Caucus with Coleman. “We have to teach our young men how to behave when you get pulled over by the police, because if you don’t, you might end up not being about to breathe.”