thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Ask Amy: Homeowners go nuts over squirrels

Dear Amy : We have just moved into a new semi-detached home and have not yet met the neighbor in the adjoining house .
We ’ ve noticed that there is a trio of plump and happy squirrels who spend most of their time on a small tree just outside of our window .
Our yard and flower beds are constantly littered with hundreds of store-bought peanut shells .
It is s a disgusting mess .
Amy , there is not a single moment that I ’ ve looked out the window and not seen a squirrel on our roof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they almost always have a peanut in their mouth .
They are also digging our lawn to bits .
It seems that our wall-sharing neighbor is buying peanuts to feed the squirrels , and by the looks of it , she buys in bulk !
Not only is this making a mess of our lawn , but I am worried about our children picking these up ( we have two toddlers ) .
We were also looking forward to having a large garden in the summer , and although any garden can have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over the top .
I think the neighbor should have to clean up the atrocious mess on our lawn and stop feeding these pests , but having that be our first-ever communication doesn ’ t make for a friendly start .
Should we make a show of if by going out with gloves and garbage bags , trying to cover the tree , and leave squirrel repellent bottles outside ?
Or do we knock on the door and ask them to stop ?
!
The squirrels are living and feasting exclusively on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Going Nuts : You should introduce yourselves to your neighbors .
Ask them about the neighborhood , about trash and recycling pickup , etc .
In the course of your conversation , you should also ask them what they are doing about the squirrel infestation .
Ask if these rodents have been scampering across their roof , gnawing on the woodwork , and chewing through their wiring ( squirrels love the rubber coating on wiring , by the way ) .
Depending on how your neighbors respond , you can simply make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do everything you can to eradicate or relocate this trio .
Say , “ If you are feeding them , we hope you will stop.
” Then , you can take all of the steps you mention .
You should also consider trapping these pals ( the squirrels , not the neighbors ) and relocating them ( again , the squirrels , not the neighbors ) to a far-off habitat .
Even though they are contributing to it , I don ’ t agree that the neighbors should have to clean up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dear Amy : I have three adult children .
I raised them to thank people for gifts .
Their friends , however , do not .
I have given generously to these young people , for wedding registries , baby showers , etc .
A few have thanked me , verbally or in a written note , but from the rest , nothing .
This includes gifts that were on a registry , which the recipient clearly indicated they wanted .
A very sweet , kind , well-educated young man told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledge gifts , even if he likes it .
He didn ’ t give me a reason .
My question is : Why ?
Email/texting is easy , free , and instantaneous , unlike writing a note and having to pay postage and put it in a mailbox .
It seems to be beneath them .
Dear Giver : I agree with you that thanking people is easier than ever .
Simply taking a picture of the item and sending the picture with a texted message of “ Thank you !
” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book .
If someone declares to you that he never thanks people for anything , then I think you should interpret this as a statement that he no longer wants to receive gifts .
I ’ m not sure if this is a trend ; I can assert that this is a perennial frustration for many .
Dear Amy : I appreciate your annual column devoted to charities , but yet again you failed to suggest any charities benefitting animals !
I find this lack of awareness and concern very upsetting .
Dear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have a duty to do everything we can to protect them .
Throughout the year , I advocate for the needs of our animal friends and companions .
I don ’ t have a lack of awareness ( and personally donate to my local shelter ) , but my “ giving ” column each year focuses on nonprofits that help humans .

Dear Amy: We have just moved into a new semi-detached home and have not yet met the neighbor in the adjoining house.
We’ve noticed that there is a trio of plump and happy squirrels who spend most of their time on a small tree just outside of our window. Our yard and flower beds are constantly littered with hundreds of store-bought peanut shells. It is s a disgusting mess.
Amy, there is not a single moment that I’ve looked out the window and not seen a squirrel on our roof, tree, or lawn, and they almost always have a peanut in their mouth. They are also digging our lawn to bits.
It seems that our wall-sharing neighbor is buying peanuts to feed the squirrels, and by the looks of it, she buys in bulk!
Not only is this making a mess of our lawn, but I am worried about our children picking these up (we have two toddlers).
We were also looking forward to having a large garden in the summer, and although any garden can have its fair share of pests, this is over the top.
I think the neighbor should have to clean up the atrocious mess on our lawn and stop feeding these pests, but having that be our first-ever communication doesn’t make for a friendly start.
Should we make a show of if by going out with gloves and garbage bags, trying to cover the tree, and leave squirrel repellent bottles outside? Or do we knock on the door and ask them to stop?! The squirrels are living and feasting exclusively on our side of the lawn!
— Going Nuts in Niagara Falls
Dear Going Nuts: You should introduce yourselves to your neighbors. Ask them about the neighborhood, about trash and recycling pickup, etc.
In the course of your conversation, you should also ask them what they are doing about the squirrel infestation. Ask if these rodents have been scampering across their roof, gnawing on the woodwork, and chewing through their wiring (squirrels love the rubber coating on wiring, by the way).
Depending on how your neighbors respond, you can simply make it very clear that you are going to do everything you can to eradicate or relocate this trio. Say, “If you are feeding them, we hope you will stop.” Then, you can take all of the steps you mention. You should also consider trapping these pals (the squirrels, not the neighbors) and relocating them (again, the squirrels, not the neighbors) to a far-off habitat.
Even though they are contributing to it, I don’t agree that the neighbors should have to clean up the mess these squirrels leave on your lawn.
Dear Amy: I have three adult children. I raised them to thank people for gifts. Their friends, however, do not.
I have given generously to these young people, for wedding registries, baby showers, etc. A few have thanked me, verbally or in a written note, but from the rest, nothing. This includes gifts that were on a registry, which the recipient clearly indicated they wanted.
A very sweet, kind, well-educated young man told me once that he just didn’t acknowledge gifts, even if he likes it. He didn’t give me a reason.
My question is: Why?
Email/texting is easy, free, and instantaneous, unlike writing a note and having to pay postage and put it in a mailbox. It seems to be beneath them.
Any ideas?
— The Giver
Dear Giver: I agree with you that thanking people is easier than ever. Simply taking a picture of the item and sending the picture with a texted message of “Thank you!” to the giver is sufficient, in my book.
If someone declares to you that he never thanks people for anything, then I think you should interpret this as a statement that he no longer wants to receive gifts.
I’m not sure if this is a trend; I can assert that this is a perennial frustration for many.
Dear Amy: I appreciate your annual column devoted to charities, but yet again you failed to suggest any charities benefitting animals! I find this lack of awareness and concern very upsetting.
— Disappointed AGAIN
Dear Disappointed: As stewards to our animals, we have a duty to do everything we can to protect them. Throughout the year, I advocate for the needs of our animal friends and companions.
I don’t have a lack of awareness (and personally donate to my local shelter), but my “giving” column each year focuses on nonprofits that help humans.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Two immigrants, pastor, Army sergeant guilty of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud

Two immigrants , a pastor and an Army sergeant have been convicted of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud as part of an illegal immigration scheme , according to federal prosecutors .
Rajesh Ramcharan , 45 ; Diann Ramcharan , 37 ; Sgt .
Galima Murry , 31 ; and the Rev .
Ken Harvell , 60 , were found guilty Thursday after a nine-day jury trial , according to a news release from the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Colorado .
The conspiracy involved obtaining immigration benefits for Rajesh Ramcharan , Diann Ramcharan , and one of their minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ married couple in 2007 came to the U.S. from Trinidad and Tobago on visitor visas .
They overstayed the visas and settled in Colorado .
In 2010 the couple was married by Harvell , who signed a marriage certificate , the release said .
The couple then filed for divorce .
Five days after the divorce was finalized , Harvell signed a new marriage certificate for Diann Ramcharan and Sgt .
Murry , a U.S. citizen and Fort Carson soldier at the time .
“ Diann Ramcharan and Sergeant Murry entered into this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws and enabling Diann Ramcharan to stay in the United States , ” the release said .
Murry obtained military benefits through the marriage .
In 2015 Rajesh Ramcharan married Angelica Guevara , also a U.S. citizen .
Harvell signed their marriage certificate as well .
“ During the time of both the Ramcharans ’ fraudulent marriages to Murry and Guevara , the Ramcharans lived with each other and otherwise presented themselves to the world as a married couple , ” the release said .
Harvell is senior pastor with Southeast Baptist Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church ’ s website .
“ As the defendants in this case learned , marriage fraud to gain citizenship is a crime , ” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn .
Each defendant was also convicted of making at least one false statement to U.S. immigration authorities , according to the release .
Guevara earlier pleaded guilty to the conspiracy .
She testified at the four co-defendants ’ trial before Senior U.S .
Circuit Judge Judge David M. Ebel .
A federal jury in Denver deliberated for three hours before returning the guilty verdicts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set .

Two immigrants, a pastor and an Army sergeant have been convicted of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud as part of an illegal immigration scheme, according to federal prosecutors.
Rajesh Ramcharan, 45; Diann Ramcharan, 37; Sgt. Galima Murry, 31; and the Rev. Ken Harvell, 60, were found guilty Thursday after a nine-day jury trial, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office in Colorado.
The conspiracy involved obtaining immigration benefits for Rajesh Ramcharan, Diann Ramcharan, and one of their minor children, the release said. A married couple in 2007 came to the U.S. from Trinidad and Tobago on visitor visas. They overstayed the visas and settled in Colorado.
In 2010 the couple was married by Harvell, who signed a marriage certificate, the release said. The couple then filed for divorce. Five days after the divorce was finalized, Harvell signed a new marriage certificate for Diann Ramcharan and Sgt. Murry, a U.S. citizen and Fort Carson soldier at the time.
“Diann Ramcharan and Sergeant Murry entered into this marriage for the purpose of evading immigration laws and enabling Diann Ramcharan to stay in the United States,” the release said. Murry obtained military benefits through the marriage.
In 2015 Rajesh Ramcharan married Angelica Guevara, also a U.S. citizen. Harvell signed their marriage certificate as well.
“During the time of both the Ramcharans’ fraudulent marriages to Murry and Guevara, the Ramcharans lived with each other and otherwise presented themselves to the world as a married couple,” the release said.
Harvell is senior pastor with Southeast Baptist Church of Colorado Springs, according to the church’s website.
“As the defendants in this case learned, marriage fraud to gain citizenship is a crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.
Each defendant was also convicted of making at least one false statement to U.S. immigration authorities, according to the release. Guevara earlier pleaded guilty to the conspiracy. She testified at the four co-defendants’ trial before Senior U.S. Circuit Judge Judge David M. Ebel.
A federal jury in Denver deliberated for three hours before returning the guilty verdicts. A sentencing date has not been set.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Brighton man sentenced to 20 months for Social Security fraud, failing to file tax returns

A Brighton man has been sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for failure to file tax returns and for fraud relating to Social Security disability payments .
Robert Eugene Hybertson , 61 , agreed to pay the Social Security Administration $ 146,484 restitution , to file accurate tax statements for all years applicable and pay all taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service , according to news release from the U.S. attorney ’ s Colorado office .
Hybertson received a gross income of $ 887,000 in 2012 but willfully failed to file the required income tax statements for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a plea agreement .
Hybertson also failed to file income tax statements for 2010 , 2011 and 2013 , when he had approximate gross incomes of $ 241,000 , $ 566,000 and $ 117,000 , respectively .
The estimated tax loss for the years is $ 828,000 , or $ 1.7 million if penalties and interest are included , according to the Friday release .
In May 2001 , Hybertson began receiving Social Security disability insurance benefits , the release said .
In 2010 , Hybertson concealed from Social Security that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to disclose income — and he made false statements about working , according to the release .
Hybertson fraudulently received $ 146,484 of disability benefits .
“ The defendant avoided paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes and at the same time lied to get money he did not deserve from Social Security , ” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn .
The sentencing hearing was before U.S. District Judge R. Brooke Jackson .
The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Office of the Inspector General .

A Brighton man has been sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for failure to file tax returns and for fraud relating to Social Security disability payments.
Robert Eugene Hybertson, 61, agreed to pay the Social Security Administration $146,484 restitution, to file accurate tax statements for all years applicable and pay all taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service, according to news release from the U.S. attorney’s Colorado office.
Hybertson received a gross income of $887,000 in 2012 but willfully failed to file the required income tax statements for that year, according to the stipulated facts in a plea agreement. Hybertson also failed to file income tax statements for 2010, 2011 and 2013, when he had approximate gross incomes of $241,000, $566,000 and $117,000, respectively.
The estimated tax loss for the years is $828,000, or $1.7 million if penalties and interest are included, according to the Friday release.
In May 2001, Hybertson began receiving Social Security disability insurance benefits, the release said. In 2010, Hybertson concealed from Social Security that he was receiving income — violating an agreement to disclose income — and he made false statements about working, according to the release. Hybertson fraudulently received $146,484 of disability benefits.
“The defendant avoided paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes and at the same time lied to get money he did not deserve from Social Security,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.
The sentencing hearing was before U.S. District Judge R. Brooke Jackson. The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Office of the Inspector General.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--A former Denver Bronco, a boxer and a “helitack” crew member join Denver Fire Department

The Denver Fire Department ’ s newest class of firefighters will go down in history as the most diverse in the department ’ s history and will chip away at its goal of bringing more women into its fire houses .
The graduates , who received their badges in a Friday ceremony , included a former Denver Broncos tight-end , two female military veterans , a female “ helitack ” firefighter , who repelled from helicopters to battle blazes , and a professional boxer .
Six of the 23 students were women , making this batch of female firefighters the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The department now has 59 women out of 1,042 firefighters , a 5.6 % rate that exceeds the national average , which is typically from 3 % to 3.5 % , said Capt .
Greg Pixley , the department ’ s officer in charge of recruiting and outreach .
“ It ’ s very diverse now , and I kind of wanted to tap in and kind of add to that diversity , ” said Jessica Schaefer , one of the graduates and a military veteran .
“ I just wanted to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just kind of get them to see that women can do the same thing that men can do.
” Schaefer , a Denver native , grew up athletic and interested in service .
The culture of the city and the fire department matched her military beliefs and seemed like the obvious next step after serving as a military police officer , she said .
Pixley said it ’ s rare to see women in fire departments because the cultural ideals embodied by females may differ from those of traditional firefighters .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Pixley said .
“ We certainly would like to make sure [ women ] know they can be a Denver firefighter.
” Wesley Duke , who played tight-end for the Broncos in 2005 , said the day was a long time coming .
The new recruits have spent the past 18 weeks in grueling training made up of extremely demanding written and physical work .
“ It was a lot of long hours , so it took me away from my family , ” Duke said .
He said that after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a truck driver , and the reason he quit that was so he could be home more with his family .
But the training kept him away from home , too .
“ I want to retire from this , I eventually want to get to be an engineer and driving the fire rigs , and just being in the system and helping the city the best way I can , ” Duke said .
One graduate , Michael Knecht , missed the ceremony because he is deployed with the military .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceremony , Capt .
Sarah Kamstra played a video of the recruits in training .
Friends and families watched as their loved ones scaled multiple-story buildings , deployed ladders and hosed down raging fires onscreen .
Danny Turney , who was elected by his peers to speak on behalf of the graduates , described the trials of academy training .
The two-minute drill will stick out in their minds .
“ This was a drill that at random , an instructor would walk into our classroom and say , ‘ Two minutes.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to the gear shed , don all of our gear in full , and report to the south side of the drill ground with all of our gear on , ” Turney said .
“ I ’ m convinced the two-minute drill actually takes three minutes to accomplish .
”

The Denver Fire Department’s newest class of firefighters will go down in history as the most diverse in the department’s history and will chip away at its goal of bringing more women into its fire houses.
The graduates, who received their badges in a Friday ceremony, included a former Denver Broncos tight-end, two female military veterans, a female “helitack” firefighter, who rappelled from helicopters to battle blazes, and a professional boxer.
Six of the 23 students were women, making this batch of female firefighters the largest in Denver’s history. The department now has 59 women out of 1,042 firefighters, a 5.6% rate that exceeds the national average, which is typically from 3% to 3.5%, said Capt. Greg Pixley, the department’s officer in charge of recruiting and outreach.
“It’s very diverse now, and I kind of wanted to tap in and kind of add to that diversity,” said Jessica Schaefer, one of the graduates and a military veteran. “I just wanted to be a figure for young girls growing up and just kind of get them to see that women can do the same thing that men can do.”
Schaefer, a Denver native, grew up athletic and interested in service. The culture of the city and the fire department matched her military beliefs and seemed like the obvious next step after serving as a military police officer, she said.
Pixley said it’s rare to see women in fire departments because the cultural ideals embodied by females may differ from those of traditional firefighters.
“Our goal is to represent the community,” Pixley said. “We certainly would like to make sure [women] know they can be a Denver firefighter.”
Wesley Duke, who played tight-end for the Broncos in 2005, said the day was a long time coming. The new recruits have spent the past 18 weeks in grueling training made up of extremely demanding written and physical work.
“It was a lot of long hours, so it took me away from my family,” Duke said.
He said that after playing for the Broncos, he became a truck driver, and the reason he quit that was so he could be home more with his family. But the training kept him away from home, too.
“I want to retire from this, I eventually want to get to be an engineer and driving the fire rigs, and just being in the system and helping the city the best way I can,” Duke said.
One graduate, Michael Knecht, missed the ceremony because he is deployed with the military. His wife accepted his badge.
During the ceremony, Capt. Sarah Kamstra played a video of the recruits in training. Friends and families watched as their loved ones scaled multiple-story buildings, deployed ladders and hosed down raging fires onscreen.
Danny Turney, who was elected by his peers to speak on behalf of the graduates, described the trials of academy training. The two-minute drill will stick out in their minds.
“This was a drill that at random, an instructor would walk into our classroom and say, ‘Two minutes.’ We would have two minutes to run out to the gear shed, don all of our gear in full, and report to the south side of the drill ground with all of our gear on,” Turney said. “I’m convinced the two-minute drill actually takes three minutes to accomplish.”
This story was updated at 10:40 a.m., Jan. 20, 2020, to correct a misspelled word.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Antique store in southwest Colorado selling racist signs launches community debate

When Nicola Shanks saw a black cast-iron , replica Jim Crow signs for sale in southwest Colorado antique store , she did not let it go .
Shanks thought about it for a few months and then on Tuesday returned to the Antique Corral in Cortez to confront its owner for selling signs that said , “ Colored seated in rear , ” and “ We serve colored — carry out only.
” “ She confirmed she ordered them because people like them and they ’ re popular , ” Shanks told The Denver Post .
“ And then she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I don ’ t like it here.
” Still simmering over the racist signs , Shanks shared pictures with friends , and those pictures made their way onto social media — setting off a firestorm in Montezuma County where less than 1 percent of the population is black .
The store owner , Cheryl Dean , did not agree with Shanks and denied she is racist .
On Facebook , Dean , who has faced threats over the signs , thanked her critics for bringing publicity to her store .
Fifty-six years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Acts , intense arguments continue among Americans over whether Jim Crow-era symbols and icons are historical or racist .
While some cities are removing Confederate flags and statues from public grounds , the demand for these relics remain .
Historians and black thought leaders say the fact that these signs sit on store shelves in 2020 proves the old Jim Crow may be gone , but racial inequality persists .
In many pockets of America such as Cortez , there ’ s a startling lack of awareness of black history and experience beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor of African American studies at the University of Colorado Boulder , said .
“ I don ’ t know if the people selling these signs understand the racial trauma we experience when we see and read them , ” the professor said , noting the symbolism of this story breaking the day before Martin Luther King , Jr. weekend .
“ Our country claims to be the land of the free , the home of the brave .
There ’ s a real contradiction there.
” Shanks said that when she spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t to berate her .
She simply wanted to ask if Dean would consider removing the racist signs .
“ Freedom of speech is a beautiful thing , ” Shanks said .
“ I definitely agreed with her .
‘ The law ’ s on your side .
You have the right to sell and say whatever you wish.
’ I said , ‘ I ’ m not here to argue law ; I ’ m here to appeal to your humanity . '
” Dean defended her decision to sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded the conversation and shared portions of it with The Denver Post .
“ She said plenty of my people were killed , too , ” Shanks said .
When Shanks asked Dean if she sold swastikas , the store owner said she did when she had them in her inventory .
Pictures of the racist signs , along with shelves stocked with mammy dolls , went viral on Facebook .
Commenters slammed the store owner , and people from Maine to California flooded the Internet with negative reviews .
Dean told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anti-black signs for 15 years but it has nothing to do with racism .
“ I know black people who collect that stuff , ” Dean said .
“ They think it ’ s hilarious.
” The two signs remaining in the store sold on Wednesday after pictures were posted online by her critics , Dean said .
In an Antique Corral Facebook post , someone wrote that the signs sold because of “ all the advertising !
!
!
Thanks .
Had a great day at my store.
” Since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she ’ s received death and arson threats .
Shanks said the vitriolic reaction was not her intention when she exposed the racist signs .
“ Meeting hatred with hatred , that ’ s the same energy she ’ s giving , ” Shanks said .
“ That ’ s 100 % inappropriate .
It ’ s unproductive and it ’ s distracting from the point.
” Molly Cooper , a Montezuma County resident , learned six years ago the difficulty of talking about racism in the rural corner of Colorado .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson , Missouri , Cooper , just out of graduate school , organized a Black Lives Matter demonstration .
Wide-eyed and idealistic , Cooper heard “ We don ’ t have segregation here , ” she said .
White lives matter too , Cooper was told .
“ It was a hard realization for me about this community , ” Cooper said .
“ I was just getting out of grad school ; I was really open .
I thought there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more like , ‘ Go back where you ’ re from . '
” “ It ’ s a structural problem that needs to be engaged , ” Rabaka , the University of Colorado Boulder professor , said .
“ America has never really acknowledged or atoned or dealt with the enslavement of African people.
” The signs represent the old Jim Crow .
But a new Jim Crow has taken its place , a continuation of a tradition that ’ s “ as American a pastime as apple pie , Big Macs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ These signs were some of the last things people saw before they were beaten , maimed and mauled , ” Rabaka said .
“ These signs are emblematic of what we call in African American studies ‘ racial terrorism . '
”

When Nicola Shanks saw a black cast-iron, replica Jim Crow signs for sale in a southwest Colorado antique store, she did not let it go.
Shanks thought about it for a few months and then on Tuesday returned to the Antique Corral in Cortez to confront its owner for selling signs that said, “Colored seated in rear,” and “We serve colored — carry out only.”
“She confirmed she ordered them because people like them and they’re popular,” Shanks told The Denver Post. “And then she told me to go back to England if I don’t like it here.”
Still simmering over the racist signs, Shanks shared pictures with friends, and those pictures made their way onto social media — setting off a firestorm in Montezuma County where less than 1 percent of the population is black.
The store owner, Cheryl Dean, did not agree with Shanks and denied she is racist. On Facebook, Dean, who has faced threats over the signs, thanked her critics for bringing publicity to her store.
Fifty-six years after the passage of the Civil Rights Acts, intense arguments continue among Americans over whether Jim Crow-era symbols and icons are historical or racist. While some cities are removing Confederate flags and statues from public grounds, the demand for these relics remain. Historians and black thought leaders say the fact that these signs sit on store shelves in 2020 proves the old Jim Crow may be gone, but racial inequality persists.
In many pockets of America such as Cortez, there’s a startling lack of awareness of black history and experience beyond pop culture, Reiland Rabaka, a professor of African American studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, said.
“I don’t know if the people selling these signs understand the racial trauma we experience when we see and read them,” the professor said, noting the symbolism of this story breaking the day before Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. “Our country claims to be the land of the free, the home of the brave. There’s a real contradiction there.”
Uproar in Montezuma County
Shanks said that when she spoke with Dean, the owner, it wasn’t to berate her. She simply wanted to ask if Dean would consider removing the racist signs.
“Freedom of speech is a beautiful thing,” Shanks said. “I definitely agreed with her. ‘The law’s on your side. You have the right to sell and say whatever you wish.’ I said, ‘I’m not here to argue law; I’m here to appeal to your humanity.'”
Dean defended her decision to sell the items, said Shanks, who recorded the conversation and shared portions of it with The Denver Post.
“She said plenty of my people were killed, too,” Shanks said.
When Shanks asked Dean if she sold swastikas, the store owner said she did when she had them in her inventory.
Pictures of the racist signs, along with shelves stocked with mammy dolls, went viral on Facebook. Commenters slammed the store owner, and people from Maine to California flooded the Internet with negative reviews.
Dean told The Denver Post she’s been selling the anti-black signs for 15 years but it has nothing to do with racism.
“I know black people who collect that stuff,” Dean said. “They think it’s hilarious.”
The two signs remaining in the store sold on Wednesday after pictures were posted online by her critics, Dean said. In an Antique Corral Facebook post, someone wrote that the signs sold because of “all the advertising!!! Thanks. Had a great day at my store.”
Since the pictures appeared on the internet, Dean said she’s received death and arson threats.
Shanks said the vitriolic reaction was not her intention when she exposed the racist signs.
“Meeting hatred with hatred, that’s the same energy she’s giving,” Shanks said. “That’s 100% inappropriate. It’s unproductive and it’s distracting from the point.”
“We don’t have segregation here”
Molly Cooper, a Montezuma County resident, learned six years ago the difficulty of talking about racism in the rural corner of Colorado.
After Michael Brown, an 18-year-old black man, was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, Cooper, just out of graduate school, organized a Black Lives Matter demonstration. Wide-eyed and idealistic, Cooper heard “We don’t have segregation here,” she said. White lives matter too, Cooper was told.
“It was a hard realization for me about this community,” Cooper said. “I was just getting out of grad school; I was really open. I thought there could be dialogue. Instead it was more like, ‘Go back where you’re from.'”
It’s not just a Colorado problem.
“It’s a structural problem that needs to be engaged,” Rabaka, the University of Colorado Boulder professor, said. “America has never really acknowledged or atoned or dealt with the enslavement of African people.”
The signs represent the old Jim Crow. But a new Jim Crow has taken its place, a continuation of a tradition that’s “as American a pastime as apple pie, Big Macs and baseball,” Rabaka said.
“These signs were some of the last things people saw before they were beaten, maimed and mauled,” Rabaka said. “These signs are emblematic of what we call in African American studies ‘racial terrorism.'”


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Senate president raises concerns about possible conflict of interest of Jared Polis’ appointee to Pu

Senate president raises concerns about possible conflict of interest of Jared Polis’ appointee to Public Utilities Commission

State Senate President Leroy Garcia is raising questions about the governor ’ s appointment to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission because of the person ’ s ties to a group opposed to a utility that is regulated by the panel .
Garcia said in a statement Friday that the Office of Legislative Legal Services concluded that a person ’ s affiliation with “ certain organizations could pose a credible legal argument regarding their impartiality when making decisions related to Colorado ’ s energy corporations.
” In early January , Gov .
Jared Polis named Susan Perkins to a four-year term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perkins has been a member of and pro bono attorney for Pueblo ’ s Energy Future .
The organization supports ending the city of Pueblo ’ s contract with Black Hills Energy , one of the investor-owned utilities the PUC regulates .
If her appointment is confirmed by the Senate , Perkins would succeed Frances Koncilja , whose four-year term expired this month .
Garcia , a Democrat from Pueblo , said he requested an opinion from the legal services office because he ’ s concerned the PUC ’ s work could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to be recused from cases because of connections to certain organizations .
He noted that Black Hills Energy successfully sued in 2018 to bar Koncilja from deciding the utility ’ s proposed rate increase because of her criticism of the company .
Garcia hasn ’ t officially asked Polis to reconsider his appointment , said Bella Combest , spokeswoman for the Senate Democrats .
She said Garcia is continuing to talk to Polis about the issue .
Black Hills Energy isn ’ t taking a position on the appointment of the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email .
The utility has been widely criticized in the Pueblo area because of its rates and complaints about the quality of service .
“ With bad actors like Black Hills , we need someone on the commission whose impartiality is unquestioned , ” said Garcia .
“ This is bigger than Pueblo , this threatens the ability of Colorado to hold corporations accountable and provide the oversight we need them to.
” As in other administrations , the governor expects that the PUC members will follow the rules and seek legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in certain cases , Conor Cahill , the governor ’ s spokesman said in an email .
The legal opinion “ seems to focus on a theoretical worst case scenario .
Under this opinion , theoretically no person with experience in the industry would be free of potential conflicts , ” Cahill said .
Decisions about recusal occur on a case-by-case basis , he added .
“ As the appointment process proceeds , our office will continue to engage the Senate President and members of the Senate and address any concerns that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perkins previously was with Perkins Energy Law , where she focused on the development of renewable energy resources in Colorado .
She also worked at Randstad North America , Total Petroleum and other law firms .

State Senate President Leroy Garcia is raising questions about the governor’s appointment to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission because of the person’s ties to a group opposed to a utility that is regulated by the panel.
Garcia said in a statement Friday that the Office of Legislative Legal Services concluded that a person’s affiliation with “certain organizations could pose a credible legal argument regarding their impartiality when making decisions related to Colorado’s energy corporations.”
In early January, Gov. Jared Polis named Susan Perkins to a four-year term on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Perkins has been a member of and pro bono attorney for Pueblo’s Energy Future. The organization supports ending the city of Pueblo’s contract with Black Hills Energy, one of the investor-owned utilities the PUC regulates.
If her appointment is confirmed by the Senate, Perkins would succeed Frances Koncilja, whose four-year term expired this month.
Garcia, a Democrat from Pueblo, said he requested an opinion from the legal services office because he’s concerned the PUC’s work could be undermined if one of the three members had to be recused from cases because of connections to certain organizations. He noted that Black Hills Energy successfully sued in 2018 to bar Koncilja from deciding the utility’s proposed rate increase because of her criticism of the company.
Garcia hasn’t officially asked Polis to reconsider his appointment, said Bella Combest, spokeswoman for the Senate Democrats. She said Garcia is continuing to talk to Polis about the issue.
Black Hills Energy isn’t taking a position on the appointment of the next PUC commissioner, spokeswoman Julie Rodriguez said an email.
The utility has been widely criticized in the Pueblo area because of its rates and complaints about the quality of service.
“With bad actors like Black Hills, we need someone on the commission whose impartiality is unquestioned,” said Garcia. “This is bigger than Pueblo, this threatens the ability of Colorado to hold corporations accountable and provide the oversight we need them to.”
As in other administrations, the governor expects that the PUC members will follow the rules and seek legal guidance about whether they should recuse themselves in certain cases, Conor Cahill, the governor’s spokesman said in an email. The legal opinion “seems to focus on a theoretical worst case scenario. Under this opinion, theoretically no person with experience in the industry would be free of potential conflicts,” Cahill said.
Decisions about recusal occur on a case-by-case basis, he added.
“As the appointment process proceeds, our office will continue to engage the Senate President and members of the Senate and address any concerns that they may have,” Cahill said.
Perkins previously was with Perkins Energy Law, where she focused on the development of renewable energy resources in Colorado. She also worked at Randstad North America, Total Petroleum and other law firms.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--17-year-old Denver student arrested on suspicion of gun violation

A 17-year-old student at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr .
Early College in Denver was arrested Friday afternoon for @ @ @ @ @ , police said .
About 2:15 p.m. officers went to the campus , 19535 E. @ @ @ @ @ report of a student with a weapon , said Jay Casillas , a police spokesman @ @ @ @ @ from an unoccupied car off campus , Casillas said .
The student , a male @ @ @ @ @ .
The vehicle the weapon was found in belongs to someone other than the juvenile @ @ @ @ @ vehicle owner has not been charged with a crime and is cooperating with investigators .
@ @ @ @ @ .
MLK Jr .
Early College has students in grades six through 12 .

A 17-year-old student at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College in Denver was arrested Friday afternoon for investigation of a gun violation, police said.
About 2:15 p.m. officers went to the campus, 19535 E. 46th Ave., on a report of a student with a weapon, said Jay Casillas, a police spokesman.
#Alert: Officers responded to MLK JR. Early College on a report of a student with a weapon. The investigation led to the recovery of a handgun in an unoccupied vehicle off-campus and the arrest of a juvenile for a weapon offense. The investigation is ongoing. pic.twitter.com/1JcUuIIVSG — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) January 17, 2020
A handgun was recovered from an unoccupied car off campus, Casillas said. The student, a male, was arrested without incident.
The vehicle the weapon was found in belongs to someone other than the juvenile, Casillas said. The vehicle owner has not been charged with a crime and is cooperating with investigators.
The incident remains under investigation. MLK Jr. Early College has students in grades six through 12.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Lakewood unveils plan to limit new home-building permits to 156 this year

Lakewood ’ s new housing cap law could constrict the number of residential permits available to developers this year to a mere 156 new units across this city of 155,000 , if a plan set to go before city leaders later this month is adopted .
That ’ s because even though the city ’ s new growth control measure , which allows an increase in residential construction of no more than 1 % of Lakewood ’ s existing housing stock , should theoretically make room for 693 new homes in 2020 , the city is proposing to take residential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offset them against the new limit this year and next .
That means counting the 1,075 housing units that are currently at some stage of review with Lakewood planning officials toward the annual cap in both 2020 and 2021 .
The end result : Just over 300 housing permits will likely be available to builders over the next two years .
The long-awaited allocation plan for Lakewood ’ s controversial Question 200 , passed by voters in July , was posted to the city ’ s website Friday .
The convoluted permitting system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 27 in the form of a resolution , is an attempt by city leaders to be fair to developers who submitted applications for building permits before the new law took effect on July 12 — a legal construct known as “ authority to continue.
” At the same time , said Mayor Adam Paul , the city wants to take whatever steps it can to keep residential construction as controlled as voters demanded that it be at the ballot box .
“ It strikes a balanced approach , ” Paul , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resolution .
“ Nobody wants to delay , nobody wants to violate the intent of the initiative — but there are gaps we have to address.
” To the woman who spearheaded the growth control effort in Lakewood , Cathy Kentner , the city is essentially playing a shell game .
By setting the allocation for 2020 and 2021 so low , city leaders are trying to sabotage the measure before it even has a chance to get going , she said .
“ By pushing the allocations so low , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that Question 200 is so bad that they have to get rid of it , ” she said .
In addition , Kentner said , the city ’ s approach means that a number of large projects with more than 40 units , which are required to undergo City Council review under the new law , wouldn ’ t be subject to that tougher scrutiny .
Since they submitted their applications prior to the ordinance taking effect , the city is proposing putting them in the group of permit-seekers considered to already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipeline .
Paul , the mayor , said whatever happens at the Jan. 27 council meeting , Lakewood will have to win back the confidence of builders before it sees healthy investment again in the city ’ s residential portfolio .
“ I think the development community has seen all they need to here — it ’ s not a predictable environment , it ’ s not a stable environment , ” he said .
“ The harm ’ s already been done and now this is our opportunity to do the healing @ @

Lakewood’s new housing cap law could constrict the number of residential permits available to developers this year to a mere 156 new units across this city of 155,000, if a plan set to go before city leaders later this month is adopted.
That’s because even though the city’s new growth control measure, which allows an increase in residential construction of no more than 1% of Lakewood’s existing housing stock, should theoretically make room for 693 new homes in 2020, the city is proposing to take residential projects already in the approvals process and offset them against the new limit this year and next.
That means counting the 1,075 housing units that are currently at some stage of review with Lakewood planning officials toward the annual cap in both 2020 and 2021. The end result: Just over 300 housing permits will likely be available to builders over the next two years.
The long-awaited allocation plan for Lakewood’s controversial Question 200, passed by voters in July, was posted to the city’s website Friday.
The convoluted permitting system, which will go before the council Jan. 27 in the form of a resolution, is an attempt by city leaders to be fair to developers who submitted applications for building permits before the new law took effect on July 12 — a legal construct known as “authority to continue.”
At the same time, said Mayor Adam Paul, the city wants to take whatever steps it can to keep residential construction as controlled as voters demanded that it be at the ballot box.
“It strikes a balanced approach,” Paul, who strongly opposed Question 200, said of the resolution. “Nobody wants to delay, nobody wants to violate the intent of the initiative — but there are gaps we have to address.”
To the woman who spearheaded the growth control effort in Lakewood, Cathy Kentner, the city is essentially playing a shell game. By setting the allocation for 2020 and 2021 so low, city leaders are trying to sabotage the measure before it even has a chance to get going, she said.
“By pushing the allocations so low, they are trying to find a reason to say that Question 200 is so bad that they have to get rid of it,” she said.
In addition, Kentner said, the city’s approach means that a number of large projects with more than 40 units, which are required to undergo City Council review under the new law, wouldn’t be subject to that tougher scrutiny. Since they submitted their applications prior to the ordinance taking effect, the city is proposing putting them in the group of permit-seekers considered to already be in the city’s approvals pipeline.
Paul, the mayor, said whatever happens at the Jan. 27 council meeting, Lakewood will have to win back the confidence of builders before it sees healthy investment again in the city’s residential portfolio.
“I think the development community has seen all they need to here — it’s not a predictable environment, it’s not a stable environment,” he said. “The harm’s already been done and now this is our opportunity to do the healing.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Matt Lubick replaces Troy Walters as Nebraska’s offensive coordinator

LINCOLN , Neb .
— Nebraska has hired Matt Lubick to replace Troy Walters as offensive coordinator .
The addition of Lubick was announced Friday , hours after coach Scott Frost said Walters was leaving the program by mutual agreement .
Lubick worked as an Oregon assistant with Frost from 2013-16 , and he was Washington ’ s co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach in 2017-18 .
Lubick left coaching in January 2019 and worked in business in Colorado .
“ I have always wanted to work with Matt again since our days at Oregon together , ” Frost said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered for this position .
Matt has an innovative offensive mind , provides a veteran presence on our staff and brings a proven track record of success at the Power Five level.
” Lubick , son of former Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick , began his college coaching career for his father in 1995 .
“ I am humbled to have the opportunity to be part of Nebraska Football , ” Lubick said .
“ Growing up I was in awe of Tom Osborne and Bob Devaney ’ s unmatched run of success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to be reunited with an elite staff and Coach Frost who is the best in the business .
The University of Nebraska is a world-class institution with the best fan base in college football.
” Washington won 20 games and a Pac-12 championship in his two seasons with the Huskies .
At Oregon , Lubick and Frost worked with an offense that ranked in the top five nationally in scoring and total offense from 2013 to 2015 .
Lubick took over as Oregon ’ s offensive coordinator after Frost left to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had worked with Frost for four years , the last two at Nebraska and the previous two at Central Florida .
Walters was a finalist for the 2017 Broyles Award , given annually to the nation ’ s top assistant coach .
Though Walters was offensive coordinator , Frost has handled the play-calling .
The Huskers were 5-7 last season , a one-win improvement over 2018 , but the offensive production declined partly because of injuries to quarterback Adrian Martinez .
The Huskers ’ receivers also underperformed .
Walters also had coaching stints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M , North Carolina State and Colorado .
The former Stanford receiver also played for four teams during an eight-year career in the NFL .

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska has hired Matt Lubick to replace Troy Walters as offensive coordinator.
The addition of Lubick was announced Friday, hours after coach Scott Frost said Walters was leaving the program by mutual agreement.
Lubick worked as an Oregon assistant with Frost from 2013-16, and he was Washington’s co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach in 2017-18. Lubick left coaching in January 2019 and worked in business in Colorado.
“I have always wanted to work with Matt again since our days at Oregon together,” Frost said. “He is the only person I considered for this position. Matt has an innovative offensive mind, provides a veteran presence on our staff and brings a proven track record of success at the Power Five level.”
Lubick, son of former Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick, began his college coaching career for his father in 1995.
“I am humbled to have the opportunity to be part of Nebraska Football,” Lubick said. “Growing up I was in awe of Tom Osborne and Bob Devaney’s unmatched run of success. It is a special situation for me to be reunited with an elite staff and Coach Frost who is the best in the business. The University of Nebraska is a world-class institution with the best fan base in college football.”
Washington won 20 games and a Pac-12 championship in his two seasons with the Huskies. At Oregon, Lubick and Frost worked with an offense that ranked in the top five nationally in scoring and total offense from 2013 to 2015. Lubick took over as Oregon’s offensive coordinator after Frost left to become head coach at Central Florida.
Walters had worked with Frost for four years, the last two at Nebraska and the previous two at Central Florida. Walters was a finalist for the 2017 Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.
Though Walters was offensive coordinator, Frost has handled the play-calling. The Huskers were 5-7 last season, a one-win improvement over 2018, but the offensive production declined partly because of injuries to quarterback Adrian Martinez. The Huskers’ receivers also underperformed.
Walters also had coaching stints at Indiana State, Texas A&M, North Carolina State and Colorado. The former Stanford receiver also played for four teams during an eight-year career in the NFL.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Avalanche skates past Blues with big second period

Suddenly , this five-game homestand that takes the Avalanche into an 11-day break has turned into a point-filled affair .
The Avs , who began the homestand with two overtime losses , extended their points streak to four games Saturday by defeating the best in the business at the Pepsi Center .
Cale Makar and Andre Burakovsky scored within a 22-second span of the second period to lift Colorado to a 5-3 victory over the rival St. Louis Blues , the defending Stanley Cup champions .
The Avs ( 27-15-6 ) became the NHL ’ s seventh team to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conference-leading Blues ( 30-11-8 ) by six points in the Central Division .
Nathan MacKinnon , Tyson Jost and Gabe Landeskog ( empty net ) also scored in a tight game that featured just 24 shots by the Blues and 19 for the Avs .
The season series between the teams is now 2-2 , with both teams having won twice at home .
The fifth and final game is the regular-season finale for both teams April 4 in Denver .
“ Good energy in our locker room before the game ( and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice , ” Avs coach Jared Bednar said .
“ I think we were committed on both sides of it .
Our commitment to defend , and some heaviness , competitiveness — like it was all there .
They don ’ t give up a lot of time in the D zone so you really got to work in there to create chances .
We got some timely goals , some big goals by some guys who haven ’ t scored in while .
So you could see a little confidence come back.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Burakovsky scored for the first time in 14 games .
The Avs led 1-0 , scoring on their first shot for the second consecutive game , before falling behind 2-1 after the Blues scored late in the first period and early in the second .
St. Louis ’ momentum was short-lived .
Jost capped a terrific play by Burakovsky to tie it at 7:48 of the second period , and Makar put the Avs back in front with his 11th goal of the season at 15:26 .
On the next shift , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put Colorado up 4-2 , at which point Blues goalie Jordan Binnington was replaced by Jake Allen .
St. Louis scored next , 7:23 into the third period , when defenseman Alex Pietrangelo pinched from the right wing and tapped in a circle-to-circle feed from David Perron .

Suddenly, this five-game homestand that takes the Avalanche into an 11-day break between games has turned into a point-filled affair.
The Avs, who began the homestand with two overtime losses, extended their points streak to four games Saturday by defeating the best in the business at the Pepsi Center.
In a tight defensive game that featured just 43 combined shots, Cale Makar and Andre Burakovsky scored within a 22-second span of the second period to lift Colorado to a 5-3 victory over the rival St. Louis Blues, the defending Stanley Cup champions.
The Avs (27-15-6) became the NHL’s seventh team to reach 60 points and now trail the Western Conference-leading Blues (30-11-8) by six points in the Central Division. Colorado improved to 2-0-2 on its homestand, which concludes Monday against the Detroit Red Wings in another afternoon game.
Goalie Philipp Grubauer made 21 saves in winning his second straight game; he had a 27-save shutout Thursday against the San Jose Sharks.
St. Louis saw its six-game unbeaten streak (4-0-2) end.
“They’re a great hockey team,” Avs defenseman Ian Cole said of the Blues. “They won the Stanley Cup last year, so they’re automatically going to be the measuring stick for every team that plays them. They had our number early in the year. … We’ve made a conscious effort to get it together, play a little more connected, and I think we did a pretty good job of that today.”
Nathan MacKinnon, Tyson Jost and Gabe Landeskog (empty net) also scored in a game that featured just 24 shots by the Blues and 19 for the Avs. The season series between the teams is 2-2, with both teams having won twice at home. The fifth and final game is the regular-season finale for both teams April 4 in Denver.
“Good energy in our locker room before the game, (and it) carried out over on the ice,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “I think we were committed on both sides of it. Our commitment to defend, and some heaviness, competitiveness — like it was all there. They don’t give up a lot of time in the D zone, so you’ve really got to work in there to create chances. We got some timely goals, some big goals by some guys who haven’t scored in while. So you could see a little confidence come back.”
Jost ended a 21-game goalless drought, and Burakovsky scored for the first time in 14 games.
Thanks to MacKinnon, the Avs led 1-0, scoring on their first shot for the second consecutive game, before falling behind 2-1 after the Blues scored late in the first period and early in the second.
St. Louis’ momentum was short-lived. Jost capped a terrific play by Burakovsky to tie it at 7:48 of the second period, and Makar put the Avs back in front with his 11th goal of the season at 15:26.
On the next shift, Burakovsky used his lethal wrist shot to put Colorado up 4-2, at which point Blues goalie Jordan Binnington was replaced by Jake Allen.
St. Louis scored next, 7:23 into the third period, when defenseman Alex Pietrangelo pinched from the right wing and tapped in a circle-to-circle feed from David Perron.
But the Avs, who have had trouble holding third-period leads recently, hung on before Landeskog iced it with Allen on the bench for a sixth attacker.
MacKinnon assisted on the empty-net goal, giving him another multiple-point game and bringing him to 70 this season — third-most in the league behind Edmonton teammates Connor McDavid (76) and Leon Draisaitl (75).


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--UFC 246 live blog: Real-time updates from the Conor McGregor-Cowboy Cerrone fight night

Live updates , tweets , photos , analysis and more from UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on @ @ @ @ @ Mobile users , if you can ’ t see the live blog , tap here @

Digital sports strategist for The Denver Post. Previously he was the online prep sports editor. Prior to that, he covered Adams County and Aurora in the YourHub section. He also writes about beer, professional wrestling and video games.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Arizona keeps CU Buffs winless at McKale Center

TUCSON , Ariz.–The Colorado Buffaloes ended one extended road losing streak Thursday at Arizona State .
They will have to wait until next season for another chance at ending one at Arizona .
The 20th-ranked Buffs enjoyed a solid start Saturday afternoon at Arizona but that was just about the only thing that went right for CU in another frustrating performance at the McKale Center , as the Wildcats took control with a dominant first-half run and never looked back while handing the Buffs a 75-54 defeat .
The loss dropped CU to 0-8 at the McKale Center since joining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Buffs ’ ninth loss in a row overall at Arizona .
CU led 10-5 in the early stages before Arizona caught fire , scoring nine consecutive points in what became a 24-5 run by the Wildcats .
Arizona led 34-23 at halftime and gradually extended the lead throughout the second half .
After surrendering 17 offensive rebounds against a weak-rebounding Arizona State team in a win Thursday , the Buffs allowed Arizona to grab 13 offensive rebounds that turned into 13 second-chance points for the Wildcats .
Overall , Arizona outrebounded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buffs with 15 points and five assists , while D ’ Shawn Schwartz added 12 points .

TUCSON, Ariz.–The Colorado Buffaloes ended one extended road losing streak Thursday at Arizona State. They will have to wait until next season for another chance at ending one at Arizona.
The 20th-ranked Buffs enjoyed a solid start Saturday afternoon at Arizona but that was just about the only thing that went right for CU in another frustrating performance at the McKale Center, as the Wildcats took control with a dominant first-half run and never looked back while handing the Buffs a 75-54 defeat.
The loss dropped CU to 0-8 at the McKale Center since joining the Pac-12 Conference, and it was the Buffs’ ninth loss in a row overall at Arizona.
CU led 10-5 in the early stages before Arizona caught fire, scoring nine consecutive points in what became a 24-5 run by the Wildcats. Arizona led 34-23 at halftime and gradually extended the lead throughout the second half.
After surrendering 17 offensive rebounds against a weak-rebounding Arizona State team in a win Thursday, the Buffs allowed Arizona to grab 13 offensive rebounds that turned into 13 second-chance points for the Wildcats. Overall, Arizona outrebounded the Buffs 39-25.
McKinley Wright paced the Buffs with 15 points and five assists, while D’Shawn Schwartz added 12 points.
Arizona 75, No. 20 Colorado 54
COLORADO (14-4, 3-2 Pac-12 )
Wright 5-11 2-2 15, Schwartz 4-8 2-4 12, Bey 2-4 5-7 9, Siewert 3-8 2-4 8, Battey 0-2 0-0 0, Daniels 0-3 0-0 0, Kountz 1-4 0-0 2, Gatling 0-5 0-0 0, Walton 1-2 0-0 2, Parquet 2-2 0-0 6, Strating 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 18-49 11-17 54.es
ARIZONA (13-5, 3-2)Nnaji 4-10 3-4 12, Mannion 4-11 4-5 12, Smith 4-9 2-2 13, Green 6-13 1-2 13, Lee 3-5 0-0 6, Hazzard 3-6 0-0 9, Gettings 1-1 0-0 3, Baker 3-4 0-0 7, Koloko 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 28-59 10-13 75.
Halftime — Arizona 34-23. 3-point goals — Colorado 7-23 (Wright 3-6, Parquet 2-2, Schwartz 2-5, Daniels 0-1, Kountz 0-1, Gatling 0-4, Siewert 0-4), Arizona 9-22 (Hazzard 3-6, Smith 3-7, Gettings 1-1, Nnaji 1-1, Baker 1-2, Green 0-2, Mannion 0-3). Rebounds — Colorado 18 (Siewert 7), Arizona 35 (Nnaji 12). Assists — Colorado 9 (Wright 5), Arizona 13 (Mannion 6). Total fouls — Colorado 14, Arizona 15.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Womxn’s March Denver: Impeachment, election electrify participants at smaller event

If the original Women ’ s March in 2017 was fueled in large part by outrage and frustration over the election of President Donald Trump , the fourth edition Saturday — much smaller but no less passionate — had a full-circle feeling .
As Trump faces re-election in November and an impeachment trial in the Senate next week , mothers and daughters and entire families , many of them repeat attendees , joined to voice their hopes for political change .
The coming election brought a note of urgency , voiced on the signs they hoisted and in the chants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very first march in D.C. , ” said Suzanne Kennedy-Howard , 39 , referring to the largest event across the country in 2017 , when hundreds of thousands of women and their supporters marched on the National Mall in Washington just a day after Trump ’ s inauguration .
“ It was powerful , disheartening and empowering , all at the same time.
” She and her wife , Nellis , repeat attendees in Denver , said the vibe Saturday on the streets near Civic Center was much the same .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats would defeat Trump at the ballot box , and they said they aimed to help expand participation by fellow Native Americans .
For Nellis , 37 , the march makes her “ motivated to get people moving so we can make change .
It ’ s a critical point in history.
” Suzanne held their 13-week-old daughter , Migizi , in her arms .
“ It ’ s her first march , ” she said .
Organizers estimated the crowd under the chilly , sunny sky at 10,000 , a fraction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but enough to keep the march moving past a single point for more than 30 minutes .
The inaugural event drew more than 100,000 downtown in 2017 .
Nationally , several women ’ s marches reported lower participation this year .
The march ’ s political bent leans unabashedly to the left , as elucidated clearly on signs excoriating Trump and other figures , including U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado .
But for the first time , organizers of the Womxn ’ s March Denver — now the official name , spelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s larger themes of equality and inclusiveness — didn ’ t offer a rally or other platform for politicians and candidates to speak to the crowd .
While they plan to have a rally of some kind in August , closer to the election , organizers put Saturday ’ s focus on connecting attendees to nonprofits , political causes and other groups .
The McNichols Building in Civic Center was filled with dozens of tables for those groups to press their issues , recruit volunteers and register voters .
Organizers said the march @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McNichols for the Impact Expo , helped fulfill their goal of “ meaningful and deep engagement ” around key issues that included reproductive rights , climate change , immigration and voter registration .
“ Let ’ s figure out how to be positive and uplift each other and hear each other , ” said Angela Astle , a leadership team member , in an interview as she waited on Bannock Street for the march to begin .
“ It ’ s super-cool that folks are still motivated .
I know I was of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — that ’ s why I came out the first year .
“ And I know how hard it is to still keep going in the midst of family and personal life and other things that are going on in our worlds.
” On 14th Avenue , Tara Dunn , 36 , held a sign created by her mother — reading “ Voting is my super power ” — as Alicia Dunn , 64 , a nurse in Frisco , named a host of issues , including health care , that are suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of leadership in Washington .
They have participated in the march together most years .
“ I just have to believe that we ’ ve had something that we needed to learn , because I know we couldn ’ t have had this kind of movement during Barack Obama ’ s time — because I think we got very complacent , ” Alicia Dunn said .
“ Now there ’ s a lot on the line .
As much as I ’ d love her to live forever , one day Ruth Bader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme ) Court .
… If ( the court ) is too far bent to the right , then the impact is going to be felt for decades.
” The march also was a family affair for Gabrielle French , 16 , and her 13-year-old sister , Andy , who joined their parents , Piper and Lance , for the fourth time .
The Broomfield girls won ’ t be old enough to vote this year , but Andy said she wanted to see “ somebody responsible in office.
” “ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , “ and we can ’ t be complacent about what ’ s happening.
” Behind them in the crowd , Felicia Pugh , 54 , a Denver math teacher , joined in the march for her first time , accompanied by her golden retriever Kody .
She said she supported the impeachment and , even if the Senate acquits Trump as expected , she feels optimistic about the election .
“ We ’ ve kind of been building and building and building to this moment , ” Pugh said , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision , to some degree , is going to be made : Which direction do we go ?
”

If the original Women’s March in 2017 was fueled in large part by outrage and frustration over the election of President Donald Trump, the fourth edition Saturday — much smaller but no less passionate — had a full-circle feeling.
As Trump faces re-election in November and an impeachment trial in the Senate next week, mothers and daughters and entire families, many of them repeat attendees, joined to voice their hopes for political change. The coming election brought a note of urgency, voiced on the signs they hoisted and in the chants they shouted.
“We went to the very first march in D.C.,” said Suzanne Kennedy-Howard, 39, referring to the largest event across the country in 2017, when hundreds of thousands of women and their supporters marched on the National Mall in Washington just a day after Trump’s inauguration. “It was powerful, disheartening and empowering, all at the same time.”
She and her wife, Nellis, repeat attendees in Denver, said the vibe Saturday on the streets near Civic Center was much the same.
The Westminster couple held onto hope that the Democrats would defeat Trump at the ballot box, and they said they aimed to help expand participation by fellow Native Americans. For Nellis, 37, the march makes her “motivated to get people moving so we can make change. It’s a critical point in history.” Suzanne held their 13-week-old daughter, Migizi, in her arms.
“It’s her first march,” she said.
Organizers estimated the crowd under the chilly, sunny sky at 10,000, a fraction of the estimate of 80,000 last year — but enough to keep the march moving past a single point for more than 30 minutes. The inaugural event drew more than 100,000 downtown in 2017. Nationally, several women’s marches reported lower participation this year.
The march’s political bent leans unabashedly to the left, as elucidated clearly on signs excoriating Trump and other figures, including U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado.
But for the first time, organizers of the Womxn’s March Denver — now the official name, spelled that way to underline the event’s larger themes of equality and inclusiveness — didn’t offer a rally or other platform for politicians and candidates to speak to the crowd.
At the Womxn’s March Denver, the 4th incarnation, the sign game is strong once again. #WomensMarch #copolitics pic.twitter.com/rwRXOgW5n4 — Jon Murray (@JonMurray) January 18, 2020
While they plan to have a rally of some kind in August, closer to the election, organizers put Saturday’s focus on connecting attendees to nonprofits, political causes and other groups. The McNichols Building in Civic Center was filled with dozens of tables for those groups to press their issues, recruit volunteers and register voters.
Organizers said the march crowd, along with 4,900 who entered McNichols for the Impact Expo, helped fulfill their goal of “meaningful and deep engagement” around key issues that included reproductive rights, climate change, immigration and voter registration.
“Let’s figure out how to be positive and uplift each other and hear each other,” said Angela Astle, a leadership team member, in an interview as she waited on Bannock Street for the march to begin. “It’s super-cool that folks are still motivated. I know I was of the camp of being called to action — that’s why I came out the first year.
“And I know how hard it is to still keep going in the midst of family and personal life and other things that are going on in our worlds.”
On 14th Avenue, Tara Dunn, 36, held a sign created by her mother — reading “Voting is my super power” — as Alicia Dunn, 64, a nurse in Frisco, named a host of issues, including health care, that are suffering from what she sees as a lack of leadership in Washington.
They have participated in the march together most years.
“I just have to believe that we’ve had something that we needed to learn, because I know we couldn’t have had this kind of movement during Barack Obama’s time — because I think we got very complacent,” Alicia Dunn said. “Now there’s a lot on the line. As much as I’d love her to live forever, one day Ruth Bader Ginsburg will not be on the (Supreme) Court. … If (the court) is too far bent to the right, then the impact is going to be felt for decades.”
The march also was a family affair for Gabrielle French, 16, and her 13-year-old sister, Andy, who joined their parents, Piper and Lance, for the fourth time. The Broomfield girls won’t be old enough to vote this year, but Andy said she wanted to see “somebody responsible in office.”
“We’re not going anywhere,” she said, “and we can’t be complacent about what’s happening.”
Behind them in the crowd, Felicia Pugh, 54, a Denver math teacher, joined in the march for her first time, accompanied by her golden retriever Kody. She said she supported the impeachment and, even if the Senate acquits Trump as expected, she feels optimistic about the election.
“We’ve kind of been building and building and building to this moment,” Pugh said, “and this is the year when … the decision, to some degree, is going to be made: Which direction do we go?”


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Over 2,000 Central American migrants try to enter Mexico

TECUN UMAN , Guatemala — Mexican authorities closed a border entry point in southern Mexico on Saturday after thousands of Central American migrants tried to push their way across a bridge spanning the Suchiate River between Mexico and Guatemala .
Normally , migrants who want to request asylum in Mexico are allowed to cross the bridge .
But many migrants prefer to pass through Mexico en route to the U.S. , which has repeatedly asked Mexico to impede their arrival .
Speaking on condition of anonymity , a Mexican marine told The Associated Press on Friday that his orders were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contain the flow of migrants .
On Saturday , babies cried and tempers flared as hundreds of Mexican National Guardsmen blocked the path of thousands of migrants .
Mexico ’ s National Migration Institute said via Twitter on Saturday that it had reinforced multiple points along the country ’ s southern border to assure “ safe , orderly and regular immigration.
” As the crowd swelled on the bridge over the Suchiate , amid shoves , Mexican officials allowed several dozen migrants to enter the country in groups of 20 , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against trying to slip into Mexico without passing through immigration filters .
Guatemalan authorities estimated that 2,500 migrants were on the Suchiate bridge , or attempting to get onto it , on Saturday .
Nearby , hundreds of guardsmen lined the river to prevent migrants from crossing into Mexico clandestinely .
The voice on the loudspeaker warned , over and over , that those aiming to transit through the country may not be granted asylum in the U.S. , even if they make it there .
Mexico ’ s government has said migrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to pass from its southern border area .
But those seeking asylum or other protections will be allowed to apply and legalize their status in Mexico .
Guatemalan officials have counted roughly 3,000 migrants who registered at border crossings to enter that country in recent days , and estimated there were an additional 1,300 migrants who did not register .
Vicente Hernández , head of the Mexican armed forces in the border area , told migrants on the Guatemalan side of the border that “ there are opportunities for everyone ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to register , ” he added , saying that Mexican officials would then offer the migrants jobs .
Mexico ’ s offer of legal status and potential employment for migrants carries a stipulation that would confine migrants to southern Mexico , where wages are lower and there are fewer jobs than elsewhere in the country .
A Mexican official who asked not to be named said those who request asylum in Mexico are brought to one of two migratory stations in the state of Chiapas – one in Tapachula and the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in theory , the migrants may request temporary work permits to remain in Mexico .
For months , however , non-profit organizations and migrants have complained that the migrants are instead often returned to their countries of origin .
Also , many of the migrants aim for a new life in the U.S. – not in Mexico .
“ We are going to walk all the way up , ” said Salvadoran Jazmín González , 23 , while clutching a small girl .
González said she feared being deported as she turned herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her daughter and three other family members .
Honduran Lourdes Geraldina Jiménez also decided to trust in the assurances of Mexican authorities as she entered Mexico with a son and another family member .
Jiménez said she left Honduras because gang members wanted to kill her 14-year-old son .
“ I can ’ t return to Honduras , ” she said , walking next to her son .
Many of the migrants leaving Central America say they fear for their lives back home , while others say they are looking for better economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrants trickled back across the bridge to Guatemala .
Meanwhile , Guatemala ’ s human rights defender ’ s office said there were more than 1,000 migrants gathering at another point on the Mexican border far to the north in the Peten region .
There were reports that Mexican forces were gathering on the other side of the border there .
In the Mexican border town of Ciudad Hidalgo , Francisco Garduño , commissioner of Mexico ’ s National Immigration Institute , was emphatic that migrants who try to enter the country irregularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not enter because it would be in violation of the law , ” he told the AP on Friday .
He declined to talk specifics about border reinforcements , but said there were “ sufficient ” troops to keep things orderly .
Associated Press writer Sonia Pérez D. in Guatemala City contributed to this report .

TECUN UMAN, Guatemala — Mexican authorities closed a border entry point in southern Mexico on Saturday after thousands of Central American migrants tried to push their way across a bridge spanning the Suchiate River between Mexico and Guatemala .
Normally, migrants who want to request asylum in Mexico are allowed to cross the bridge. But many migrants prefer to pass through Mexico en route to the U.S., which has repeatedly asked Mexico to impede their arrival.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Mexican marine told The Associated Press on Friday that his orders were to form a “human wall” to contain the flow of migrants. On Saturday, babies cried and tempers flared as hundreds of Mexican National Guardsmen blocked the path of thousands of migrants.
Mexico’s National Migration Institute said via Twitter on Saturday that it had reinforced multiple points along the country’s southern border to assure “safe, orderly and regular immigration.”
As the crowd swelled on the bridge over the Suchiate, amid shoves, Mexican officials allowed several dozen migrants to enter the country in groups of 20, while a voice over a loudspeaker warned migrants against trying to slip into Mexico without passing through immigration filters.
Guatemalan authorities estimated that 2,500 migrants were on the Suchiate bridge, or attempting to get onto it, on Saturday.
Nearby, hundreds of guardsmen lined the river to prevent migrants from crossing into Mexico clandestinely. The voice on the loudspeaker warned, over and over, that those aiming to transit through the country may not be granted asylum in the U.S., even if they make it there.
Mexico’s government has said migrants entering the country without registering will not be allowed to pass from its southern border area. But those seeking asylum or other protections will be allowed to apply and legalize their status in Mexico.
Guatemalan officials have counted roughly 3,000 migrants who registered at border crossings to enter that country in recent days, and estimated there were an additional 1,300 migrants who did not register.
Vicente Hernández, head of the Mexican armed forces in the border area, told migrants on the Guatemalan side of the border that “there are opportunities for everyone” in Mexico.
“Here you just have to register,” he added, saying that Mexican officials would then offer the migrants jobs.
Mexico’s offer of legal status and potential employment for migrants carries a stipulation that would confine migrants to southern Mexico, where wages are lower and there are fewer jobs than elsewhere in the country.
A Mexican official who asked not to be named said those who request asylum in Mexico are brought to one of two migratory stations in the state of Chiapas – one in Tapachula and the other in Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
Once there, in theory, the migrants may request temporary work permits to remain in Mexico. For months, however, non-profit organizations and migrants have complained that the migrants are instead often returned to their countries of origin.
Also, many of the migrants aim for a new life in the U.S. – not in Mexico.
“We are going to walk all the way up,” said Salvadoran Jazmín González, 23, while clutching a small girl.
González said she feared being deported as she turned herself over Saturday to Mexican authorities, alongside her daughter and three other family members.
Honduran Lourdes Geraldina Jiménez also decided to trust in the assurances of Mexican authorities as she entered Mexico with a son and another family member.
Jiménez said she left Honduras because gang members wanted to kill her 14-year-old son.
“I can’t return to Honduras,” she said, walking next to her son.
Many of the migrants leaving Central America say they fear for their lives back home, while others say they are looking for better economic prospects.
As temperatures rose Saturday, migrants trickled back across the bridge to Guatemala.
Meanwhile, Guatemala’s human rights defender’s office said there were more than 1,000 migrants gathering at another point on the Mexican border far to the north in the Peten region. There were reports that Mexican forces were gathering on the other side of the border there.
In the Mexican border town of Ciudad Hidalgo, Francisco Garduño, commissioner of Mexico’s National Immigration Institute, was emphatic that migrants who try to enter the country irregularly would go no farther.
“They cannot enter because it would be in violation of the law,” he told the AP on Friday. He declined to talk specifics about border reinforcements, but said there were “sufficient” troops to keep things orderly.
___
Associated Press writer Sonia Pérez D. in Guatemala City contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Thousands gather for Women’s March rallies across the U.S.

WASHINGTON — Thousands gathered in cities across the country Saturday as part of the nationwide Women ’ s March rallies focused on issues such as climate change , pay equity , reproductive rights and immigration .
Hundreds showed up in New York City and thousands in Washington , D.C. for the rallies , which aim to harness the political power of women , although crowds were noticeably smaller than in previous years .
Marches were scheduled Saturday in more than 180 cities .
The first marches in 2017 drew hundreds of thousands of people to rallies in cities across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump was inaugurated .
That year ’ s D.C. march drew close to 1 million people .
In Manhattan on Saturday , hundreds of people who gathered at separate events in Foley Square and Columbus Circle planned to converge at Times Square as part of a “ Rise and Roar ” rally .
“ Today , we will be the change that is needed in this world !
Today , we rise into our power !
” activist Donna Hill told a cheering crowd in Foley Square .
In downtown Los Angeles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filled several blocks as they made their way from a plaza to a park adjacent to City Hall , where a rally featured speeches by Jennifer Siebel Newsom , the wife of California Gov .
Gavin Newsom , Mayor Eric Garcetti , Rep. Maxine Waters and others .
Jennifer Siebel Newsom credited women for mobilizing against gun violence , creating the # MeToo movement against sexual harassment and discrimination , and taking back the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives .
“ In 2020 , I have no doubt that it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise up and move this country forward on a path toward justice , ” she said .
In Denver , organizers opted to skip the rally after the march and instead invited participants to meet with local organizations to learn more about issues such as reproductive rights , climate change , gun safety and voting .
Several thousand came out for the protest in Washington , far fewer than last year when about 100,000 people held a rally east of the White House .
But as in previous years , many of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s capital from cities across the country to express their opposition to Trump and his policies .
From their gathering spot on Freedom Plaza , they had a clear view down Pennsylvania Avenue to the U.S. Capitol , where the impeachment trial gets underway in the Senate next week .
In Washington , three key issues seemed to galvanize most of the protesters : climate change , immigration and reproductive rights .
“ I teach a lot of immigrant students , and in political times like this I want to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak up for them , ” said Rochelle McGurn , 30 , an elementary school teacher from Burlington , Vermont who was in D.C. to march .
“ They need to feel like they belong , because they do.
” Peta Madry of New London , Connecticut , was celebrating her 70th birthday in D.C. by attending her fourth Women ’ s March with her sister , Cynthia Barnard , of San Rafael , California .
Both women were wearing handknitted pink hats that date from the first march .
With pained expressions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determination to reverse the policies of his predecessor Barack Obama and his treatment of women .
“ Look what he ’ s doing to Greta Thunberg , ” Madry said , referring to the teenage climate activist .
“ He ’ s the biggest bully in the world.
” Melissa McCullough of Georgetown , Indiana , said when she recently turned 50 she promised herself that she would get more involved politically .
“ I ’ m here to protest Trump , as a woman , ” she said .
Her daughter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chimed in to say that most women ’ s issues are human issues , and they talked about the need to protect immigrants .
“ You have to push to protect everyone or no one ’ s safe , ” Melissa McCullough said .
The protesters planned to march around the White House , but Trump wasn ’ t there .
He is spending the holiday weekend at his resort in Florida .
Organizers of the Washington march faced criticism from some local African American activists for failing to focus on local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists to organize .
“ Local D.C. is a domestic colony and the actions of national organizers have to recognize that , ” Black Lives Matter D.C. wrote in a letter this week to Women ’ s March organizers .
“ Here in D.C. , these unstrategic mass mobilizations distract from local organizing , often overlook the black people who actually live here and even result in tougher laws against demonstration being passed locally.
” Associated Press reporter Daisy Nguyen in San Francisco contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON — Thousands gathered in cities across the country Saturday as part of the nationwide Women’s March rallies focused on issues such as climate change, pay equity, reproductive rights and immigration.
Hundreds showed up in New York City and thousands in Washington, D.C. for the rallies, which aim to harness the political power of women, although crowds were noticeably smaller than in previous years. Marches were scheduled Saturday in more than 180 cities.
The first marches in 2017 drew hundreds of thousands of people to rallies in cities across the country on the day after President Donald Trump was inaugurated. That year’s D.C. march drew close to 1 million people.
In Manhattan on Saturday, hundreds of people who gathered at separate events in Foley Square and Columbus Circle planned to converge at Times Square as part of a “Rise and Roar” rally.
“Today, we will be the change that is needed in this world! Today, we rise into our power!” activist Donna Hill told a cheering crowd in Foley Square.
In downtown Los Angeles, thousands of men, women and children filled several blocks as they made their way from a plaza to a park adjacent to City Hall, where a rally featured speeches by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Rep. Maxine Waters and others.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom credited women for mobilizing against gun violence, creating the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and discrimination, and taking back the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives.
“In 2020, I have no doubt that it will be women who will lead again, rise up and move this country forward on a path toward justice,” she said.
In Denver, organizers opted to skip the rally after the march and instead invited participants to meet with local organizations to learn more about issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, gun safety and voting.
Several thousand came out for the protest in Washington, far fewer than last year when about 100,000 people held a rally east of the White House. But as in previous years, many of the protesters made the trip to the nation’s capital from cities across the country to express their opposition to Trump and his policies. From their gathering spot on Freedom Plaza, they had a clear view down Pennsylvania Avenue to the U.S. Capitol, where the impeachment trial gets underway in the Senate next week.
In Washington, three key issues seemed to galvanize most of the protesters: climate change, immigration and reproductive rights.
“I teach a lot of immigrant students, and in political times like this I want to make sure I’m using my voice to speak up for them,” said Rochelle McGurn, 30, an elementary school teacher from Burlington, Vermont who was in D.C. to march. “They need to feel like they belong, because they do.”
Peta Madry of New London, Connecticut, was celebrating her 70th birthday in D.C. by attending her fourth Women’s March with her sister, Cynthia Barnard, of San Rafael, California. Both women were wearing handknitted pink hats that date from the first march. With pained expressions, they spoke about Trump’s determination to reverse the policies of his predecessor Barack Obama and his treatment of women.
“Look what he’s doing to Greta Thunberg,” Madry said, referring to the teenage climate activist. “He’s the biggest bully in the world.”
Melissa McCullough of Georgetown, Indiana, said when she recently turned 50 she promised herself that she would get more involved politically. “I’m here to protest Trump, as a woman,” she said.
Her daughter, 19-year-old University of Cincinnati student Elizabeth McCullough, chimed in to say that most women’s issues are human issues, and they talked about the need to protect immigrants.
“You have to push to protect everyone or no one’s safe,” Melissa McCullough said.
The protesters planned to march around the White House, but Trump wasn’t there. He is spending the holiday weekend at his resort in Florida.
Organizers of the Washington march faced criticism from some local African American activists for failing to focus on local issues and damaging the ability of local activists to organize.
“Local D.C. is a domestic colony and the actions of national organizers have to recognize that,” Black Lives Matter D.C. wrote in a letter this week to Women’s March organizers. “Here in D.C., these unstrategic mass mobilizations distract from local organizing, often overlook the black people who actually live here and even result in tougher laws against demonstration being passed locally.”
___
Associated Press reporter Daisy Nguyen in San Francisco contributed to this report.


thedenverpost--2020-01-18--Brignone and Vlhova share giant slalom win, 0.01 ahead of Shiffrin

SESTRIERE , Italy — Federica Brignone and Petra Vlhova tied for a World Cup giant slalom victory Saturday while overall leader Mikaela Shiffrin finished third by the smallest of margins .
Shiffrin was just one hundredth of a second behind the joint winners on the Giovanni Agnelli course .
“ I ’ ve also been on the good side of the hundredths many times , ” Shiffrin said .
“ It happens sometimes like that , too.
” Brignone led after the first leg and was ahead at the final checkpoint of her second run before crossing with the exact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt like having a heart attack , ” Brignone said .
“ The race was right on the razor ’ s edge.
” Brignone , the Olympic bronze medallist in GS , claimed her 13th career World Cup win and third this season .
Her mother , Maria Rosa Quario , won a World Cup slalom on this course in 1983 , and as an Italian , Brignone had immense home support .
“ I haven ’ t been able to hear anything besides people screaming my name since this morning , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discipline standings to 61 points ahead of Shiffrin .
“ Winning in front of all these people is amazing .
It ’ s hugely emotional.
” It was the second consecutive victory for Vlhova , who also won a slalom in Flachau , Austria , on Tuesday , and the 12th career World Cup win for the Slovakian .
“ It ’ s incredible , ” Vlhova , last year ’ s world champion in GS , said of the close results .
Shiffrin has now uncharacteristically gone four straight races without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintains a comfortable lead of 233 points over Vlhova in the overall standings .
“ I was really happy with my skiing today , ” Shiffrin said .
“ I was so happy with my second run .
I was pushing a lot more and I felt like the timing was a lot better.
” It marked the first time that the World Cup stopped in Sestriere , which hosted races during the Turin Olympics in 2006 , in four years .
Conditions were perfect , with sunny skies after overnight snow on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 70 seconds to complete the course , it marked one of the longer tests on the women ’ s circuit .
A parallel giant slalom race is scheduled for Sunday on the Agnelli course .

SESTRIERE, Italy — Federica Brignone and Petra Vlhova tied for a World Cup giant slalom victory Saturday while overall leader Mikaela Shiffrin finished third by the smallest of margins.
Shiffrin was just one hundredth of a second behind the joint winners on the Giovanni Agnelli course.
“I’ve also been on the good side of the hundredths many times,” Shiffrin said. “It happens sometimes like that, too.”
Brignone led after the first leg and was ahead at the final checkpoint of her second run before crossing with the exact same time as Vlhova.
“It felt like having a heart attack,” Brignone said. “The race was right on the razor’s edge.”
Brignone, the Olympic bronze medallist in GS, claimed her 13th career World Cup win and third this season.
Her mother, Maria Rosa Quario, won a World Cup slalom on this course in 1983, and as an Italian, Brignone had immense home support.
“I haven’t been able to hear anything besides people screaming my name since this morning,” she said after extending her lead in the discipline standings to 61 points ahead of Shiffrin. “Winning in front of all these people is amazing. It’s hugely emotional.”
It was the second consecutive victory for Vlhova, who also won a slalom in Flachau, Austria, on Tuesday, and the 12th career World Cup win for the Slovakian.
“It’s incredible,” Vlhova, last year’s world champion in GS, said of the close results.
Shiffrin has now uncharacteristically gone four straight races without a win. But the American skier maintains a comfortable lead of 233 points over Vlhova in the overall standings.
“I was really happy with my skiing today,” Shiffrin said. “I was so happy with my second run. I was pushing a lot more and I felt like the timing was a lot better.”
It marked the first time that the World Cup stopped in Sestriere, which hosted races during the Turin Olympics in 2006, in four years.
Conditions were perfect, with sunny skies after overnight snow on the upper section.
With racers requiring more than 70 seconds to complete the course, it marked one of the longer tests on the women’s circuit.
A parallel giant slalom race is scheduled for Sunday on the Agnelli course.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports