thedenverpost--2020-09-03--Well setbacks next up for Colorado panel writing new oil, gas rules

Oil and gas well setbacks , the issue that spurred a ballot-box battle in 2018 , is in front of the state commission that ’ s in charge of a comprehensive rewrite of rules for the industry .
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission was expected to start consideration Thursday of proposals dictating how far back wells have to be from schools and homes .
And the hearing is expected to be lively , with homeowners , community leaders and environmentalists pressing the COGCC for bigger buffers and other local governments and the industry pushing back .
The setback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under review as the state implements Senate Bill 181 , passed by the legislature in 2019 .
It ’ s one of the more contentious subjects the COGCC will tackle in five weeks of hearings on proposals intended to shift the agency ’ s mission from fostering oil and gas development to regulating it in a way that promotes safety and protects health and the environment .
“ The public is watching to see if the commission is willing to stop letting companies drill near people ’ s homes .
The answer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with whether SB 181 is ultimately a success , ” said Mike Freeman , an attorney with Earthjustice who ’ s representing environmental and community groups .
The proposed rules call for a minimum setback of 2,000 feet from a school or child care center .
For homes , the requirement would be 500 feet for fewer than 10 residential units or a minimum of 1,500 feet from 10 or more residential buildings or one multi-unit residence .
Joe Salazar , executive director of the environmental group Colorado Rising , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulation .
“ I think it ’ s going to be a battle the next couple of days unless they do something more in line with the objective criteria , ” Salazar said .
He was referring to criteria used by Jeff Robbins , the former COGCC director , to decide whether drilling permit applications needed closer scrutiny .
The criteria were developed as a guide while the new regulations were being written .
One singled out permits proposing wells within 1,500 feet of homes and public facilities .
Robbins , now chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2,000 feet after a state study showed harmful health effects were possible in certain situations if a well was within 2,000 feet of a home and occupied buildings .
The bill ’ s main sponsors said in written comments that available reports and “ anecdotal evidence from residents close to oil and gas operations confirms the current 500-foot minimum is not nearly enough to protect health and safety as envisioned by SB 181. ” Concerns about companies drilling in neighborhoods and near homes have caused clashes among communities , oil and gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind a 2018 failed statewide initiative to mandate 2,500-foot setbacks for oil and gas wells .
Industry representatives , who spent millions of dollars to fight the ballot measure , said the setbacks would have blocked most drilling along the northern Front Range , the site of intense development the past several years .
Colorado Rising and the groups represented by Freeman — the League of Oil and Gas Impacted Coloradans , the Sierra Club , Earthworks and the Larimer Alliance for Health , Safety and the Environment — support 2,500-foot setbacks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in oil and gas production , recently approved new codes that include 500-foot spaces between wells and homes .
County Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer said the county approved the setback after reviewing studies and consulting with air-quality and health experts .
The American Petroleum Institute-Colorado believes , based on health studies , including one by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , that a 500-foot setback from homes will protect people ’ s health and safety .
“ Our position , as with everything , is that we need to rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We don ’ t believe that there are any of those things that would support a greater setback right now , ” said Lynn Granger , the industry organization ’ s executive director .
Much larger setbacks could hinder the ability to drill anywhere , Granger said .
“ You get to the point where it then is impossible to have development , and that obviously is our concern , ” she added .
“ We want to be safe and we want to protect the environment , but we want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will speak in Friday morning ’ s hearing about what studies say regarding the health impacts of living near well sites .

Oil and gas well setbacks, the issue that spurred a ballot-box battle in 2018, is in front of the state commission that’s in charge of a comprehensive rewrite of rules for the industry.
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission was expected to start consideration Thursday of proposals dictating how far back wells have to be from schools and homes. And the hearing is expected to be lively, with homeowners, community leaders and environmentalists pressing the COGCC for bigger buffers and other local governments and the industry pushing back.
The setback rule is among a series of policies under review as the state implements Senate Bill 181, passed by the legislature in 2019. It’s one of the more contentious subjects the COGCC will tackle in five weeks of hearings on proposals intended to shift the agency’s mission from fostering oil and gas development to regulating it in a way that promotes safety and protects health and the environment.
“The public is watching to see if the commission is willing to stop letting companies drill near people’s homes. The answer to that question will have a lot to do with whether SB 181 is ultimately a success,” said Mike Freeman, an attorney with Earthjustice who’s representing environmental and community groups.
The proposed rules call for a minimum setback of 2,000 feet from a school or child care center. For homes, the requirement would be 500 feet for fewer than 10 residential units or a minimum of 1,500 feet from 10 or more residential buildings or one multi-unit residence.
The current residential setback is 500 feet.
Joe Salazar, executive director of the environmental group Colorado Rising, said he was “shocked” by the proposed regulation.
“I think it’s going to be a battle the next couple of days unless they do something more in line with the objective criteria,” Salazar said.
He was referring to criteria used by Jeff Robbins, the former COGCC director, to decide whether drilling permit applications needed closer scrutiny. The criteria were developed as a guide while the new regulations were being written. One singled out permits proposing wells within 1,500 feet of homes and public facilities.
Robbins, now chairman of the commission, changed the distance to 2,000 feet after a state study showed harmful health effects were possible in certain situations if a well was within 2,000 feet of a home and occupied buildings.
The bill’s main sponsors said in written comments that available reports and “anecdotal evidence from residents close to oil and gas operations confirms the current 500-foot minimum is not nearly enough to protect health and safety as envisioned by SB 181.”
Concerns about companies drilling in neighborhoods and near homes have caused clashes among communities, oil and gas companies and regulators. Colorado Rising was behind a 2018 failed statewide initiative to mandate 2,500-foot setbacks for oil and gas wells.
Industry representatives, who spent millions of dollars to fight the ballot measure, said the setbacks would have blocked most drilling along the northern Front Range, the site of intense development the past several years.
Colorado Rising and the groups represented by Freeman — the League of Oil and Gas Impacted Coloradans, the Sierra Club, Earthworks and the Larimer Alliance for Health, Safety and the Environment — support 2,500-foot setbacks.
Weld County, which leads the state in oil and gas production, recently approved new codes that include 500-foot spaces between wells and homes. County Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer said the county approved the setback after reviewing studies and consulting with air-quality and health experts.
The American Petroleum Institute-Colorado believes, based on health studies, including one by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, that a 500-foot setback from homes will protect people’s health and safety.
“Our position, as with everything, is that we need to rely on the facts and data and science. We don’t believe that there are any of those things that would support a greater setback right now,” said Lynn Granger, the industry organization’s executive director.
Much larger setbacks could hinder the ability to drill anywhere, Granger said.
“You get to the point where it then is impossible to have development, and that obviously is our concern,” she added. “We want to be safe and we want to protect the environment, but we want to be able to operate.”
State health officials will speak in Friday morning’s hearing about what studies say regarding the health impacts of living near well sites.


thedenverpost--2020-09-03--Aurora considers limiting campaign contributions, improving access to metro district information

Several Aurora City Council members are pressing to limit the size of campaign contributions in that city ’ s elections as well as give its metro district residents easier access to local campaign information .
Spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Johnston and Councilman Juan Marcano , the proposed changes follow Denver Post stories that showed how metro district developers took advantage of Aurora ’ s no-limit contributions to pump tens of thousands of dollars into campaigns there .
“ We also want the elimination of anonymous contributions , an updated reporting schedule , and stricter penalties for folks who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Marcano told The Post .
“ I would say all of this is related to what you pointed out in metro district elections and the influence homebuilders and legal firms who deal with metro districts have in municipal elections.
” The Post additionally showed how metro district elections across Colorado — each has its own elected board separate from City Hall — can have thousands of dollars in contributions that local residents have difficulty learning about .
The city is considering limiting the amount a person can contribute to one candidate — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — as well as changing the city ’ s service plans under which all metro districts must operate to require any campaign finance disclosures to be published on a website run by each district .
The current proposal would limit individual contributions to $ 320 , but proponents say they expect it will increase somewhat .
In Mayor Mike Coffman ’ s 2019 campaign , The Post found he pulled in at least $ 140,000 from developers and builders associated with metro districts , roughly a quarter of all the money he raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metro district and representing an area of so many of them , it ’ s been an issue and consternation for years , ” Johnston said .
“ It ’ s a constant struggle what we can do on the city level and what we don ’ t have control over , such as state laws governing metro districts.
” Although other cities –Denver and Lakewood among them — have strict limits to campaign contributions , Aurora had none and political influence came from all directions and in all amounts .
Reporting requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before an election and go unreported until weeks afterward .
And the financial penalties for missing a reporting deadline are nearly toothless , Johnston said .
“ Aurora is still the wild west of campaign finance , ” she said .
“ Campaigns are so sophisticated these days with very little transparency behind them .
Metro district residents didn ’ t even realize candidates in their elections were required to file reports , or even where to find them.
” Metro districts must obtain approval of a service plan , essentially its rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which the district is located .
The governments are allowed to require certain details within those service plans .
Once approved , the districts largely operate independently with little intercession by the local government .
The proposed change will require metro districts to maintain a website where residents can see all election filings by board candidates , as well as other documents relative to the district ’ s business , such as annual reports and financial statements .
Many of those reports are already public but are not located in a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across several state agencies and buried deep within their websites .
“ The proposed disclosure will foster more transparency by districts by enabling residents , potential buyers , and taxpayers to easily access this and other important information for their districts at a centralized location , ” said attorney Jennifer Gruber Tanaka , whose firm , White Bear Ankele Tanaka & Waldron , represents dozens of districts across Colorado .
The council is expected to discuss the campaign finance changes at a study session scheduled for Sept. 21 .
A public input session @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the metro district service plan .

Several Aurora City Council members are pressing to limit the size of campaign contributions in that city’s elections as well as give its metro district residents easier access to local campaign information.
Spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Johnston and Councilman Juan Marcano, the proposed changes follow Denver Post stories that showed how metro district developers took advantage of Aurora’s no-limit contributions to pump tens of thousands of dollars into campaigns there.
“We also want the elimination of anonymous contributions, an updated reporting schedule, and stricter penalties for folks who don’t follow reporting requirements,” Marcano told The Post. “I would say all of this is related to what you pointed out in metro district elections and the influence homebuilders and legal firms who deal with metro districts have in municipal elections.”
The Post additionally showed how metro district elections across Colorado — each has its own elected board separate from City Hall — can have thousands of dollars in contributions that local residents have difficulty learning about.
The city is considering limiting the amount a person can contribute to one candidate — whether a city or metro district election — as well as changing the city’s service plans under which all metro districts must operate to require any campaign finance disclosures to be published on a website run by each district.
The current proposal would limit individual contributions to $320, but proponents say they expect it will increase somewhat.
In Mayor Mike Coffman’s 2019 campaign, The Post found he pulled in at least $140,000 from developers and builders associated with metro districts, roughly a quarter of all the money he raised.
“Being a part of a metro district and representing an area of so many of them, it’s been an issue and consternation for years,” Johnston said. “It’s a constant struggle what we can do on the city level and what we don’t have control over, such as state laws governing metro districts.”
Although other cities –Denver and Lakewood among them — have strict limits to campaign contributions, Aurora had none and political influence came from all directions and in all amounts. Reporting requirements allowed for sizable contributions to appear days before an election and go unreported until weeks afterward.
And the financial penalties for missing a reporting deadline are nearly toothless, Johnston said.
“Aurora is still the wild west of campaign finance,” she said. “Campaigns are so sophisticated these days with very little transparency behind them. Metro district residents didn’t even realize candidates in their elections were required to file reports, or even where to find them.”
Metro districts must obtain approval of a service plan, essentially its rules of operation, by the local government in which the district is located. The governments are allowed to require certain details within those service plans. Once approved, the districts largely operate independently with little intercession by the local government.
The proposed change will require metro districts to maintain a website where residents can see all election filings by board candidates, as well as other documents relative to the district’s business, such as annual reports and financial statements.
Many of those reports are already public but are not located in a single place. Instead, they are scattered across several state agencies and buried deep within their websites.
“The proposed disclosure will foster more transparency by districts by enabling residents, potential buyers, and taxpayers to easily access this and other important information for their districts at a centralized location,” said attorney Jennifer Gruber Tanaka, whose firm, White Bear Ankele Tanaka & Waldron, represents dozens of districts across Colorado.
The council is expected to discuss the campaign finance changes at a study session scheduled for Sept. 21. A public input session is to be scheduled to discuss changes to the metro district service plan.


thedenverpost--2020-09-04--Firefighter on Cameron Peak fire tests positive for COVID-19

A firefighter battling the Cameron Peak fire in Larimer County has tested positive for COVID-19 and about 25 others had direct contact with the firefighter before the diagnosis .
The Colorado National Guard Rapid Response team is conducting tests and anyone who is positive will be relocated and isolated per the county ’ s guidelines , fire officials said in a news release Thursday .
The firefighter , who tested positive on Tuesday , worked in a “ forward operating base , ” a small camp where a limited number of firefighters base , eat and sleep , away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release said .
The smaller base limited the firefighters contact with others .
More than 850 people from 35 states have worked on the fire since its start on August 13 .
So far , four have tested positive for COVID-19 , three cases over a week ago and Tuesday ’ s positive test .
There has been no direct contact between the firefighter and the local community , fire officials said .
“ Those who may have been exposed will be tested , relocated and quarantined , ” the release said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the firefighter ’ s forward operating base .
“ We have a responsibility to this community and to other states to ensure that our people are healthy before we send them home , ” said Incident Commander Bea Day , in the release .
“ We know that keeping anyone isolated or quarantined won ’ t be popular , but it ’ s the right thing to do.
” Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

A firefighter battling the Cameron Peak fire in Larimer County has tested positive for COVID-19 and about 25 others had direct contact with the firefighter before the diagnosis.
The Colorado National Guard Rapid Response team is conducting tests and anyone who is positive will be relocated and isolated per the county’s guidelines, fire officials said in a news release Thursday.
The firefighter, who tested positive on Tuesday, worked in a “forward operating base,” a small camp where a limited number of firefighters base, eat and sleep, away from the larger Incident Command Post, the release said. The smaller base limited the firefighters contact with others.
More than 850 people from 35 states have worked on the fire since its start on August 13. So far, four have tested positive for COVID-19, three cases over a week ago and Tuesday’s positive test.
There has been no direct contact between the firefighter and the local community, fire officials said.
“Those who may have been exposed will be tested, relocated and quarantined,” the release said.
Testing is available for all members of the firefighter’s forward operating base.
“We have a responsibility to this community and to other states to ensure that our people are healthy before we send them home,” said Incident Commander Bea Day, in the release. “We know that keeping anyone isolated or quarantined won’t be popular, but it’s the right thing to do.”
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-09-04--Nuggets get no favors as “elite” defender Patrick Beverley returns for Clippers

There wouldn ’ t have been any sympathy from the Nuggets if the Clippers had entered their second-round series shorthanded .
Coming off an emotionally draining 3-1 comeback , Denver had one day to transition from the pick-and-pop style of the Jazz to the battering ram Clippers .
Not only did they not catch a break , but the Clippers caught one instead .
Los Angeles point guard Patrick Beverley was cleared Thursday after playing just one game in the Clippers ’ opening-round series against Dallas due to a nagging calf strain .
That means the return of one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive pests in the NBA .
Including the playoff games , the Clippers were 39-13 on the year with Beverley in the lineup as opposed to 14-12 without him .
“ Last time when we played them in LA , starting with Patrick Beverley , Paul George , Kawhi Leonard , you have three elite defenders on the perimeter , and they all took turns guarding Jamal Murray , ” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Thursday .
“ Obviously we ’ re going to have to do a great job of screening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limit the amount of ball pressure those guys apply .
We knew he ’ d be available , he ’ s a competitor.
” Murray averaged 31.6 points during his supernova first round against Utah .
In three games against the Clippers this year , two of which Beverley played , he averaged only 13.3 points on just 37.5 % percent shooting .
In other words , don ’ t expect Murray to light the Clippers up like he torched the Jazz .
“ It goes from Donovan Mitchell , Jordan Clarkson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super-size it , ” Malone said .
“ Now you have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and then Lou Williams off the bench .
So , yes , they ’ re going to test us .
“ This will be a hell of a challenge .
This Clipper team is a team that a lot of people have picked to win the NBA championship.
” The Nuggets , on the other hand , were just inches from getting sent home .
“ I know the Clippers have been waiting for this , ” @ @ @

There wouldn’t have been any sympathy from the Nuggets if the Clippers had entered their second-round series shorthanded.
Coming off an emotionally draining 3-1 comeback, Denver had one day to transition from the pick-and-pop style of the Jazz to the battering ram Clippers.
Not only did they not catch a break, but the Clippers caught one instead.
Los Angeles point guard Patrick Beverley was cleared Thursday after playing just one game in the Clippers’ opening-round series against Dallas due to a nagging calf strain. That means the return of one of the most aggressive – and effective – defensive pests in the NBA. Including the playoff games, the Clippers were 39-13 on the year with Beverley in the lineup as opposed to 14-12 without him.
“Last time when we played them in LA, starting with Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, you have three elite defenders on the perimeter, and they all took turns guarding Jamal Murray,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Thursday. “Obviously we’re going to have to do a great job of screening, getting our guys open, and trying to limit the amount of ball pressure those guys apply. We knew he’d be available, he’s a competitor.”
Murray averaged 31.6 points during his supernova first round against Utah. In three games against the Clippers this year, two of which Beverley played, he averaged only 13.3 points on just 37.5% percent shooting.
In other words, don’t expect Murray to light the Clippers up like he torched the Jazz.
“It goes from Donovan Mitchell, Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley, to now, super-size it,” Malone said. “Now you have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and then Lou Williams off the bench. So, yes, they’re going to test us.
“This will be a hell of a challenge. This Clipper team is a team that a lot of people have picked to win the NBA championship.”
The Nuggets, on the other hand, were just inches from getting sent home.
“I know the Clippers have been waiting for this,” Malone added.


thedenverpost--2020-09-04--The Denver Post’s endorsements for Colorado’s 2020 election

Editor ’ s note : The Denver Post is continuing the long tradition of making endorsements in key statewide , regional and local elections and on key propositions and ballot questions before Nov. 3 , 2020 .
These endorsements represent the opinion of The Denver Post editorial board , which is separate from the paper ’ s news operation .
If you are a candidate or are an advocate for or against a ballot question and would like to schedule an editorial board meeting please reach out to editorial page editor Megan Schrader at mschrader @ denverpost.com .
The board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or on every ballot measure .
In the coming weeks look for endorsements in the following races on this web page and here : U.S. Senate ; congressional districts 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 ; state Board of Education districts 1 , 3 and 7 ; University of Colorado Regents districts 2 and 6 ; district attorney for judicial districts 1 , 2 , 17 and 18 ; Regional Transportation District regions A , D , G and H ; all 11 statewide ballot measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions .
The Denver Post will not be making an endorsement in the race for U.S. president so the board can focus on Colorado races and issues .
Amendment B : The Gallagher Amendment is unworkable , inflexible and ready for repeal .
Vote yes .
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 .

Editor’s note: The Denver Post is continuing the long tradition of making endorsements in key statewide, regional and local elections and on key propositions and ballot questions before Nov. 3, 2020. These endorsements represent the opinion of The Denver Post editorial board, which is separate from the paper’s news operation. If you are a candidate or are an advocate for or against a ballot question and would like to schedule an editorial board meeting please reach out to editorial page editor Megan Schrader at mschrader@denverpost.com. The board is unable to endorse in every race or on every ballot measure. In the coming weeks look for endorsements in the following races on this web page and here: U.S. Senate; congressional districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7; state Board of Education districts 1, 3 and 7; University of Colorado Regents districts 2 and 6; district attorney for judicial districts 1, 2, 17 and 18; Regional Transportation District regions A, D, G and H; all 11 statewide ballot measures, and several city of Denver ballot questions.
The Denver Post will not be making an endorsement in the race for U.S. president so the board can focus on Colorado races and issues.
BALLOT MEASURES
Amendment B: The Gallagher Amendment is unworkable, inflexible and ready for repeal. Vote yes.
Amendment C: Yes on C, to reboot charity bingo
Amendment 76: Amendment 76 is deceitful. Non-citizens already can’t vote, but it would keep 17-year-olds from the ballot
Amendment 77: Yes, let voters in Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City control bet limits
Proposition 113: Yes on Prop 113 to elect the U.S. president with the national popular vote
Proposition 114: Yes on gray wolves reintroduction
Proposition 115: Don’t put the government in OBGYN offices; vote “no” on the late-term abortion ban
Proposition 116: Endorsement: If you vote for Proposition 116, keep in mind the permanent budget cuts you’d like with it
Proposition 118: Vote no on Prop. 118 for family and medical leave because now is the worst time imaginable for a $1.3 billion payroll tax
Proposition EE: How can Colorado help prevent teens from getting addicted to nicotine? Voting yes on Prop EE is a good start.
FEDERAL OFFICES
U.S. Senate: Coloradans know John Hickenlooper – a man ready to serve us in the Senate
U.S. House of Representatives: DeGette, Neguse and Perlmutter deserve another term in office
Congressional District 1: Diana DeGette is incumbent worth returning
Congressional District 2: Joe Neguse has been impressive as freshman lawmaker
Congressional District 3: Diane Mitsch Bush will be a responsive leader for Congressional District 3
Congressional District 4: Ike McCorkle, a Democrat launching an improbable bid to become the U.S. representative for Congressional District 4, is an impressive candidate.
Congressional District 6: Jason Crow for Colorado’s 6th Congressional District
Congressional District 7: Ed Perlmutter may be the hardest-working member of Congress
REGIONAL OFFICES
State Board of Education District 3: Give Joyce Rankin another term on the state Board of Education to push literacy
State Board of Education District 7: Karla Esser is the right pick for State Board of Education
University of Colorado Regents District 6: Ilana Spiegel for University of Colorado Regent in Congressional District 6
District Attorney for Judicial District 1: Matthew Durkin has the experience to lead and plans to decrease incarceration
District Attorney for Judicial District 2: Let Denver DA Beth McCann fight racial bias in prosecution for another four years
District Attorney for Judicial District 17: Brian Mason can rebuild trust after the Elijah McClain case
District Attorney for Judicial District 18: John Kellner is a skilled prosecutor ready to lead
RTD District A: Tim Nelson for RTD Board, District A
This story will be updated as more Denver Post Endorsements are published.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-09-03--As Avalanche and Stars get set for Game 7, things are getting awkward for Bowness family

It ’ s been an emotional couple of weeks for the Bowness family .
Rick Bowness Jr. , former sports information director for the University of Denver hockey program , is the son of Dallas Stars interim head coach Rick Bowness .
They talk every day , with the coach in Edmonton and Jr. in Denver .
And things are starting to get a little awkward between father and son , what with Jr. ’ s wife , Jodee , the Avalanche ’ s vice president of ticket sales and service at Pepsi Center , and Colorado and Dallas set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s winner-take-all Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals .
“ It ’ s a little different , obviously , ” Bowness Jr. said Thursday , a day after the Avs ’ 4-1 victory that set up Game 7 .
“ In addition to my wife , I have a bunch of friends that work ( at Pepsi Center ) and I go to a ton of games .
I ’ ve lived in Denver for six years .
I ’ m not rooting against anybody , I guess , and just happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second round and it ’ s been a great series.
” He added : “ A sweep one way or the other would have been tough .
But we ’ re going to Game 7 and the games have been fun .
It ’ s great to see ( former Pioneers standout ) Logan O ’ Connor doing well — I know him pretty well from DU….We ’ re just rooting for good hockey , which is what we ’ re getting.
” Jodee is kind of “ shy ” these days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s pulling for the Avs , obviously.
” Bowness Jr. met his wife when both worked for the Detroit Red Wings in 2010 .
He was a PR coordinator and she a service executive .
In 2016 , Bowness Jr. became partly responsible for his father ’ s current job when he held his bachelor ’ s party at Wayne Gretzky ’ s Toronto — a popular eatery now celebrating its 25th-year anniversary .
That ’ s where Bowness Jr. , the DU employee , introduced his father to then-DU coach Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach in 2018 .
When looking for a seasoned assistant to help Montgomery begin his NHL coaching career , “ Monty ” settled on Bowness , who was 63 at the time and had been coaching in the league since 1984 .
Bowness took over as interim Stars coach in December after Montgomery was let go .
“ They saw eye-to-eye on almost everything from the hockey side of things , ” Bowness Jr. said of the working relationship between Montgomery and his father .
“ They worked together on how the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s still how they ’ re playing — the old-time , hard-nosed hockey , tough to play against , role four lines — and you ’ re seeing how that can work .
On paper , Colorado is the more talented team but I think Dallas has made it a series by being tenacious and playing that style.
” The Bowness family is from Halifax , which is also the hometown of Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon and Pittsburgh superstar Sidney Crosby .
All three have lake houses at Grand Lake outside Halifax .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowness family is across the lake , about a 20-minute boat ride .
“ Crazy how small the world is , ” Bowness Jr. said .
Particularly in this series .

It’s been an emotional couple of weeks for the Bowness family.
Rick Bowness Jr., former sports information director for the University of Denver hockey program, is the son of Dallas Stars interim head coach Rick Bowness. They talk every day, with the coach in Edmonton and Jr. in Denver.
And things are starting to get a little awkward between father and son, what with Jr.’s wife, Jodee, the Avalanche’s vice president of ticket sales and service at Pepsi Center, and Colorado and Dallas set to face off in Friday night’s winner-take-all Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.
“It’s a little different, obviously,” Bowness Jr. said Thursday, a day after the Avs’ 4-1 victory that set up Game 7. “In addition to my wife, I have a bunch of friends that work (at Pepsi Center) and I go to a ton of games. I’ve lived in Denver for six years. I’m not rooting against anybody, I guess, and just happy that they’re both in the second round and it’s been a great series.”
He added: “A sweep one way or the other would have been tough. But we’re going to Game 7 and the games have been fun. It’s great to see (former Pioneers standout) Logan O’Connor doing well — I know him pretty well from DU….We’re just rooting for good hockey, which is what we’re getting.”
Jodee is kind of “shy” these days, her husband said, but “she’s pulling for the Avs, obviously.”
Bowness Jr. met his wife when both worked for the Detroit Red Wings in 2010. He was a PR coordinator and she a service executive. In 2016, Bowness Jr. became partly responsible for his father’s current job when he held his bachelor’s party at Wayne Gretzky’s Toronto — a popular eatery now celebrating its 25th-year anniversary.
That’s where Bowness Jr., the DU employee, introduced his father to then-DU coach Jim Montgomery, who became Dallas’ head coach in 2018.
When looking for a seasoned assistant to help Montgomery begin his NHL coaching career, “Monty” settled on Bowness, who was 63 at the time and had been coaching in the league since 1984. Bowness took over as interim Stars coach in December after Montgomery was let go.
“They saw eye-to-eye on almost everything from the hockey side of things,” Bowness Jr. said of the working relationship between Montgomery and his father. “They worked together on how the team was going to play and that’s still how they’re playing — the old-time, hard-nosed hockey, tough to play against, roll four lines — and you’re seeing how that can work. On paper, Colorado is the more talented team but I think Dallas has made it a series by being tenacious and playing that style.”
The Bowness family is from Halifax, which is also the hometown of Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon and Pittsburgh superstar Sidney Crosby. All three have lake houses at Grand Lake outside Halifax.
MacKinnon and Crosby are neighbors. The Bowness family is across the lake, about a 20-minute boat ride.
“Crazy how small the world is,” Bowness Jr. said.
Particularly in this series.


thedenverpost--2020-09-03--CU’s Native American center calls out Mark Kennedy for “flippantly” using phrase “trail of tears”

The University of Colorado Boulder ’ s Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies is taking CU President Mark Kennedy to task for using the phrase “ trail of tears ” colloquially in a faculty meeting last week .
The university on Thursday published a write-up of the Faculty Council ’ s meeting , which quoted Kennedy talking about the difficulty and importance of making online learning a success .
“ On-campus is declining and online is growing .
If we don ’ t get online right… we have a trail of tears in front of us , ” Kennedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to when approximately 60,000 Native American people were forced by state and federal policy to relocate from their land between 1830 and 1850 .
Thousands of Native people died from exposure , malnutrition , disease and gunshot wounds , the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies said .
“ For anyone to use the phrase ‘ trail of tears ’ flippantly represents ignorance of these atrocities at best , and willful verbal harm at worst , ” the center ’ s statement read .
“ Although we acknowledge that President Kennedy issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for our highest-ranking university leader to do so calls attention to the need for systemic efforts at the University of Colorado to counter such damaging conceptions of Indigenous history and present issues.
” Kennedy ’ s apology read : “ Thank you for calling this to my attention .
I apologize for my poor choice of words .
I have asked that the phrase be deleted from the electronic version of CU Connections and that we add an editor ’ s note with my apology .
I ’ m committed to fostering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone feels that they belong .
I recognize that words matter in doing that.
” The original quote has been deleted from the university ’ s account of the meeting .
This incident is not the first time Kennedy has been criticized for racially insensitive remarks .
In April 2019 , Kennedy asked Colorado Public Radio host Ryan Warner if he could pass on a question inquiring Kennedy ’ s thoughts on affirmative action in Colorado .
Days later , The Denver Post reported Kennedy used an anecdote describing his “ full-fledged Afro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his message on racial understanding during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech at the University of North Dakota , where he previously served as president .
Since becoming president last year , Kennedy said diversity is one of his most important goals .
He hired CU ’ s first systemwide chief diversity officer , Theodosia Cook , and said he understands there is important work to be done to increase diversity at the four universities .

The University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies is taking CU President Mark Kennedy to task for using the phrase “trail of tears” colloquially in a faculty meeting last week.
The university on Thursday published a write-up of the Faculty Council’s meeting, which quoted Kennedy talking about the difficulty and importance of making online learning a success.
“On-campus is declining and online is growing. If we don’t get online right… we have a trail of tears in front of us,” Kennedy said.
The Trail of Tears refers to when approximately 60,000 Native American people were forced by state and federal policy to relocate from their land between 1830 and 1850. Thousands of Native people died from exposure, malnutrition, disease and gunshot wounds, the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies said.
“For anyone to use the phrase ‘trail of tears’ flippantly represents ignorance of these atrocities at best, and willful verbal harm at worst,” the center’s statement read. “Although we acknowledge that President Kennedy issued an apology in response to initial criticisms, for our highest-ranking university leader to do so calls attention to the need for systemic efforts at the University of Colorado to counter such damaging conceptions of Indigenous history and present issues.”
Kennedy’s apology read: “Thank you for calling this to my attention. I apologize for my poor choice of words. I have asked that the phrase be deleted from the electronic version of CU Connections and that we add an editor’s note with my apology. I’m committed to fostering an inclusive environment at CU, where everyone feels that they belong. I recognize that words matter in doing that.”
The original quote has been deleted from the university’s account of the meeting.
This incident is not the first time Kennedy has been criticized for racially insensitive remarks.
In April 2019, Kennedy asked Colorado Public Radio host Ryan Warner if he could pass on a question inquiring Kennedy’s thoughts on affirmative action in Colorado.
Days later, The Denver Post reported Kennedy used an anecdote describing his “full-fledged Afro” as a teenager as part of his message on racial understanding during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech at the University of North Dakota, where he previously served as president.
Since becoming president last year, Kennedy said diversity is one of his most important goals. He hired CU’s first systemwide chief diversity officer, Theodosia Cook, and said he understands there is important work to be done to increase diversity at the four universities.


thedenverpost--2020-09-03--Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars: Game 7 keys for injury-depleted Avs

For the second consecutive season , the Avalanche will play in Game 7 of a Western Conference semifinal series .
The Avs fell a game short of advancing to the conference final in May 2019 with a 3-2 loss at San Jose .
If they are to avoid the same fate this time around in Edmonton , here are three keys for the deciding game against Dallas : 1 .
Carry momentum .
Dallas has lost two straight games and produced just 15 shots combined in the second and third periods of Game 6 .
The Avs put up their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatively low scoring game of the series , 4-1 .
( Colorado ’ s fourth goal was an empty-netter ) .
The Stars were 26th in scoring during the regular season and perhaps their surprising playoff scoring spree has come to an end .
The lower the score , the better chance Colorado has to win .
It has the more dangerous offense — even with all of its injuries .
2 .
Special teams .
The Avs need to get their power play clicking .
They are 0-for-11 in the man-advantage over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last three , and 3-for-28 in the series .
Coach Jared Bednar said Thursday he has discussed switching up personnel but will probably stick to the same two units and hope they claw out of their slump .
That ’ s because the first unit , in particular , is so talented with Cale Makar , Nathan MacKinnon , Mikko Rantanen , Nazem Kadri and Gabe Landeskog — the latter of whom ’ s status remains up in the air for Game 7 .
As for the penalty kill , the Avs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Game 6 , when the Stars had just one power play , and limit Dallas ’ man-advantage opportunities .
That ’ s not likely , so the PK guys have to be sharp .
3 .
No excuses .
This team has won all season with some of its best players on the injured list , and this injury-depleted lineup isn ’ t about to give in .
But now Landeskog , the captain , is questionable Friday from a skate-blade cut above his right knee in Game 6 and rookie Conor Timmins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already without its top two goaltenders , defenseman Erik Johnson and forwards Matt Calvert and Joonas Donskoi .
Bednar no longer provides injury updates and said he ’ ll just play the guys he has available .
Besides Makar and MacKinnon , this team believes it can advance with anyone on the shelf .

For the second consecutive season, the Avalanche will play in Game 7 of a Western Conference semifinal series.
The Avs fell a game short of advancing to the conference final in May 2019 with a 3-2 loss at San Jose. If they are to avoid the same fate this time around in Edmonton, here are three keys for the deciding game against Dallas:
1. Carry momentum. Dallas has lost two straight games and produced just 15 shots combined in the second and third periods of Game 6. The Avs put up their best defensive performance and won the only relatively low scoring game of the series, 4-1. (Colorado’s fourth goal was an empty-netter). The Stars were 26th in scoring during the regular season and perhaps their surprising playoff scoring spree has come to an end. The lower the score, the better chance Colorado has to win. It has the more dangerous offense — even with all of its injuries.
2. Special teams. The Avs need to get their power play clicking. They are 0-for-11 in the man-advantage over the past two games, 1-for-16 in the last three, and 3-for-28 in the series. Coach Jared Bednar said Thursday he has discussed switching up personnel but will probably stick to the same two units and hope they claw out of their slump. That’s because the first unit, in particular, is so talented with Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Nazem Kadri and Gabe Landeskog — the latter of whom’s status remains up in the air for Game 7. As for the penalty kill, the Avs will try to duplicate their showing in Game 6, when the Stars had just one power play, and limit Dallas’ man-advantage opportunities. That’s not likely, so the PK guys have to be sharp.
3. No excuses. This team has won all season with some of its best players on the injured list, and this injury-depleted lineup isn’t about to give in. But now Landeskog, the captain, is questionable Friday from a skate-blade cut above his right knee in Game 6 and rookie Conor Timmins also left that game. The Avs are already without its top two goaltenders, defenseman Erik Johnson and forwards Matt Calvert and Joonas Donskoi. Bednar no longer provides injury updates and said he’ll just play the guys he has available. Besides Makar and MacKinnon, this team believes it can advance with anyone on the shelf.


thedenverpost--2020-09-03--Jefferson County public health officials sue Bandimere Speedway over ‘Stop the COVID Chaos’ rally

Jefferson County health officials on Thursday sued Bandimere Speedway — a racetrack that on Tuesday held a “ Stop the COVID Chaos ” rally attended by more than 1,000 people — on the grounds the speedway violated public health orders .
The lawsuit by Jefferson County Public Health , which also took the racetrack to court over coronavirus safety violations earlier this year , asks a judge to order Bandimere Speedway to stop hosting events that violate public health orders .
“ COVID-19 is highly contagious and the Bandimere ’ s decision to host a large-scale public event in violation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health of those in Jefferson County , ” the complaint reads .
The complaint alleges that the rally violated a variety of public health orders , including that the racetrack did not get prior approval from Jefferson County Public Health before hosting the event and that attendees did not wear masks or maintain social distancing .
The event flagrantly exceeded the county ’ s limit of 175 people per designated activity , according to the complaint .
Video and photos from the event show most attendees did not wear masks and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tuesday rally , where people waved Trump 2020 flags and dressed in red , white and blue clothing .
An attorney for the racetrack , Randy Corporon , did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday .
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Jefferson County health officials on Thursday sued Bandimere Speedway — a racetrack that on Tuesday held a “Stop the COVID Chaos” rally attended by more than 1,000 people — on the grounds the speedway violated public health orders.
The lawsuit by Jefferson County Public Health, which also took the racetrack to court over coronavirus safety violations earlier this year, asks a judge to order Bandimere Speedway to stop hosting events that violate public health orders.
“COVID-19 is highly contagious and the Bandimere’s decision to host a large-scale public event in violation of the public health orders threatens the public health of those in Jefferson County,” the complaint reads.
The complaint alleges that the rally violated a variety of public health orders, including that the racetrack did not get prior approval from Jefferson County Public Health before hosting the event and that attendees did not wear masks or maintain social distancing. The event flagrantly exceeded the county’s limit of 175 people per designated activity, according to the complaint.
Video and photos from the event show most attendees did not wear masks and there was little to no social distancing during the Tuesday rally, where people waved Trump 2020 flags and dressed in red, white and blue clothing.
An attorney for the racetrack, Randy Corporon, did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday.
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thedenverpost--2020-09-03--Man pleads guilty to second-degree murder in Adams County stabbing

A 26-year-old man has been convicted in the stabbing death of a man at an Adams County apartment complex .
@ @ @ @ @ Thursday to second-degree murder , according to a district attorney ’ s office news release @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Borrego stabbed 57-year-old Ruperto Amaya-Aldaco in the neck , the release said .
@ @ @ @ @ a pool of blood on a sidewalk at the Revival on 72nd apartment complex , @ @ @ @ @ faces 32 to 48 years in prison when sentenced Oct. 23 .

A 26-year-old man has been convicted in the stabbing death of a man at an Adams County apartment complex.
Ontonio Paul Borrego pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree murder, according to a district attorney’s office news release.
On May 25, 2019, Borrego stabbed 57-year-old Ruperto Amaya-Aldaco in the neck, the release said. Deputies found Amaya-Aldaco lying in a pool of blood on a sidewalk at the Revival on 72nd apartment complex, 7251 Samuel Drive.
Borrego faces 32 to 48 years in prison when sentenced Oct. 23.


thedenverpost--2020-09-03--Rockies podcast: Breaking down Colorado’s two trade-deadline acquisitions in Mychal Givens and Kevin

Rockies podcast: Breaking down Colorado’s two trade-deadline acquisitions in Mychal Givens and Kevin Pillar

In this edition of the On The Rox podcast , Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders break down @ @ @ @ @ acquisitions .
How will the addition of right-hander Mychal Givens from the Orioles and outfielder @ @ @ @ @ Sox help Colorado down the stretch of a playoff chase ?
Plus , how do @ @ @ @ @ up to San Diego , as well as with what general manager Jeff Bridich has @ @ @

In this edition of the On The Rox podcast, Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Patrick Saunders break down the Rockies’ trade deadline acquisitions.
How will the addition of right-hander Mychal Givens from the Orioles and outfielder Kevin Pillar from the Red Sox help Colorado down the stretch of a playoff chase? Plus, how do Colorado’s moves stack up to San Diego, as well as with what general manager Jeff Bridich has traditionally done?
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thedenverpost--2020-09-03--Arkansas man sentenced to 35 years in Colorado prison for shooting death of woman

An Arkansas man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for fatally shooting a woman in Colorado .
He then stuffed her body in a suitcase and drove to Arkansas with the body in the car trunk .
David Houston-Harvey , 26 , pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in June in Weld County District Court for the death of 23-year-old Laramie Cline , of Ozark , Ala. , according to a district attorney ’ s news release .
A plea agreement stipulated a 35-year sentence to be served in the Colorado Department of Corrections .
Houston-Harvey is serving a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the body there , the release said .
The Colorado sentence , handed down Wednesday , will run concurrent to his Arkansas sentence .
In August 2017 , Houston-Harvey and Cline were driving from Wyoming south on Interstate 25 in Weld County when he shot the victim .
Houston-Harvey told investigators that Cline wanted to stay in Colorado , but he wanted to return to Arkansas or Alabama , the release said .
Houston-Harvey initially told investigators that Cline pointed her gun at him , and that he grabbed the weapon and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the defendant later told his girlfriend that he shot and killed the victim when she was asleep , ” the release said .
In May 2019 , a Weld County jury indicted Houston-Harvey on four felony charges : first-degree murder , second-degree murder , robbery and aggravated motor vehicle theft .
“ When she was taken from me , a part of me died along with her , ” the victim ’ s mother , Kim Cline , said in the release .
“ Laramie could light up a room with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no idea that she was .
Laramie was a sweet soul.
” Anthony Perea , chief deputy district attorney , said : “ All cases we prosecute are hard , but this one was especially hard , given the facts .
This murder was completely senseless , and the defendant robbed this young woman of the rest of her life .
”

An Arkansas man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for fatally shooting a woman in Colorado. He then stuffed her body in a suitcase and drove to Arkansas with the body in the car trunk.
David Houston-Harvey, 26, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in June in Weld County District Court for the death of 23-year-old Laramie Cline, of Ozark, Ala., according to a district attorney’s news release. A plea agreement stipulated a 35-year sentence to be served in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Houston-Harvey is serving a 12-year prison sentence in Arkansas for dumping the body there, the release said. The Colorado sentence, handed down Wednesday, will run concurrent to his Arkansas sentence.
In August 2017, Houston-Harvey and Cline were driving from Wyoming south on Interstate 25 in Weld County when he shot the victim. Houston-Harvey told investigators that Cline wanted to stay in Colorado, but he wanted to return to Arkansas or Alabama, the release said.
Houston-Harvey initially told investigators that Cline pointed her gun at him, and that he grabbed the weapon and it fired, striking her.
“However, the defendant later told his girlfriend that he shot and killed the victim when she was asleep,” the release said.
In May 2019, a Weld County jury indicted Houston-Harvey on four felony charges: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, robbery and aggravated motor vehicle theft.
“When she was taken from me, a part of me died along with her,” the victim’s mother, Kim Cline, said in the release. “Laramie could light up a room with her smile. She was beautiful but had no idea that she was. Laramie was a sweet soul.”
Anthony Perea, chief deputy district attorney, said: “All cases we prosecute are hard, but this one was especially hard, given the facts. This murder was completely senseless, and the defendant robbed this young woman of the rest of her life.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-04--Shooting leaves Cleveland police officer dead; suspects sought

CLEVELAND — A shooting killed a Cleveland police officer and another person , and authorities on Friday sought the person @ @ @ @ @ said .
Detective James Skernivitz , 53 , was shot around 10 p.m. Thursday on @ @ @ @ @ Chief Calvin Williams told reporters that Skernivitz was with the department for 25 years , @ @ @ @ @ one of its finest.
” Cleveland Police Patrolmen ’ s Association President Jeff Follmer said @ @ @ @ @ was not an officer but was in Skernivitz ’ s car , also died .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ t immediately released by police .
Investigators appealed to the public for help in @ @ @ @ @ .
The FBI in Cleveland offered a cash reward for information leading to an arrest @ @ @

CLEVELAND — A shooting killed a Cleveland police officer and another person, and authorities on Friday sought the person or people responsible, officials said.
Detective James Skernivitz, 53, was shot around 10 p.m. Thursday on the west side.
Police Chief Calvin Williams told reporters that Skernivitz was with the department for 25 years, saying: “Cleveland lost one of its finest.”
Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association President Jeff Follmer said a second person, who was not an officer but was in Skernivitz’s car, also died. Details about that person weren’t immediately released by police.
Investigators appealed to the public for help in finding a suspect or suspects. The FBI in Cleveland offered a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.


thedenverpost--2020-09-04--Portland shooting suspect killed  as federal task force tries to arrest him

LACEY , Wash. — A man suspected of fatally shooting a supporter of a right-wing group in Portland , Oregon , last week after a caravan of Donald Trump backers rode through downtown was killed Thursday as investigators moved in to arrest him , the U.S .
Marshals Service said Friday .
The man , Michael Forest Reinoehl , 48 , was killed as a federal task force attempted to apprehend him near Lacey , Washington , about 120 miles ( 193 kilometers ) north of Portland .
Reinoehl was the prime suspect in the killing of 39-year-old Aaron “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the chest Saturday night , a senior Justice Department official told The Associated Press .
Federal agents from the FBI and the U.S .
Marshals Service had located Reinoehl on Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest .
During the encounter , Reinoehl was shot by a law enforcement officer who was working on the federal task force , the official said .
The official could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity .
The official said Reinoehl had pulled a gun during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service statement said “ initial reports indicate the suspect produced a firearm , threatening the lives of law enforcement officers.
” The U.S .
Marshals Service fugitive task forces , comprised of deputy marshals , other federal agents and local law enforcement officers from a variety of agencies , are responsible for apprehending violent felons and other wanted suspects .
Thurston County Sheriff ’ s Lt. Ray Brady said four members of the fugitive task force fired their weapons , including two Pierce County Sheriff ’ s deputies , an officer from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Washington State Department of Corrections .
Brady said investigators haven ’ t yet determined how many rounds were fired .
The suspect was alone at the time of the shooting , Brady said , with no children or other people present .
Brady said he doesn ’ t think the suspect lived at the address where he was shot , and it ’ s not clear what brought him to Lacey .
“ We don ’ t know that specifically yet , ” Brady said .
“ I do not believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself in a social media post as “ 100 % ANTIFA.
” A regular presence at anti-racism demonstrations in Portland , he suggested the tactics of counter-protesters amounted to “ warfare , ” and had been shot at one protest and cited for having a gun at another .
Police cited Reinoehl on July 5 on allegations of possessing a loaded gun in a public place , resisting arrest and interfering with police .
On July 26 , Reinoehl was shot near his elbow after he got involved in a scuffle between an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people of color .
The man who was carrying that gun , Aaron Scott Collins , told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he and a friend had just left a bar when they saw the group harassing an older Black man .
His friend began filming them with a phone , and the group confronted them , calling them Nazis , he said .
Reinoehl later that day spoke to an AP videographer .
His arm was wrapped in a bloody bandage ; he said he was on his way to meet protest medics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he didn ’ t know what had started the altercation between Collins and the group , but that several people had decided to intervene when they saw Collins fighting with minors .
“ As soon as the adults jumped in , he pulled out a gun , ” Reinoehl said .
“ I jumped in there and pulled the gun away from people ’ s heads , avoided being shot in the stomach and I got shot in the arm.
” Reinoehl also was wanted on a warrant out of Baker County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show he skipped a hearing related to a June case in which he has been charged with driving under the influence of controlled substances , reckless driving , reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm .
Police said he drove on an interstate at up to 111 mph ( 179 kph ) , with his daughter in the car , while racing his 17-year-old son , who was in a different vehicle .
Protests have erupted daily in the Pacific Northwest city since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100-day mark , Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown and other Democratic leaders on Thursday called for an end to violence , even as federal agents were continuing to arrest protesters who allegedly assaulted law enforcement officers .
“ The violence must stop , ” Brown wrote .
“ There is no place for white supremacy or vigilantism in Oregon .
All who perpetrate violent crimes must be held equally accountable.
” The statement does not single out the small minority of left-wing protesters who have been setting fires , vandalizing buildings and throwing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s spokesman , Charles Boyle , said it “ is a collective call to action for an end to violence in Portland and affirms that those who commit violent acts must be held accountable.
” Brown ’ s condemnation of violence was also signed by almost two-dozen state and local politicians , a host of organizations including the local NAACP chapter , and the city ’ s professional sports teams : the Trailblazers NBA team , the Timbers soccer team and the Thorns women ’ s soccer squad .
Protesters returned Thursday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a frequent site of protests in Portland .
Police said demonstrators threw objects at officers and vehicles at the Penumbra Kelly building .
A vehicle drove through the protest , “ narrowly missing people in the group , ” a police statement said .
The driver was later stopped and cited ; police additionally arrested two protesters .
Support vehicles that police said were used to block traffic were cited and one was towed .
Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell also has denounced protesters who broke windows and set a fire this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartment building where Mayor Ted Wheeler lives .
Protesters are angry that Wheeler has not stopped officers from using batons and tear gas against Black Lives Matter protesters .
Wheeler now reportedly plans to move out of the building .
As of a week ago , 74 people were facing federal charges for crimes allegedly committed during demonstrations in Portland since at least May 29 , U.S. Attorney Billy Williams said .
Associated Press writers Gene Johnson in Seattle , Gillian Flaccus in Portland , Oregon , Rebecca Boone in Boise , Idaho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oregon , contributed to this report .

LACEY, Wash. — A man suspected of fatally shooting a supporter of a right-wing group in Portland, Oregon, last week after a caravan of Donald Trump backers rode through downtown was killed Thursday as investigators moved in to arrest him, the U.S. Marshals Service said Friday.
The man, Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, was killed as a federal task force attempted to apprehend him near Lacey, Washington, about 120 miles (193 kilometers) north of Portland. Reinoehl was the prime suspect in the killing of 39-year-old Aaron “Jay” Danielson, who was shot in the chest Saturday night, a senior Justice Department official told The Associated Press.
Federal agents from the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service had located Reinoehl on Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest. During the encounter, Reinoehl was shot by a law enforcement officer who was working on the federal task force, the official said. The official could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
The official said Reinoehl had pulled a gun during the encounter. A U.S. Marshals Service statement said “initial reports indicate the suspect produced a firearm, threatening the lives of law enforcement officers.”
The U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task forces, comprised of deputy marshals, other federal agents and local law enforcement officers from a variety of agencies, are responsible for apprehending violent felons and other wanted suspects.
Thurston County Sheriff’s Lt. Ray Brady said four members of the fugitive task force fired their weapons, including two Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies, an officer from the Lakewood Police Department and an officer from the Washington State Department of Corrections.
Brady said investigators haven’t yet determined how many rounds were fired.
The suspect was alone at the time of the shooting, Brady said, with no children or other people present.
Brady said he doesn’t think the suspect lived at the address where he was shot, and it’s not clear what brought him to Lacey.
“We don’t know that specifically yet,” Brady said. “I do not believe that was his residence.”
Reinoehl had described himself in a social media post as “100% ANTIFA.” A regular presence at anti-racism demonstrations in Portland, he suggested the tactics of counter-protesters amounted to “warfare,” and had been shot at one protest and cited for having a gun at another.
Police cited Reinoehl on July 5 on allegations of possessing a loaded gun in a public place, resisting arrest and interfering with police.
On July 26, Reinoehl was shot near his elbow after he got involved in a scuffle between an armed white man and a group of young people of color. The man who was carrying that gun, Aaron Scott Collins, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he and a friend had just left a bar when they saw the group harassing an older Black man. His friend began filming them with a phone, and the group confronted them, calling them Nazis, he said.
Reinoehl later that day spoke to an AP videographer. His arm was wrapped in a bloody bandage; he said he was on his way to meet protest medics so they could change it.
He said he didn’t know what had started the altercation between Collins and the group, but that several people had decided to intervene when they saw Collins fighting with minors.
“As soon as the adults jumped in, he pulled out a gun,” Reinoehl said. “I jumped in there and pulled the gun away from people’s heads, avoided being shot in the stomach and I got shot in the arm.”
Reinoehl also was wanted on a warrant out of Baker County in Eastern Oregon, where court records show he skipped a hearing related to a June case in which he has been charged with driving under the influence of controlled substances, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Police said he drove on an interstate at up to 111 mph (179 kph), with his daughter in the car, while racing his 17-year-old son, who was in a different vehicle.
Protests have erupted daily in the Pacific Northwest city since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
With unruly demonstrations in Portland nearing the 100-day mark, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and other Democratic leaders on Thursday called for an end to violence, even as federal agents were continuing to arrest protesters who allegedly assaulted law enforcement officers.
“The violence must stop,” Brown wrote. “There is no place for white supremacy or vigilantism in Oregon. All who perpetrate violent crimes must be held equally accountable.”
The statement does not single out the small minority of left-wing protesters who have been setting fires, vandalizing buildings and throwing objects at police. But Brown’s spokesman, Charles Boyle, said it “is a collective call to action for an end to violence in Portland and affirms that those who commit violent acts must be held accountable.”
Brown’s condemnation of violence was also signed by almost two-dozen state and local politicians, a host of organizations including the local NAACP chapter, and the city’s professional sports teams: the Trailblazers NBA team, the Timbers soccer team and the Thorns women’s soccer squad.
Protesters returned Thursday night to a law enforcement building that’s a frequent site of protests in Portland. Police said demonstrators threw objects at officers and vehicles at the Penumbra Kelly building. A vehicle drove through the protest, “narrowly missing people in the group,” a police statement said. The driver was later stopped and cited; police additionally arrested two protesters. Support vehicles that police said were used to block traffic were cited and one was towed.
Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell also has denounced protesters who broke windows and set a fire this week to a business in the upscale apartment building where Mayor Ted Wheeler lives. Protesters are angry that Wheeler has not stopped officers from using batons and tear gas against Black Lives Matter protesters. Wheeler now reportedly plans to move out of the building.
As of a week ago, 74 people were facing federal charges for crimes allegedly committed during demonstrations in Portland since at least May 29, U.S. Attorney Billy Williams said.
___
Associated Press writers Gene Johnson in Seattle, Gillian Flaccus in Portland, Oregon, Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, and Andrew Selsky in Salem, Oregon, contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-09-04--Denver weather: Record-setting heat wave this weekend could be followed by snow Tuesday

A dramatic weather change is setting up for Denver and northern Colorado as a record-setting heat wave is about to be sucker-punched by a massive blast of cold from Canada .
Denver may see some snow on Tuesday , after a 90-degree high temperature Monday .
“ This is not usual , ” said Evan Direnzo , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder .
“ It will be a pretty strange thing.
” Coloradans are used to wild weather swings , but the change Monday night into Tuesday is shaping up to be one for the ages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true to form , with temperatures of 90 degrees or above Friday through Monday , Denver will tie its all-time record for most plus-90-degree days in a year at 73 .
The forecast high for Monday , Labor Day , is 90 .
On Monday night , however , a Canadian cold front is primed to crash Colorado ’ s heat party , and a 74th day of 90-degree heat would be out of the question Tuesday .
Tuesday ’ s high temperature in Denver is forecast to be a measly 44 degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sept. 8 is 42 degrees .
The low temperature in Denver on Tuesday is forecast to be in the mid- to low 30s .
The record low for Sept. 8 in Denver is 31 degrees , set in 1962 .
On Tuesday , Denver may see some snow .
The earliest snowfall recorded in the city was on Sept. 3 , 1961 , according to the weather service .
On that day , 4.2 inches of snow was recorded .
“ Snow depends on cold air and moisture , ” Direnzo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be snow in Denver .
It ’ s hard to say how much.
” The weather service is calling for one-tenth of an inch of snow for Denver on Tuesday .
The Front Range foothills stand a better chance for measurable snow , Direnzo said .
Any snow Denver receives on Tuesday is likely to melt as quickly as it lands because surface temperatures will still be radiant after a long string of 90-degree days .
Tree limbs in Denver and along the Front Range could suffer damage in Tuesday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materializes .
Gardens should be covered , and any delicate plants should be taken indoors if possible .
Meanwhile , before we get to Tuesday , Denver ’ s weather will continue to be unseasonably hot and dry .
On Friday in Denver skies will be sunny with a high of 92 , the weather service said .
On Saturday the high temperature is expected to tie a record 98 degrees , set just last year for the date .
Sunday in Denver will be hotter still at 99 degrees .
The record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 97 degrees , set in 2013 .
Sunny skies will still dominate over Denver on Monday , Labor Day , with a forecast high temperature of 90 degrees .
Normal high temperatures in Denver for the first week of September are 82 to 84 degrees .
Monday night the cold front comes into play with a chance of rain and thunderstorms between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. , then rain is likely , the weather service said .
The low temperature will be about 36 degrees .
With a high temperature of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low of 36 degrees overnight Monday , Denver could see about a 54-degree temperature swing in less than 24 hours .
On Tuesday , snow will likely mix with rain from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and then become mostly rain , the weather service said .
The overnight low Tuesday in Denver will drop to about 32 degrees with another chance for a rain-snow mix .
Denver on Wednesday will have a chance of rain and snow with a high temperature of 55 degrees .

A dramatic weather change is setting up for Denver and northern Colorado as a record-setting heat wave is about to be sucker-punched by a massive blast of cold from Canada. Denver may see some snow on Tuesday, after a 90-degree high temperature Monday.
“This is not usual,” said Evan Direnzo, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder. “It will be a pretty strange thing.”
Coloradans are used to wild weather swings, but the change Monday night into Tuesday is shaping up to be one for the ages.
If the Denver weather forecast holds true to form, with temperatures of 90 degrees or above Friday through Monday, Denver will tie its all-time record for most plus-90-degree days in a year at 73. The forecast high for Monday, Labor Day, is 90.
On Monday night, however, a Canadian cold front is primed to crash Colorado’s heat party, and a 74th day of 90-degree heat would be out of the question Tuesday. Tuesday’s high temperature in Denver is forecast to be a measly 44 degrees. The lowest recorded high temperature for Denver on Sept. 8 is 42 degrees. The low temperature in Denver on Tuesday is forecast to be in the mid- to low 30s. The record low for Sept. 8 in Denver is 31 degrees, set in 1962.
On Tuesday, Denver may see some snow. The earliest snowfall recorded in the city was on Sept. 3, 1961, according to the weather service. On that day, 4.2 inches of snow was recorded.
“Snow depends on cold air and moisture,” Direnzo said. “It is looking better that there will be snow in Denver. It’s hard to say how much.”
The weather service is calling for one-tenth of an inch of snow for Denver on Tuesday. The Front Range foothills stand a better chance for measurable snow, Direnzo said.
Any snow Denver receives on Tuesday is likely to melt as quickly as it lands because surface temperatures will still be radiant after a long string of 90-degree days.
Tree limbs in Denver and along the Front Range could suffer damage in Tuesday’s wintry blast, especially if snow materializes. Gardens should be covered, and any delicate plants should be taken indoors if possible.
Meanwhile, before we get to Tuesday, Denver’s weather will continue to be unseasonably hot and dry.
On Friday in Denver skies will be sunny with a high of 92, the weather service said. On Saturday the high temperature is expected to tie a record 98 degrees, set just last year for the date. Sunday in Denver will be hotter still at 99 degrees. The record high for Sept. 6 (Sunday) is 97 degrees, set in 2013.
Sunny skies will still dominate over Denver on Monday, Labor Day, with a forecast high temperature of 90 degrees. Normal high temperatures in Denver for the first week of September are 82 to 84 degrees.
Monday night the cold front comes into play with a chance of rain and thunderstorms between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m., then rain is likely, the weather service said. The low temperature will be about 36 degrees.
With a high temperature of 90 degrees on Monday, and a low of 36 degrees overnight Monday, Denver could see about a 54-degree temperature swing in less than 24 hours.
“Weather is a strange thing,” Direnzo said.
On Tuesday, snow will likely mix with rain from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and then become mostly rain, the weather service said. The overnight low Tuesday in Denver will drop to about 32 degrees with another chance for a rain-snow mix.
Denver on Wednesday will have a chance of rain and snow with a high temperature of 55 degrees.


thedenverpost--2020-09-04--Denver entrepreneurs launch app designed to be “a GPS to find Black-owned businesses”

A GPS for finding Black-owned businesses .
That ’ s the vision Ramond Murphy and Mariam Kazadi had this summer after being inspired by Blackout Day 2020 .
On that social media-driven day of protest on July 7 , millions of people pledged not to spend money unless it was at a Black-owned business .
It was an event intended to uplift Black businesses and artists , demonstrate the economic power of the Black community and its allies and make a statement that companies need to stand up for justice and equality for Black Americans if they want their dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided one day wasn ’ t enough .
“ We were all looking for a more curated space to find Black businesses , ” said Kazadi , who works for Comcast Business and is a writer for Christain lifestyle magazine Back2Basics .
“ We thought , let ’ s provide a platform that anyone could use.
” Now , two months after Blackout Day 2020 , the BBLK app has arrived .
The app — pronounced “ Black ” – went live Friday .
It can be downloaded by visiting bblkapp.com .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
The app provides addresses , hours of operation and phone numbers for more than 1,100 Black-owned businesses across the country , at least one in all 50 states , its creators say .
Murphy and Kazadi , both 29 , were born and raised in the Denver area .
Naturally , there is an emphasis on the Mile High City .
Around 400 businesses in and around Denver are listed on BBLK and counting .
“ A lot of times , ( Black-owned businesses ) they ’ re smaller , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Murphy said .
“ The hardest part for people is just to know where they are.
” That growth will be facilitated by the app itself .
BBLK isn ’ t just a directory for consumers , it ’ s a free marketing tool .
Business owners can download it and add their company information for a potential listing .
After vetting to make sure it meets BBLK criteria , the business will be added to what Kazadi and Murphy expect will be an ever-expanding database .
Beyond cofounding BBLK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under the arts & entertainment banner — one of 17 business categories in the BBLK search menu that also includes headings like food and beverage , financial services , education and real estate– you ’ ll find Murphy .
He ’ s a rapper who records and performs under his first name , Ramond .
Earlier this year , Murphy collaborated with other members of Denver ’ s hip-hop scene on the song “ I Can ’ t Breathe ( Again ) , ” a musical amplifier for the pain , angst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement .
He sees the BBLK app as another way to support that movement , this time from the economic side .
“ It was kind of the same as the song .
It was just looking at ways to use your voice and platform to do more to effect change , ” he said .
Murphy and Kazadi may have had the vision but they reached out to a friend to help them design and build BBLK : graphic designer and fellow Denverite Leonard Johnson .
Johnson , who can be found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grafitti , has designed cover art for Murphy ’ s musical releases .
He saw Murphy and Kazadi discussing the idea that would eventually become BBLK on social media .
When they asked him to be part of it , he jumped at the chance even though he had never built a directory app before and had to learn some new skills on the fly .
“ I ’ m big on promoting the community , ” said Johnson , 33 .
“ As we were going through the concept , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freelance graphic designer , Johnson knows a lot of clients in the Black community that could benefit from the exposure the BBLK app stands to provide .
“ For that company that ’ s just starting and they don ’ t know how to reach people and they don ’ t know how to be found , it will definitely help them , ” he said .
Beta testing on the app started weeks before its release date .
Murphy let both his grandpa , who is over 80 , and his nephew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try in out , he said , making sure it was as user friendly as possible ahead of its launch .
Murphy ’ s friend and fellow entrepreneur Jonathan Lobato tested out the function for adding a new business listing .
His West 29th Salon in Wheat Ridge opened a little over a year ago .
It has had a challenging start , being temporarily shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic , but things are coming around .
The salon just hired someone to provide massages , adding to its hair and nail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market for an esthetician .
“ I got on and it was easy to navigate which is huge when you ’ re looking for a business these days , ” Lobato said .
“ This app is really something that could help catapult people in our shoes.
” Lobato is hoping to put the app to use when making future business decisions like where to host special events .
He sees that as a way to double down on the benefits for the Black community .
“ It ’ s not something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , it ’ s helping a lot of people , helping foster a sense of community , ” he said .
The BBLK app is free to consumers and to people who want to list their businesses on it .
The only way Murphy and Kazadi will earn money is via donations and merchandise sales .
The donate tab in the app allows users to give as little as $ 5 and as much as $ 500 and offers a link to a site selling BBLK app T-shirts .
Even a portion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the community .
Murphy and Kazadi plan to pick at least one historically Black college or university to direct some of the money to each year .
Out of the gate , 10 % of the donations will go to a school or schools and scholarships , Murphy said .
The BBLK app team has partnered with the Denver ’ s Juneteenth Music Festival Corp .
The nonprofit , which organizes the annual Juneteenth celebration in Five Points , will help with promotion , fostering additional community partnerships and support when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scholarships , Murphy said .
“ We are excited to serve as a fiscal partner with the BBLK app , ” Norman Harris , who leads Denver ’ s Juneteenth Corp. said in a statement .
“ We believe that this platform will stand at the forefront of our community and create innovative solutions for connectivity and commerce.
” Murphy , Kazadi and Johnson plan to put most of their share of the donations early on back into the app , adding more functions and improving the user experience as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would love for the app to blossom and become a longtime focus for them .
The point of the BBLK app isn ’ t to eclipse businesses owned by people of other races , Murphy said .
It ’ s about providing an easier avenue to support these businesses more frequently for those that want to do so .
Kazadi said she hopes people will embrace using the app to find and support Black-owned businesses at least once a week .
“ Our slogan for BBLK app is to make every Friday a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A GPS for finding Black-owned businesses. That’s the vision Ramond Murphy and Mariam Kazadi had this summer after being inspired by Blackout Day 2020.
On that social media-driven day of protest on July 7, millions of people pledged not to spend money unless it was at a Black-owned business. It was an event intended to uplift Black businesses and artists, demonstrate the economic power of the Black community and its allies and make a statement that companies need to stand up for justice and equality for Black Americans if they want their dollars, organizers said.
Murphy and Kazadi decided one day wasn’t enough.
“We were all looking for a more curated space to find Black businesses,” said Kazadi, who works for Comcast Business and is a writer for Christain lifestyle magazine Back2Basics. “We thought, let’s provide a platform that anyone could use.”
Now, two months after Blackout Day 2020, the BBLK app has arrived.
The app — pronounced “Black”– went live Friday. It can be downloaded by visiting bblkapp.com. A release through smartphone app stores is expected later.
The app provides addresses, hours of operation and phone numbers for more than 1,100 Black-owned businesses across the country, at least one in all 50 states, its creators say.
Murphy and Kazadi, both 29, are Denver residents. Naturally, there is an emphasis on the Mile High City. Around 400 businesses in and around Denver are listed on BBLK and counting.
“A lot of times, (Black-owned businesses) they’re smaller, they don’t have big presences online,” Murphy said. “The hardest part for people is just to know where they are.”
That growth will be facilitated by the app itself. BBLK isn’t just a directory for consumers, it’s a free marketing tool. Business owners can download it and add their company information for a potential listing. After vetting to make sure it meets BBLK criteria, the business will be added to what Kazadi and Murphy expect will be an ever-expanding database.
Beyond cofounding BBLK, Murphy is also listed on the app. Under the arts & entertainment banner — one of 17 business categories in the BBLK search menu that also includes headings like food and beverage, financial services, education and real estate– you’ll find Murphy. He’s a rapper who records and performs under his first name, Ramond.
Earlier this year, Murphy collaborated with other members of Denver’s hip-hop scene on the song “I Can’t Breathe (Again),” a musical amplifier for the pain, angst and determination behind the Black Lives Matter movement. He sees the BBLK app as another way to support that movement, this time from the economic side.
“It was kind of the same as the song. It was just looking at ways to use your voice and platform to do more to effect change,” he said.
Murphy and Kazadi may have had the vision but they reached out to a friend to help them design and build BBLK: graphic designer and fellow Denverite Leonard Johnson.
Johnson, who can be found on the app under his nickname/tradename, Grafitti, has designed cover art for Murphy’s musical releases. He saw Murphy and Kazadi discussing the idea that would eventually become BBLK on social media. When they asked him to be part of it, he jumped at the chance even though he had never built a directory app before and had to learn some new skills on the fly.
“I’m big on promoting the community,” said Johnson, 33. “As we were going through the concept, it was kind of a no-brainer.”
As a freelance graphic designer, Johnson knows a lot of clients in the Black community that could benefit from the exposure the BBLK app stands to provide.
“For that company that’s just starting and they don’t know how to reach people and they don’t know how to be found, it will definitely help them,” he said.
Beta testing on the app started weeks before its release date. Murphy let both his grandpa, who is over 80, and his nephew, who is in his 20s, try in out, he said, making sure it was as user friendly as possible ahead of its launch.
Murphy’s friend and fellow entrepreneur Jonathan Lobato tested out the function for adding a new business listing. His West 29th Salon in Wheat Ridge opened a little over a year ago. It has had a challenging start, being temporarily shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic, but things are coming around. The salon just hired someone to provide massages, adding to its hair and nail services. Lobato is now in the market for an esthetician.
“I got on and it was easy to navigate which is huge when you’re looking for a business these days,” Lobato said. “This app is really something that could help catapult people in our shoes.”
Lobato is hoping to put the app to use when making future business decisions like where to host special events. He sees that as a way to double down on the benefits for the Black community.
“It’s not something that’s just for (the salon), it’s helping a lot of people, helping foster a sense of community,” he said.
The BBLK app is free to consumers and to people who want to list their businesses on it. The only way Murphy and Kazadi will earn money is via donations and merchandise sales. The donate tab in the app allows users to give as little as $5 and as much as $500 and offers a link to a site selling BBLK app T-shirts.
Even a portion of the donations will be cycled back into the community. Murphy and Kazadi plan to pick at least one historically Black college or university to direct some of the money to each year. Out of the gate, 10% of the donations will go to a school or schools and scholarships, Murphy said.
The BBLK app team has partnered with the Denver’s Juneteenth Music Festival Corp. The nonprofit, which organizes the annual Juneteenth celebration in Five Points, will help with promotion, fostering additional community partnerships and support when it comes to channeling donation dollars to schools and scholarships, Murphy said.
“We are excited to serve as a fiscal partner with the BBLK app,” Norman Harris, who leads Denver’s Juneteenth Corp. said in a statement. “We believe that this platform will stand at the forefront of our community and create innovative solutions for connectivity and commerce.”
Murphy, Kazadi and Johnson plan to put most of their share of the donations early on back into the app, adding more functions and improving the user experience as much as they can. All three said they would love for the app to blossom and become a longtime focus for them.
The point of the BBLK app isn’t to eclipse businesses owned by people of other races, Murphy said. It’s about providing an easier avenue to support these businesses more frequently for those that want to do so. Kazadi said she hopes people will embrace using the app to find and support Black-owned businesses at least once a week.
“Our slogan for BBLK app is to make every Friday a Black Friday,” she said.
Updated Sept. 5, 2020, at 10:33 a.m. Because of an error by a reporter, Mariam Kazadi’s place of birth was incorrect in the original version of this story. Kazadi was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


thedenverpost--2020-09-04--Colorado’s COVID-19 cases are stable now, but officials worry Labor Day could set up a winter spike

Colorado ’ s COVID-19 epidemic is less severe than it was when people got together to celebrate the Fourth of July , but some public health officials are worried that Labor Day parties could launch a chain reaction leading to a grim winter .
Any bump in cases of the new coronavirus from Labor Day likely would be relatively short-lived , similar to the spike in the second half of July , said Dr. Jonathan Samet , dean of the Colorado School of Public Health .
While even a small increase in cases can lead to more hospitalizations and deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday bump and any increase from schools reopening could reinforce each other , putting Colorado in a difficult position heading into the winter flu season .
The School of Public Health ’ s models show there could be almost no change in the epidemic ’ s trajectory in Colorado if schools can avoid bringing too many people into close contact and the public doesn ’ t throw caution to the wind this weekend .
But if students and the adults around them can ’ t maintain their distance at school and Labor Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without masks or adequate space , there could be a significant increase in hospitalizations over the winter .
The virus is so new that ’ s its impossible to be certain which scenario is most likely , Samet said .
Schools began reopening in mid-August , so we ’ ll likely know soon if in-person classes caused an increase in cases , state epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said .
Any spike linked to Labor Day likely won ’ t show up until about two weeks later , because it takes time for people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The next couple of weeks is when we expect to see potential outbreaks and increases in cases from reopening , if we ’ re going to see them , ” she said .
Colorado is in a better place than it was heading into the Fourth of July weekend , Samet said .
Cases had been slowly rising in the second half of June , before taking off in July .
In the second half of August , cases have slowly declined , and appear to have hit a plateau at a manageable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re in a pretty good place and we want to stay there , ” he said .
As of the end of August , social distancing was the near the level at the end of Colorado ’ s stay-at-home order , and it appears most people are wearing masks in public and following other recommendations , Herlihy said .
Each person who gets the virus in Colorado is infecting an average of less than one person , meaning the spread is under control , she said .
“ The strategies we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
That could change , however , if people dramatically change their behavior .
Over the Fourth of July weekend , Coloradans had about twice as many close interactions as they have in recent weeks , Herlihy said .
It ’ s important that they continue avoiding large events , keeping their distance from people they don ’ t live with , wearing masks and washing their hands , she said .
If you do attend an event where you ’ re at a higher risk of being exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until you ’ re tested .
It ’ s best to get tested about seven days after the exposure , because the test can ’ t always detect the virus in the first few days of infection , Herlihy said .
Colorado is doing well compared to most states , which could help reduce the impact of changing weather if residents keep following the recommendations , said Dr. David Rubin , director of PolicyLab at the Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia .
Respiratory viruses tend to spread more efficiently in cold weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t the savior some people had hoped for , he said .
“ If a lot of regions can control transmission now , we might enter into a relatively quiet period , ” he said .
“ You have to reduce the likelihood that any given person who ’ s in a crowded area with you has it.
” In 1918 , during that flu pandemic , cities made the mistake of believing the virus was gone in the summer , which set up the deadly second wave in the fall and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve gotten a lot better at saving lives over the last century , cases could rebound in the same way if people get tired of following the rules and go back to normal life , he said .
“ We ’ re going to enter a terrain in fall where it ’ s much harder to control , ” he said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado’s COVID-19 epidemic is less severe than it was when people got together to celebrate the Fourth of July, but some public health officials are worried that Labor Day parties could launch a chain reaction leading to a grim winter.
Any bump in cases of the new coronavirus from Labor Day likely would be relatively short-lived, similar to the spike in the second half of July, said Dr. Jonathan Samet, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health.
While even a small increase in cases can lead to more hospitalizations and deaths, the bigger concern is that a holiday bump and any increase from schools reopening could reinforce each other, putting Colorado in a difficult position heading into the winter flu season.
The School of Public Health’s models show there could be almost no change in the epidemic’s trajectory in Colorado if schools can avoid bringing too many people into close contact and the public doesn’t throw caution to the wind this weekend.
But if students and the adults around them can’t maintain their distance at school and Labor Day celebrations bring large numbers of people together without masks or adequate space, there could be a significant increase in hospitalizations over the winter.
The virus is so new that’s its impossible to be certain which scenario is most likely, Samet said.
Schools began reopening in mid-August, so we’ll likely know soon if in-person classes caused an increase in cases, state epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said. Any spike linked to Labor Day likely won’t show up until about two weeks later, because it takes time for people to develop symptoms, she said.
“The next couple of weeks is when we expect to see potential outbreaks and increases in cases from reopening, if we’re going to see them,” she said.
Colorado is in a better place than it was heading into the Fourth of July weekend, Samet said. Cases had been slowly rising in the second half of June, before taking off in July. In the second half of August, cases have slowly declined, and appear to have hit a plateau at a manageable level, he said.
“We’re in a pretty good place and we want to stay there,” he said.
As of the end of August, social distancing was the near the level at the end of Colorado’s stay-at-home order, and it appears most people are wearing masks in public and following other recommendations, Herlihy said. Each person who gets the virus in Colorado is infecting an average of less than one person, meaning the spread is under control, she said.
“The strategies we have in place right now are working well,” she said.
That could change, however, if people dramatically change their behavior. Over the Fourth of July weekend, Coloradans had about twice as many close interactions as they have in recent weeks, Herlihy said. It’s important that they continue avoiding large events, keeping their distance from people they don’t live with, wearing masks and washing their hands, she said.
If you do attend an event where you’re at a higher risk of being exposed, it’s important to isolate until you’re tested. It’s best to get tested about seven days after the exposure, because the test can’t always detect the virus in the first few days of infection, Herlihy said.
Colorado is doing well compared to most states, which could help reduce the impact of changing weather if residents keep following the recommendations, said Dr. David Rubin, director of PolicyLab at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Respiratory viruses tend to spread more efficiently in cold weather, though obviously the summer heat wasn’t the savior some people had hoped for, he said.
“If a lot of regions can control transmission now, we might enter into a relatively quiet period,” he said. “You have to reduce the likelihood that any given person who’s in a crowded area with you has it.”
In 1918, during that flu pandemic, cities made the mistake of believing the virus was gone in the summer, which set up the deadly second wave in the fall and winter, Rubin said. While we’ve gotten a lot better at saving lives over the last century, cases could rebound in the same way if people get tired of following the rules and go back to normal life, he said.
“We’re going to enter a terrain in fall where it’s much harder to control,” he said.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.