thedenverpost--2020-05-14--The near future of Colorado’s restaurants could depend on our biggest asset: the outdoors

In cities around the world , restaurants are taking to the streets .
They ’ re transforming parking lots and plazas , spilling onto sidewalks and coming up with “ parklets ” for more patio space .
After months of closed dine-in service , these gathering places are counting on fresh air and more room for social distancing to keep employees and customers safe and businesses alive through the summer months .
Denver could be next to adopt the charge .
After eight weeks of running on takeout and delivery only , restaurants and their business improvement districts , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are advocating now for further loosened restrictions on alcohol permitting and temporarily closed-off streets and parking lots to serve diners again .
By Memorial Day , Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis said he expects to announce instructions for restaurants that are looking at a late May or early June reopening .
A variance given to Mesa County this month allows for restaurants there to reopen at 30 % of their usual fire-code capacity , and in a press conference on Wednesday , Polis said that a greatly reduced capacity should be expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the state , but “ we also want to find ways that they can expand tables outdoors ” he said , mentioning sidewalks and parking spaces as potential options .
“ We know restaurants are eager to reopen in a way that protects the health of their patrons , and ( they ) see measures like expanded patio space as one way to do that , ” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s office announced on Tuesday .
“ ( We ) have been taking and evaluating requests from various stakeholders on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , could be implemented to support restaurants … once they ’ re able to reopen.
” This week , the Downtown Denver Partnership shared plans of its “ rapid activation of commercial streets , ” which was also proposed to Hancock earlier this month .
The group gave nine examples of core blocks in various Denver neighborhoods where vehicle through-traffic and car parking could be temporarily blocked , allowing for pedestrian walkways and al fresco dining areas as seen in Europe or elsewhere in the United States during festivals and events .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the DDP ’ s president and CEO Tami Door told The Denver Post .
“ We have done this many many times , as have great cities around the world .
What is particularly intriguing about it now is it ’ s an amalgamation of wins.
” Those wins , according to Door , include allowing individuals to gather safely again and letting neighborhoods and many of their retail businesses return to life , all while monitoring the viability of these types of gathering spaces long-term .
“ We know for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going away anytime soon , so we really need to understand how our public spaces can create safe spaces , ” Door said .
In order to do that , she and the DDP have proposed a five-month pilot period from Memorial Day to Oct. 31 that would take advantage of Colorado ’ s sunshine while allowing restaurants to serve diners in more spaces outdoors .
“ We could do it in five minutes.
” “ I can make this happen literally yesterday , ” restaurateur Beth Gruitch said of the time she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms outside .
Gruitch co-owns two restaurants in Larimer Square ( Rioja and Bistro Vendome ) and two more at Union Station ( Ultreia and Stoic & Genuine ) .
She and her team closed down a fifth restaurant , Euclid Hall , permanently at the start of the shutdown .
She knows that closing off Larimer Square to cars will take longer to implement and face more opposition , “ but at Union Station , in my opinion , it ’ s a ‘ why not ?
’ ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let us open up our patios , let us space our tables out , let us fill that space with energy and fun.
” At Union Station , Gruitch envisions the surrounding plaza dotted with dining tables from each of the hall ’ s various restaurants .
She pictures it working just as to-go orders have , but with the added bonus of table service and summery alcoholic beverages .
It ’ s an appealing image that recalls tables set on Italian piazzas and in Parisian alleyways .
But for other Denverites , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also city streets into dining rooms is more romantic than practical .
“ Look , I couldn ’ t be more heartbroken for what has happened to the restaurant and bar trade , ” Steve Weil , who owns Rockmount Ranch Wear on Wazee Street , told The Denver Post .
“ It ’ s a perfect storm for them .
They have few options , and I don ’ t begrudge supporting them how we can .
… But giving them the public right-of-way monopolizes public access perhaps in a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” For Weil ’ s business to reopen now , he says downtown Denver ’ s streets need to stay open for vehicles , which his customers use more than public transportation or other forms of transport .
“ Downtown has become an insufferable , incoherent puzzle of how to get from A to B , ” Weil explained .
“ And this will make it worse.
” He ’ s especially concerned about paying property taxes come June .
“ There ’ s no relief on that .
We need to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this economy , and not just for one segment but for every segment .
What we do for one should not hurt the other.
” But Door thinks the Downtown Denver Partnership and other stakeholders can use this summer-long outdoor dining trial to answer concerns like Weil ’ s , plus other questions that will surely arise : Where do outdoor dining zones fit in ?
How long can they operate ?
Who uses them ?
Are they inclusive and equitable ?
And what about them doesn ’ t work ?
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city ; it ’ s about being strategic , being intentional , ” Door said .
“ And it ’ s not one-size-fits-all , so it ’ s a good opportunity to explore.
” Across Denver , outside business centers on Colorado Boulevard , along neighborhood roads in North Park Hill and just off Federal Boulevard by Jefferson Park , urban designer Matthew Bossler and a small cohort of community organizers are creating templates for outdoor dining areas of all sizes and shapes .
Bossler says he ’ s excited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this effort , but he ’ s most eager to help out the businesses that wouldn ’ t otherwise have resources to dedicate now .
“ Most communities of color don ’ t have business improvement districts in place , ” he told The Denver Post .
“ That ’ s why we ’ re being intentional about taking the momentum BIDS have and supporting them , but really dedicating resources to those areas that don ’ t have that staff on hand ” or the money set aside .
On Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk for Downtown Colorado Inc. ‘ s 500 statewide members .
Bossler will discuss the playbook he and his team are creating “ basically just to cut out all the guesswork that everybody ’ s trying to figure out on their own in little pieces all across the city right now , ” he said .
He ’ ll go over transportation consideration , design logistics , licensing , permitting and liability .
“ The organizational work and facilitation — that ’ s the majority of the work that we ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we foresee that that need will persist for at least the next month in order to knock down those barriers.
” Meanwhile , at the city and state level , restaurateurs like Gruitch say this is a time to determine what Denver looks like over the summer and then for years to come .
“ What are we willing to sacrifice in order to grow our city in the direction of a place that we want to live in ?
” she asked .
“ We could be a city where there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the retail ’ s not there , and downtown is desolate , and then we won ’ t have to worry about the parking .
It won ’ t be an issue .
But I ’ d rather have an incredibly vibrant , successful city with some challenges than just kind of placating what we have now.
” Subscribe to our food newsletter , Stuffed , to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox .

In cities around the world, restaurants are taking to the streets. They’re transforming parking lots and plazas, spilling onto sidewalks and coming up with “parklets” for more patio space. After months of closed dine-in service, these gathering places are counting on fresh air and more room for social distancing to keep employees and customers safe and businesses alive through the summer months.
Denver could be next to adopt the charge. After eight weeks of running on takeout and delivery only, restaurants and their business improvement districts, as well as volunteer planners across the city, are advocating now for further loosened restrictions on alcohol permitting and temporarily closed-off streets and parking lots to serve diners again.
By Memorial Day, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he expects to announce instructions for restaurants that are looking at a late May or early June reopening. A variance given to Mesa County this month allows for restaurants there to reopen at 30% of their usual fire-code capacity, and in a press conference on Wednesday, Polis said that a greatly reduced capacity should be expected indoors as more restaurants start to open around the state, but “we also want to find ways that they can expand tables outdoors” he said, mentioning sidewalks and parking spaces as potential options.
“We know restaurants are eager to reopen in a way that protects the health of their patrons, and (they) see measures like expanded patio space as one way to do that,” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s office announced on Tuesday. “(We) have been taking and evaluating requests from various stakeholders on what measures, including expanded patio space, could be implemented to support restaurants … once they’re able to reopen.”
This week, the Downtown Denver Partnership shared plans of its “rapid activation of commercial streets,” which was also proposed to Hancock earlier this month. The group gave nine examples of core blocks in various Denver neighborhoods where vehicle through-traffic and car parking could be temporarily blocked, allowing for pedestrian walkways and al fresco dining areas as seen in Europe or elsewhere in the United States during festivals and events.
Proposed outdoor dining spaces in Denver Glenarm Place, midblock between 15th and 16th Streets to midblock between 16th and 17th Streets
Larimer Square, between 14th and 15th Streets
Larimer Street, between 26th and 28th Avenues (RiNo)
Tennyson Street, between 38th and 41st Avenues (Berkeley)
32nd Avenue, between Lowell and Julian (Highland Square)
Wazee Street at 35th Street (The “L”)
Pearl Street, between Arkansas and Florida (Platt Park)
South Gaylord Street, between Tennessee and Mississippi (Washington Park)
2nd Avenue, between Clayton and Fillmore (Cherry Creek North)
“This concept is not new to Denver,” the DDP’s president and CEO Tami Door told The Denver Post. “We have done this many many times, as have great cities around the world. What is particularly intriguing about it now is it’s an amalgamation of wins.”
Those wins, according to Door, include allowing individuals to gather safely again and letting neighborhoods and many of their retail businesses return to life, all while monitoring the viability of these types of gathering spaces long-term.
“We know for the future that this isn’t going away anytime soon, so we really need to understand how our public spaces can create safe spaces,” Door said. In order to do that, she and the DDP have proposed a five-month pilot period from Memorial Day to Oct. 31 that would take advantage of Colorado’s sunshine while allowing restaurants to serve diners in more spaces outdoors.
“We could do it in five minutes.”
“I can make this happen literally yesterday,” restaurateur Beth Gruitch said of the time she would need to open up her dining rooms outside. Gruitch co-owns two restaurants in Larimer Square (Rioja and Bistro Vendome) and two more at Union Station (Ultreia and Stoic & Genuine). She and her team closed down a fifth restaurant, Euclid Hall, permanently at the start of the shutdown.
She knows that closing off Larimer Square to cars will take longer to implement and face more opposition, “but at Union Station, in my opinion, it’s a ‘why not?’ ” she said. “Why wouldn’t we? Let us open up our patios, let us space our tables out, let us fill that space with energy and fun.”
At Union Station, Gruitch envisions the surrounding plaza dotted with dining tables from each of the hall’s various restaurants. She pictures it working just as to-go orders have, but with the added bonus of table service and summery alcoholic beverages.
It’s an appealing image that recalls tables set on Italian piazzas and in Parisian alleyways. But for other Denverites, the idea of turning not just plazas but also city streets into dining rooms is more romantic than practical.
“Look, I couldn’t be more heartbroken for what has happened to the restaurant and bar trade,” Steve Weil, who owns Rockmount Ranch Wear on Wazee Street, told The Denver Post. “It’s a perfect storm for them. They have few options, and I don’t begrudge supporting them how we can. … But giving them the public right-of-way monopolizes public access perhaps in a way that’s detrimental to everyone else.”
For Weil’s business to reopen now, he says downtown Denver’s streets need to stay open for vehicles, which his customers use more than public transportation or other forms of transport. “Downtown has become an insufferable, incoherent puzzle of how to get from A to B,” Weil explained. “And this will make it worse.”
He’s especially concerned about paying property taxes come June. “There’s no relief on that. We need to do everything within our power to safely restart this economy, and not just for one segment but for every segment. What we do for one should not hurt the other.”
But Door thinks the Downtown Denver Partnership and other stakeholders can use this summer-long outdoor dining trial to answer concerns like Weil’s, plus other questions that will surely arise: Where do outdoor dining zones fit in? How long can they operate? Who uses them? Are they inclusive and equitable? And what about them doesn’t work?
“This isn’t about closing every street in the city; it’s about being strategic, being intentional,” Door said. “And it’s not one-size-fits-all, so it’s a good opportunity to explore.”
Inclusive, equitable, and not one-size-fits-all
Across Denver, outside business centers on Colorado Boulevard, along neighborhood roads in North Park Hill and just off Federal Boulevard by Jefferson Park, urban designer Matthew Bossler and a small cohort of community organizers are creating templates for outdoor dining areas of all sizes and shapes.
Bossler says he’s excited to see grassroots organizations planning their own versions of this effort, but he’s most eager to help out the businesses that wouldn’t otherwise have resources to dedicate now.
“Most communities of color don’t have business improvement districts in place,” he told The Denver Post. “That’s why we’re being intentional about taking the momentum BIDS have and supporting them, but really dedicating resources to those areas that don’t have that staff on hand” or the money set aside.
On Thursday morning, he’s giving a talk for Downtown Colorado Inc.‘s 500 statewide members. Bossler will discuss the playbook he and his team are creating “basically just to cut out all the guesswork that everybody’s trying to figure out on their own in little pieces all across the city right now,” he said. He’ll go over transportation consideration, design logistics, licensing, permitting and liability.
“The organizational work and facilitation — that’s the majority of the work that we’ve been doing,” Bossler said. “And we foresee that that need will persist for at least the next month in order to knock down those barriers.”
Meanwhile, at the city and state level, restaurateurs like Gruitch say this is a time to determine what Denver looks like over the summer and then for years to come.
“What are we willing to sacrifice in order to grow our city in the direction of a place that we want to live in?” she asked. “We could be a city where there aren’t any good restaurants, where the retail’s not there, and downtown is desolate, and then we won’t have to worry about the parking. It won’t be an issue. But I’d rather have an incredibly vibrant, successful city with some challenges than just kind of placating what we have now.”
Subscribe to our food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-14--Weld County GOP election fraud complaints go to Colorado attorney general

Allegations of election fraud and corruption made against several Weld County Republicans , including an aide to U.S. Rep. Ken Buck , have been referred to the Colorado Attorney General ’ s Office .
Four complaints that Weld County GOP Chair Will Sander filed last week — claiming three people were falsely listed as party delegates — were forwarded to Attorney General Phil Weiser , the Secretary of State ’ s Office confirmed Wednesday .
Also Wednesday , Buck , who is chair of the state Republican Party , announced the creation of a new internal commission to investigate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designation processes .
He has denied interfering in local party issues .
The formation of the commission comes after both the Weld County accusations and a controversy over the GOP primary ballot in El Paso County garnered national attention .
The El Paso County situation led to a recorded conference call in mid-April during which Buck pressured a local party leader to submit incorrect election results to the state .
Meanwhile , new details are emerging about conflicts within the party in Weld County and Buck ’ s interactions in his home county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perry Buck , is running for commissioner .
Several local leaders have spoken to The Denver Post , and an email obtained by The Post shows that some in the party were warned of possible fraud and corruption in the Weld GOP ’ s caucus/assembly process weeks ago .
The complaints in Weld County point to an attempt to manipulate the system to give insider politicians the advantage against other Republicans in primaries , said Weld County GOP Treasurer Calida Troxell .
“ We call it stacking the caucus , and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it happens a lot , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve been fighting it for 10 years , so it ’ s not going to go away overnight.
” Party members elect delegates in caucuses and assemblies , and the delegates in turn select candidates to be placed before voters in the primary election .
In Republican strongholds like Weld County , controlling GOP candidate access to ballots can ultimately determine who will win the seat .
One of those accused of being named a delegate improperly , Cody LeBlanc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ken Buck ’ s 4th Congressional District .
Another , Lois Rice , is a county party vice chair .
Before Sander filed his complaints , Troxell said , she had complained about LeBlanc and Rice .
Troxell said she found discrepancies in their spending , that they would omit certain candidates from party functions and would bring people to work as precinct officials even though they had not been elected .
“ They would make careless mistakes that were all one-sided , that favored the candidates they preferred , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ken Buck , among others , Troxell said .
Others have previously told The Post that Ken Buck called them regarding the seat on the Weld County board of commissioners that his ex-wife is seeking , though they declined to elaborate on the nature of those conversations .
Troxell said she also heard from Ken Buck : “ He calls me out of the blue one day , says , ‘ I can get you tickets to the Trump rally .
I hear there ’ s a lot of problems going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get along .
You ’ ll be able to do things like meet the vice president , maybe meet the president.
’ ” The treasurer interpreted the call as an attempt to get her to stop voicing her concerns .
“ I don ’ t want to get along with liars and cheaters and thieves .
I turned him down with the tickets , ” she said .
Neither Ken Buck , Perry Buck , LeBlanc , Rice nor others named in the complaints returned multiple messages from The Post seeking comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally tickets to Sander in an attempt to “ bridge divides ” within the county party .
And while the congressman told Colorado Politics that LeBlanc is a 22-year-old kid “ just fired up about politics , ” the aide had been on the radar of county party officials for weeks .
An email Sander sent in mid-April warned other county officials of the issues at hand and asked for LeBlanc ’ s and Rice ’ s resignations .
“ It does not make me happy to have to ask for two resignations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at a premium , ” Sander wrote .
“ However , we need to hold our Executive Committee members to a higher moral and ethical standard .
Our candidates deserve it .
The public demands it .
Election law requires it.
” The email went out before Sander filed his complaints , said county party Vice Chair Anthony Groeger .
However , LeBlanc and Rice kept their jobs , and Groeger said he ’ s still unsure of what happened .
He said he hasn ’ t spoken with LeBlanc or Rice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their side of the story .
“ If they didn ’ t follow the rules there needs to be consequences , ” Groeger said .
“ If I had done something wrong , I ’ d admit it and ask for mercy .
If there was a misunderstanding , I ’ d explain it.
” Troxell said her complaints were so poorly received that she and her family received threats from anonymous social media accounts and elsewhere .
“ There have been nights where I ’ ve literally done chores with my husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon , ” she said .
“ They ’ re just social hitmen , but they know where we live , they know who we are and they like to intimidate.
” A state party spokesperson did not respond when asked whether Buck ’ s new commission will examine the Weld County complaints .
It will , however , investigate the El Paso County controversy , where Buck pressured Eli Bremer , state Senate District 10 chairman , to submit incorrect election results to the state .
“ After talking to party leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am appointing a commission to review the issues involved in the Assembly ballot designation process , including the recent Senate District 10 nomination controversy , ” Buck said in a statement Wednesday .
“ This commission will be expected to analyze the issues and provide recommendations so that the Party does not face similar problems going forward.
” Bremer gave his blessing for the commission .
Political campaigns like the one for U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner have taken notice of the controversy , which many called a distraction from the fast-approaching November election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , and they agreed this was a situation that should be resolved so that everyone could focus on this important election , ” Bremer said .
“ As we move forward with the commission , I ’ m confident that we will quickly make progress and free up resources to support Senator Gardner and President Trump in their re-election campaigns .
”

Allegations of election fraud and corruption made against several Weld County Republicans, including an aide to U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, have been referred to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
Four complaints that Weld County GOP Chair Will Sander filed last week — claiming three people were falsely listed as party delegates — were forwarded to Attorney General Phil Weiser, the Secretary of State’s Office confirmed Wednesday.
Also Wednesday, Buck, who is chair of the state Republican Party, announced the creation of a new internal commission to investigate the party’s assembly nomination and ballot designation processes. He has denied interfering in local party issues.
The formation of the commission comes after both the Weld County accusations and a controversy over the GOP primary ballot in El Paso County garnered national attention. The El Paso County situation led to a recorded conference call in mid-April during which Buck pressured a local party leader to submit incorrect election results to the state.
Meanwhile, new details are emerging about conflicts within the party in Weld County and Buck’s interactions in his home county, where his ex-wife, state Rep. Perry Buck, is running for commissioner. Several local leaders have spoken to The Denver Post, and an email obtained by The Post shows that some in the party were warned of possible fraud and corruption in the Weld GOP’s caucus/assembly process weeks ago.
The complaints in Weld County point to an attempt to manipulate the system to give insider politicians the advantage against other Republicans in primaries, said Weld County GOP Treasurer Calida Troxell.
“We call it stacking the caucus, and it’s an ugly thing to do, but it happens a lot,” she said. “I’ve been fighting it for 10 years, so it’s not going to go away overnight.”
Party members elect delegates in caucuses and assemblies, and the delegates in turn select candidates to be placed before voters in the primary election. In Republican strongholds like Weld County, controlling GOP candidate access to ballots can ultimately determine who will win the seat.
One of those accused of being named a delegate improperly, Cody LeBlanc, works as a local representative for Ken Buck’s 4th Congressional District. Another, Lois Rice, is a county party vice chair.
Before Sander filed his complaints, Troxell said, she had complained about LeBlanc and Rice. Troxell said she found discrepancies in their spending, that they would omit certain candidates from party functions and would bring people to work as precinct officials even though they had not been elected.
“They would make careless mistakes that were all one-sided, that favored the candidates they preferred,” she said.
Their preferences typically aligned with those of Ken Buck, among others, Troxell said.
Others have previously told The Post that Ken Buck called them regarding the seat on the Weld County board of commissioners that his ex-wife is seeking, though they declined to elaborate on the nature of those conversations.
Troxell said she also heard from Ken Buck: “He calls me out of the blue one day, says, ‘I can get you tickets to the Trump rally. I hear there’s a lot of problems going on there, and I just want everybody to get along. You’ll be able to do things like meet the vice president, maybe meet the president.’”
The treasurer interpreted the call as an attempt to get her to stop voicing her concerns.
“I don’t want to get along with liars and cheaters and thieves. I turned him down with the tickets,” she said.
Neither Ken Buck, Perry Buck, LeBlanc, Rice nor others named in the complaints returned multiple messages from The Post seeking comment.
Buck told Colorado Politics he offered rally tickets to Sander in an attempt to “bridge divides” within the county party.
And while the congressman told Colorado Politics that LeBlanc is a 22-year-old kid “just fired up about politics,” the aide had been on the radar of county party officials for weeks.
An email Sander sent in mid-April warned other county officials of the issues at hand and asked for LeBlanc’s and Rice’s resignations.
“It does not make me happy to have to ask for two resignations during this critical year and when volunteers are at a premium,” Sander wrote. “However, we need to hold our Executive Committee members to a higher moral and ethical standard. Our candidates deserve it. The public demands it. Election law requires it.”
The email went out before Sander filed his complaints, said county party Vice Chair Anthony Groeger.
However, LeBlanc and Rice kept their jobs, and Groeger said he’s still unsure of what happened. He said he hasn’t spoken with LeBlanc or Rice about it and would like to hear their side of the story.
“If they didn’t follow the rules there needs to be consequences,” Groeger said. “If I had done something wrong, I’d admit it and ask for mercy. If there was a misunderstanding, I’d explain it.”
Troxell said her complaints were so poorly received that she and her family received threats from anonymous social media accounts and elsewhere.
“There have been nights where I’ve literally done chores with my husband standing on our front porch with a weapon,” she said. “They’re just social hitmen, but they know where we live, they know who we are and they like to intimidate.”
A state party spokesperson did not respond when asked whether Buck’s new commission will examine the Weld County complaints. It will, however, investigate the El Paso County controversy, where Buck pressured Eli Bremer, state Senate District 10 chairman, to submit incorrect election results to the state.
“After talking to party leaders and activists throughout the state, I am appointing a commission to review the issues involved in the Assembly ballot designation process, including the recent Senate District 10 nomination controversy,” Buck said in a statement Wednesday. “This commission will be expected to analyze the issues and provide recommendations so that the Party does not face similar problems going forward.”
Bremer gave his blessing for the commission. Political campaigns like the one for U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner have taken notice of the controversy, which many called a distraction from the fast-approaching November election.
“I spoke with the Gardner campaign, and they agreed this was a situation that should be resolved so that everyone could focus on this important election,” Bremer said. “As we move forward with the commission, I’m confident that we will quickly make progress and free up resources to support Senator Gardner and President Trump in their re-election campaigns.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-14--Expect double-digit unemployment rates for the rest of 2020, economists warn

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Wednesday warned the economic path the nation faces in the weeks and months ahead will be “ highly uncertain and subject to significant downside risks.
” Just how uncertain and how risky are what many economists are trying to sort out .
“ Economic activity partly depends on what governments decide to shut down , but it also depends on consumers ’ fears to go out and spend , ” said Gad Levanon , vice president of labor markets at The Conference Board during a webinar Wednesday .
A record 23.1 million workers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. unemployment rate up to 14.7 % , its highest since the Great Depression .
On May 22 , Colorado ’ s unemployment rate for April will come out , and it should be close to the U.S. rate .
Frank Steemers , an economist with The Conference Board , estimates about 7.5 million U.S. workers were incorrectly described as employed , even though they weren ’ t working .
Include them and the U.S. unemployment rate is probably closer to 20 % .
He predicts the unemployment rate will rise again in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely stay in double-digit territory throughout 2020 .
“ Many industries will not fully recover until there is full vaccination or treatments , ” Levanon said .
“ As long as people are afraid of being infected , they will not do a lot of things they used to do.
” Concerts , sports events , movie theaters and amusement parks will be some of the last activities to return to normal , Levanon said .
That ’ s because they come with a high risk of infection and are largely discretionary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of those workers out of a job in April expect to be called back .
But those workers don ’ t get to decide .
An unknown number will be handed pink slips instead of a paycheck .
The Conference Board estimates that Grand Junction will have the highest unemployment rate among Colorado ’ s metro areas , in the 16 % to 19 % range .
Front Range metros will likely hover in the 9 % to 16 % range in the coming months .
That ’ s unprecedented , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the job losses expected in places like Las Vegas ; Orlando , Fla. ; Lafayette , La.
, and Midland and Odessa , Texas .
Ali Wolf , chief economist at Meyers Research , said a disturbing trend is how job losses last month went beyond the industries directly harmed by shelter-at-home orders .
A large share of job losses in March came in leisure and hospitality , and that sector was the leader again in April .
But other sectors closed the gap , including trade , transportation and utilities ; education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and business services , which shed 2.1 million jobs .
April ’ s loss is 10-fold larger than what the higher-paying , white-collar sector lost during the depths of the Great Recession , she said .
“ We will have a double-digit unemployment rate through the end of the year , ” Wolf said , echoing the predictions made by Levanon .
Those banking on a much faster recovery , including stock investors , look to the massive federal fiscal stimulus being deployed .
Congress is working on adding another $ 3 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cares Act .
The federal deficit , which was expected to hit $ 1 trillion this year before the crisis hit , could run between $ 6 trillion to $ 8 trillion , Wolf said .
Additional fiscal support would be “ costly , ” Powell said on Wednesday , but worth it if it helped avoid long-term economic damage and set the stage for a stronger recovery .
But getting assistance out quickly and to those most in need has been a struggle given how quickly the economy shut down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped by at least $ 80 billion in April , according to a study Wednesday from The Hamilton Project .
But overwhelmed state unemployment systems , including Colorado ’ s , replaced a little over half the lost income in April .
That was due in part to delays in rolling out the additional $ 600 a week the federal government provided in pandemic unemployment compensation .

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Wednesday warned the economic path the nation faces in the weeks and months ahead will be “highly uncertain and subject to significant downside risks.”
Just how uncertain and how risky are what many economists are trying to sort out.
“Economic activity partly depends on what governments decide to shut down, but it also depends on consumers’ fears to go out and spend,” said Gad Levanon, vice president of labor markets at The Conference Board during a webinar Wednesday.
A record 23.1 million workers were unemployed in April, which pushed the U.S. unemployment rate up to 14.7%, its highest since the Great Depression. On May 22, Colorado’s unemployment rate for April will come out, and it should be close to the U.S. rate.
Frank Steemers, an economist with The Conference Board, estimates about 7.5 million U.S. workers were incorrectly described as employed, even though they weren’t working. Include them and the U.S. unemployment rate is probably closer to 20%.
He predicts the unemployment rate will rise again in May, and Levanon adds it will likely stay in double-digit territory throughout 2020.
“Many industries will not fully recover until there is full vaccination or treatments,” Levanon said. “As long as people are afraid of being infected, they will not do a lot of things they used to do.”
Concerts, sports events, movie theaters and amusement parks will be some of the last activities to return to normal, Levanon said. That’s because they come with a high risk of infection and are largely discretionary.
On the plus side, about 80% of those workers out of a job in April expect to be called back. But those workers don’t get to decide. An unknown number will be handed pink slips instead of a paycheck.
The Conference Board estimates that Grand Junction has the highest share of workers in at-risk industries among Colorado’s metro areas, in the 16% to 19% range. Front Range metros are in the 9% to 16% range.
The most exposed metros, and those likely to suffer higher unemployment rates, include Las Vegas; Orlando, Fla.; Lafayette, La., and Midland and Odessa, Texas.
Ali Wolf, chief economist at Meyers Research, said a disturbing trend is how job losses last month went beyond the industries directly harmed by shelter-at-home orders. A large share of job losses in March came in leisure and hospitality, and that sector was the leader again in April.
But other sectors closed the gap, including trade, transportation and utilities; education and health care, and even professional and business services, which shed 2.1 million jobs. April’s loss is 10-fold larger than what the higher-paying, white-collar sector lost during the depths of the Great Recession, she said.
“We will have a double-digit unemployment rate through the end of the year,” Wolf said, echoing the predictions made by Levanon.
Those banking on a much faster recovery, including stock investors, look to the massive federal fiscal stimulus being deployed. Congress is working on adding another $3 trillion to top off what was provided in the Cares Act.
The federal deficit, which was expected to hit $1 trillion this year before the crisis hit, could run between $6 trillion to $8 trillion, Wolf said.
Additional fiscal support would be “costly,” Powell said on Wednesday, but worth it if it helped avoid long-term economic damage and set the stage for a stronger recovery. But getting assistance out quickly and to those most in need has been a struggle given how quickly the economy shut down to contain the pandemic.
Monthly household incomes dropped by at least $80 billion in April, according to a study Wednesday from The Hamilton Project. But overwhelmed state unemployment systems, including Colorado’s, replaced a little over half the lost income in April. That was due in part to delays in rolling out the additional $600 a week the federal government provided in pandemic unemployment compensation.


thedenverpost--2020-05-14--Colorado schools plan for students to retrieve belongings left behind when pandemic hit

As the academic year comes to an unconventional end , schools across Colorado are making plans for students to clean out their lockers , return equipment and pick up belongings left behind when the novel coronavirus pandemic abruptly ended in-person learning this spring .
And just like everything else during the pandemic , schools are figuring out how to make it work in different ways .
In the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district , teachers and staff are this week cleaning out the lockers and desks of the district ’ s 39,000 students , bagging up each student ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starting Monday , parents can collect their students ’ bags through curbside pickup at their children ’ s schools , district communications manager Christina Dahmen said .
Each school will set its own times and dates for the pickups , and likely will schedule them on a rolling basis organized by students ’ last names .
The district is following social-distancing guidelines , Dahmen said .
“ We have used this curbside process almost since we ’ ve been under the coronavirus and COVID situation , and it ’ s just been really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s approved by public health and it ’ s worked well with our meal distribution , when we handed out devices — it ’ s just been a seamless process for families and staff.
” Schools will hang on to bags that aren ’ t picked up until school starts again in the fall and any remaining bags then can be returned to students , Dahmen said .
Similar plans are underway at Jefferson County Public Schools , where each school is making its own plan , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checkouts ” for students this week .
Denver Public Schools will use a variety of approaches to return students ’ belongings , spokesman Will Jones said , and schools will make their own decisions on how and when to do that , with guidance from the district and health officials .
By and large , Jones expects the process to happen in the fall , not immediately , he said .
Some schools will have staff bag students ’ belongings , while others will allow students to go into school buildings to retrieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our school facilities are different in terms of size , number of students and layout , ” Jones said .
“ A ‘ one size fits all ’ approach for all our facilities does not work.
” Parents of Denver students should look for additional details from their schools in the fall , he said , adding that district staff have been inspecting lockers to ensure they ’ re free from rotting food and other hazards .
In the Gilpin County School District , students will be allowed to go into their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , uniforms and instruments and to clean out their lockers or desk , according to an announcement from the district .
No more than 10 people will be allowed in the schools at a time , and students will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing , according to the district .
Seniors will start the process on Monday , while other grades will begin on May 26 , following an hourly schedule by last name .

As the academic year comes to an unconventional end, schools across Colorado are making plans for students to clean out their lockers, return equipment and pick up belongings left behind when the novel coronavirus pandemic abruptly ended in-person learning this spring.
And just like everything else during the pandemic, schools are figuring out how to make it work in different ways. In the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district, teachers and staff are this week cleaning out the lockers and desks of the district’s 39,000 students, bagging up each student’s stuff and labeling the bags.
Starting Monday, parents can collect their students’ bags through curbside pickup at their children’s schools, district communications manager Christina Dahmen said. Each school will set its own times and dates for the pickups, and likely will schedule them on a rolling basis organized by students’ last names.
The district is following social-distancing guidelines, Dahmen said.
“We have used this curbside process almost since we’ve been under the coronavirus and COVID situation, and it’s just been really positive for us,” she said. “It’s approved by public health and it’s worked well with our meal distribution, when we handed out devices — it’s just been a seamless process for families and staff.”
Schools will hang on to bags that aren’t picked up until school starts again in the fall and any remaining bags then can be returned to students, Dahmen said.
Similar plans are underway at Jefferson County Public Schools, where each school is making its own plan, and in Cherry Creek Schools, which started “checkouts” for students this week.
Denver Public Schools will use a variety of approaches to return students’ belongings, spokesman Will Jones said, and schools will make their own decisions on how and when to do that, with guidance from the district and health officials. By and large, Jones expects the process to happen in the fall, not immediately, he said.
Some schools will have staff bag students’ belongings, while others will allow students to go into school buildings to retrieve their own belongings, he said.
“Our school facilities are different in terms of size, number of students and layout,” Jones said. “A ‘one size fits all’ approach for all our facilities does not work.”
Parents of Denver students should look for additional details from their schools in the fall, he said, adding that district staff have been inspecting lockers to ensure they’re free from rotting food and other hazards.
In the Gilpin County School District, students will be allowed to go into their school buildings to return textbooks, laptops, uniforms and instruments and to clean out their lockers or desk, according to an announcement from the district.
No more than 10 people will be allowed in the schools at a time, and students will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing, according to the district. Seniors will start the process on Monday, while other grades will begin on May 26, following an hourly schedule by last name.


thedenverpost--2020-05-14--Denver Sports Omelette: NASCAR, UFC and golf headline live sports this weekend

Alright sports fans , we have live sports this weekend , and it ’ s going to be sweet .
NASCAR is one of the first major sports to return to action with the Cup series race in South Carolina at Darlington Raceway on Sunday .
You can catch all the action live on KDVR-31 at 1:30 p.m .
Golf returns to action but only in a limited format as TaylorMade golf is hosting a Driving Relief in support of COVID-19 relief .
The event will star four of golf ’ s most popular players : world No .
1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fowler and young gun Matthew Wolff .
The event will be a best-ball skins match taking place at Seminole Golf Club in Florida .
You can catch all the action from 1-4 p.m. on NBC , Golf Channel and NBCSN .
The UFC is also hosting a Fight Night event Saturday with Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris headlining the event with their heavyweight bout .
The event will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 7 p.m .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers !
Subscribe to The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $ 6.99/month thereafter .
Cancel anytime .
+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Ryan O ’ Halloran here .
+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .

Alright sports fans, we have live sports this weekend, and it’s going to be sweet.
NASCAR is one of the first major sports to return to action with the Cup series race in South Carolina at Darlington Raceway on Sunday. You can catch all the action live on KDVR-31 at 1:30 p.m.
Golf returns to action but only in a limited format as TaylorMade golf is hosting a Driving Relief in support of COVID-19 relief. The event will star four of golf’s most popular players: world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and young gun Matthew Wolff.
The event will be a best-ball skins match taking place at Seminole Golf Club in Florida. You can catch all the action from 1-4 p.m. on NBC, Golf Channel and NBCSN.
The UFC is also hosting a Fight Night event Saturday with Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris headlining the event with their heavyweight bout. The event will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 7 p.m.
— Jeff Bailey, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.


thedenverpost--2020-05-14--Kickin’ It with Kiz Podcast: How Bill Hanzlik turned action in gym from hoops to food-bank distribut

Kickin’ It with Kiz Podcast: How Bill Hanzlik turned action in gym from hoops to food-bank distribution in fight against the coronavirus

Bill Hanzlik is the original Nuggets ’ no-hoper , a term of endearment bestowed by coach Doug Moe way back @ @ @ @ @ has been a defensive specialist , a coach and TV analyst for our local NBA @ @ @ @ @ Kiszla learned in this edition of the Kickin ’ It pod , Hanzlik ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the Gold Crown Foundation , which recently joined in the fight against COVID-19 by lending @ @ @ @ @ food banks .
Plus , in the “ Just One More Thing ” segment , @ @ @ @ @ Kiz why he shouldn ’ t be pessimistic about the Buffs and Rams meeting on @ @ @ @ @

Bill Hanzlik is the original Nuggets’ no-hoper, a term of endearment bestowed by coach Doug Moe way back in the 1980s. Hanz has been a defensive specialist, a coach and TV analyst for our local NBA team. But as Mark Kiszla learned in this edition of the Kickin’ It pod, Hanzlik’s coolest contribution to Denver is the Gold Crown Foundation, which recently joined in the fight against COVID-19 by lending a big hand to neighborhood food banks. Plus, in the “Just One More Thing” segment, a college football fan tells Kiz why he shouldn’t be pessimistic about the Buffs and Rams meeting on the field this year.


thedenverpost--2020-05-14--Ask Amy: Dating confidence can’t be faked

Dear Amy : I ’ m 26 years old , and live in a large city .
I have a wide circle of close friends , but I ’ ve always struggled with dating .
My longest relationship lasted for about two years , and that ended nearly five years ago .
My friends and family often tell me , “ You can ’ t love someone if you don ’ t love yourself.
” I know the reason people say this is because I have never loved myself .
I was a very anxious child ; as a teenager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and depression .
I have battled ( and have conquered ) an eating disorder , as well .
I am in therapy and take medication .
I have a stable job , exercise regularly , and eat a healthy diet .
Sometimes I receive compliments from people about my appearance , but I feel they are just giving a compliment in order to be nice .
Although I lack self-confidence , I believe I appear confident on dates ( “ confidence is attractive !
” right ? )
, but I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m careful to take things slowly , but also express interest .
I sometimes have multiple dates with one person , but eventually the connection fizzles out .
Although at this point , I always expect that to happen , I will happily put in the effort .
Do you agree with my friends ?
Do you think that others can see right through someone with low self-esteem ?
Dear Nebraska : I agree with your friends and family — and what I think they are trying to tell you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will ever have , is the one you have with yourself .
In that regard , there is always room for growth !
To some degree , meeting and matching is a confidence-busting experience for anyone .
When things don ’ t pan out , you will always ask yourself , “ Is it ME ?
Am I the problem ?
” No doubt , many of the people you ’ ve matched with are also doubting themselves .
I hope you realize that much of what you are doing is SO right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , emotional , and mental health challenges , and it seems that you have come a long way from the anxious child you once were .
The best relationship marker for anyone is in the quality of their friendships — and your friends are supportive and kind .
To build on your successes , you will have to practice ways of getting out of your own head .
Develop and deepen your platonic friendships .
Work on deliberately switching your internal focus to others .
Train yourself to trust other people enough that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe them .
True confidence is not conveyed by acting confident , but by being comfortable enough in your own skin to simply be yourself .
The goal is to meet someone who really “ sees ” you , and who likes and accepts you — just as you are .
And that will take time , patience , and the willingness to grow and change .
Dear Amy : Women today have been empowered to act and speak out against sexual harassment , bullying , rape , etc .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past few years I have observed the lack of traditional manners toward women by men .
I notice husbands and male partners pushing through doors before their wives and dates ( instead of holding doors open ) .
I see them seating themselves in restaurants before their dates and wives have been seated .
Along with the gains that women have made , have they also lost the benefit of traditional manners and male deference ?
Dear Wondering : No woman I know gives a whit about traditional manners and male deference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nicely , ” however .
For instance , it would be “ nice ” to make the same wage for the same work .
It would also be nice not to be raped , assaulted , harassed , catcalled , bullied , objectified , or fearful .
Kind and loving people ( no matter the gender ) demonstrate their consideration by being polite , deferential , kind and courteous toward one another .
We women can seat ourselves at the table , open the door for ourselves — and are happy to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy : I just want to make a comment about people who tell you they are bored during quarantine .
I remember my dear aunt replying to me when I was a teenager when I stated that I was bored .
Without looking up from her crossword puzzle , she said , “ only boring people are bored.
” She was amazing , interested in everything , and active well into her 90s .
I ’ m trying to follow her example .
Dear Less Boring : My mother used to say the @ @ @

Dear Amy: I’m 26 years old, and live in a large city.
I have a wide circle of close friends, but I’ve always struggled with dating. My longest relationship lasted for about two years, and that ended nearly five years ago.
My friends and family often tell me, “You can’t love someone if you don’t love yourself.”
I know the reason people say this is because I have never loved myself. I was a very anxious child; as a teenager I was diagnosed with body image dysmorphia and depression. I have battled (and have conquered) an eating disorder, as well.
I am in therapy and take medication. I have a stable job, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Sometimes I receive compliments from people about my appearance, but I feel they are just giving a compliment in order to be nice.
Although I lack self-confidence, I believe I appear confident on dates (“confidence is attractive!” right?), but I don’t believe I come off as haughty. I’m careful to take things slowly, but also express interest.
I sometimes have multiple dates with one person, but eventually the connection fizzles out. Although at this point, I always expect that to happen, I will happily put in the effort.
Do you agree with my friends? Do you think that others can see right through someone with low self-esteem?
— Not Confident in Nebraska
Dear Nebraska: I agree with your friends and family — and what I think they are trying to tell you is that the most important relationship you will ever have, is the one you have with yourself. In that regard, there is always room for growth!
To some degree, meeting and matching is a confidence-busting experience for anyone. When things don’t pan out, you will always ask yourself, “Is it ME? Am I the problem?” No doubt, many of the people you’ve matched with are also doubting themselves.
I hope you realize that much of what you are doing is SO right! You are dealing with your physical, emotional, and mental health challenges, and it seems that you have come a long way from the anxious child you once were. The best relationship marker for anyone is in the quality of their friendships — and your friends are supportive and kind.
To build on your successes, you will have to practice ways of getting out of your own head. Develop and deepen your platonic friendships. Work on deliberately switching your internal focus to others. Train yourself to trust other people enough that when they complement you, you actually believe them.
True confidence is not conveyed by acting confident, but by being comfortable enough in your own skin to simply be yourself. The goal is to meet someone who really “sees” you, and who likes and accepts you — just as you are. And that will take time, patience, and the willingness to grow and change.
Dear Amy: Women today have been empowered to act and speak out against sexual harassment, bullying, rape, etc. This is a major milestone.
However, over the past few years I have observed the lack of traditional manners toward women by men. I notice husbands and male partners pushing through doors before their wives and dates (instead of holding doors open). I see them seating themselves in restaurants before their dates and wives have been seated.
Along with the gains that women have made, have they also lost the benefit of traditional manners and male deference?
— Wondering
Dear Wondering: No woman I know gives a whit about traditional manners and male deference. We DO want to be treated “nicely,” however.
For instance, it would be “nice” to make the same wage for the same work. It would also be nice not to be raped, assaulted, harassed, catcalled, bullied, objectified, or fearful.
Kind and loving people (no matter the gender) demonstrate their consideration by being polite, deferential, kind and courteous toward one another. We women can seat ourselves at the table, open the door for ourselves — and are happy to hold it open for anyone else.
Dear Amy: I just want to make a comment about people who tell you they are bored during quarantine. I remember my dear aunt replying to me when I was a teenager when I stated that I was bored. Without looking up from her crossword puzzle, she said, “only boring people are bored.”
She was amazing, interested in everything, and active well into her 90s. I’m trying to follow her example.
— Less Boring
Dear Less Boring: My mother used to say the same thing!
(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--2020-05-14--Experimental coronavirus drug remdesivir being distributed in Colorado

A shipment of the experimental anti-viral drug remdesivir has been received by the Colorado Unified Command Group , enough doses to treat about 100 COVID-19 patients .
The remdesivir shipment , sent to Colorado by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , will be used here to “ investigate its benefit in improving recovery in patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms , ” according to a Colorado State Emergency Operations Center news release .
The Unified Command Group , which works at the state ’ s emergency center in Centennial , began distributing the remdesivir this week to eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supplies are being distributed in proportion to the number of COVID-19 cases and persons under investigation occurring at each hospital system , ” the release said .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency-use authorization for remdesivir for hospitalized coronavirus patients .
About 607,000 vials of the experimental drug will be supplied over the next six weeks to treat about 78,000 hospitalized patients across the country .
“ Preliminary results of a randomized controlled clinical trial suggested that remdesivir was associated with faster recovery for hospitalized patients , ” the release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in development .
Late last month , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the federal government ’ s top infectious-disease expert , told The Associated Press that the use of remdesivir will help to free up hospital beds and take stress off the health care system .
“ You do now have a drug that you have proven can actually work on the virus , ” Fauci said .
The drug , however , will not be an “ overwhelming cure ” for coronavirus , Fauci added .
Remdesivir has reduced the time patients spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 days on average vs. 15 days for patients given usual care based on preliminary results of a Gilead Sciences study .
Gilead Sciences is an American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in California that researches , develops and commercializes drugs , including remdesivir .
Administered through an IV , the remdesivir interferes with an enzyme that reproduces viral genetic material .
Fauci , in the AP interview , referred to the drug as becoming the “ standard of care , ” and other potential treatments will have to be tested against or in combination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a staff member of the Unified Command Group tested positive for coronavirus after self-isolating because of being symptomatic .
The Unified Command Group , which works with local , national and international vendors , has issued purchase orders for more than $ 46.2 million of medical supplies to distribute to health care facilities and government agencies across Colorado .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

A shipment of the experimental anti-viral drug remdesivir has been received by the Colorado Unified Command Group, enough doses to treat about 100 COVID-19 patients.
The remdesivir shipment, sent to Colorado by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be used here to “investigate its benefit in improving recovery in patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms,” according to a Colorado State Emergency Operations Center news release.
The Unified Command Group, which works at the state’s emergency center in Centennial, began distributing the remdesivir this week to eight hospital systems across the state.
“Supplies are being distributed in proportion to the number of COVID-19 cases and persons under investigation occurring at each hospital system,” the release said.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency-use authorization for remdesivir for hospitalized coronavirus patients. About 607,000 vials of the experimental drug will be supplied over the next six weeks to treat about 78,000 hospitalized patients across the country.
“Preliminary results of a randomized controlled clinical trial suggested that remdesivir was associated with faster recovery for hospitalized patients,” the release said.
Clinical trials are underway and in development.
Late last month, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious-disease expert, told The Associated Press that the use of remdesivir will help to free up hospital beds and take stress off the health care system.
“You do now have a drug that you have proven can actually work on the virus,” Fauci said.
The drug, however, will not be an “overwhelming cure” for coronavirus, Fauci added.
Remdesivir has reduced the time patients spent in the hospital by 31% to 11 days on average vs. 15 days for patients given usual care based on preliminary results of a Gilead Sciences study.
Gilead Sciences is an American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in California that researches, develops and commercializes drugs, including remdesivir.
Administered through an IV, the remdesivir interferes with an enzyme that reproduces viral genetic material. Fauci, in the AP interview, referred to the drug as becoming the “standard of care,” and other potential treatments will have to be tested against or in combination with it.
In early April, a staff member of the Unified Command Group tested positive for coronavirus after self-isolating because of being symptomatic. The Unified Command Group, which works with local, national and international vendors, has issued purchase orders for more than $46.2 million of medical supplies to distribute to health care facilities and government agencies across Colorado.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-14--Denver to furlough employees to close $226M budget shortfall

Denver employees must take eight unpaid furlough days by the end of the year to help the city bridge the growing budget gap caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , Mayor Michael Hancock told the workforce in a letter Wednesday .
“ COVID-19 has dramatically changed our everyday life and has taken a terrible toll on our national , state and local economies , ” Hancock wrote .
“ We are now projecting a $ 226 million gap in our General Fund revenues.
” That estimate is up $ 40 million from similar projections a month ago .
Hancock will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news conference Thursday but he noted in the letter that five of the eight mandatory furlough days are already scheduled for July 6 , Sept. 4 , Oct. 19 , Nov. 27 and Dec. 24 .
The remaining three furlough days are flexible and can be scheduled throughout the year .
Those eight furlough days are estimated to save a sorely needed $ 16 million , Hancock said .
“ The economic impact our local businesses are facing is also having a dramatic impact on our city budget , ” Hancock wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Great Recession .
“ That was an incredibly difficult decision to make then , and it is no less difficult to make now , ” Hancock wrote .
“ Working together , we came through that crisis , and built a local economy that was among the strongest in the nation , and I am confident that we will get through this challenge as well .
”

Denver employees must take eight unpaid furlough days by the end of the year to help the city bridge the growing budget gap caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Michael Hancock told the workforce in a letter Wednesday.
“COVID-19 has dramatically changed our everyday life and has taken a terrible toll on our national, state and local economies,” Hancock wrote. “We are now projecting a $226 million gap in our General Fund revenues.”
That estimate is up $40 million from similar projections a month ago.
Hancock will announce more details about the furloughs at a news conference Thursday but he noted in the letter that five of the eight mandatory furlough days are already scheduled for July 6, Sept. 4, Oct. 19, Nov. 27 and Dec. 24. The remaining three furlough days are flexible and can be scheduled throughout the year.
Those eight furlough days are estimated to save a sorely needed $16 million, Hancock said.
“The economic impact our local businesses are facing is also having a dramatic impact on our city budget,” Hancock wrote.
City employees last faced furloughs during the Great Recession.
“That was an incredibly difficult decision to make then, and it is no less difficult to make now,” Hancock wrote. “Working together, we came through that crisis, and built a local economy that was among the strongest in the nation, and I am confident that we will get through this challenge as well.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-14--Pac-12 coaches keeping players engaged during COVID-19 pandemic

During a recent Madden video game tournament between Oregon State players and staff , Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith didn ’ t do well .
“ I got blown out , ” he said .
Winning wasn ’ t the point of the tournament , however , which was designed to create team camaraderie during the COVID-19 pandemic that has shut down sports and led to stay-in-place orders around the country .
“ We kind of learned early on when we all separated , the guys missed each other the most , ” Smith said during a Pac-12 webinar with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball and they want to learn it and they ’ re doing school , but they miss the interaction .
We wanted to do some unique things to keep them engaged with each other.
” Wednesday was the third of four webinars with the conference ’ s head coaches .
Smith was joined by Arizona State ’ s Herm Edwards and UCLA ’ s Chip Kelly .
The three coaches touched on a variety of topics , including player engagement during this unique time .
“ Unless you were around for the ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve never gone through this before , ” Kelly said .
The Bruins have had guest speakers talk to the team during Zoom meetings , but Kelly said there ’ s been an emphasis on staying connected as a team .
“ What you do miss ( as players ) is that camaraderie in the locker room and not talking about football , but talking about life , ” Kelly said .
“ It ’ s physical distancing that we ’ re going through right now , not social distancing .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get excluded.
” Coaches have been in frequent communication with their players , not only talking Xs and Os and making sure academics are in order , but staying aware of the mental health of all the student-athletes and staff .
“ This is a moment in your life when you need to reflect on your life , ” Edwards said .
“ Our whole life … there ’ s been a schedule .
Everyone is on a schedule .
Now all of a sudden , you don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your own schedule .
I challenge guys : This is a time that you need to reflect on you .
What does your schedule look like every day ?
Does that schedule allow you to become a better version of yourself ?
” Although there has been no in-person contact or practice time on the field as a team , the coaches said they ’ ve taken advantage of the opportunity to teach more .
“ We ’ ve probably spent more time right now as coaches with what we ’ re doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , ” Edwards said .
“ As a coach , you ’ re a teacher ; that ’ s what you do .
You give them knowledge.
” None of the coaches have been through this type of situation , but Edwards said the ability to adjust has been vital .
“ I think it has a lot to do with our attitudes , ” he said .
“ Attitude is your best friend and your worst enemy .
How you go about doing this I think is very important .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very important .
We live in a world as coaches that the unexpected is always about to happen .
It has happened .
“ A plan that can ’ t be changed is a bad plan .
Our plan had to be adjusted.
” All three said they ’ ve stayed motivated by teaching the players , as well as the desire to stay ready for when football does return .
“ There ’ s going to be a light at the end of the tunnel , ” Smith said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long this tunnel is that we ’ re in , but we ’ re going to get an opportunity to play , to get them back .
… The unknown is what it is and we ’ re working through that by continuing to work hard on the day to day , because the light is at the end of the tunnel.
” For now , the coaches are waiting to see how long they ’ ll be in the tunnel .
The governor in Arizona has said pro sports can return this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said mass gatherings – likely including football games – might not happen until at least October .
In California , several universities will likely continue online learning in the fall and stay-at-home orders could last for months .
All three coaches Wednesday said they ’ ll wait for definitive answers .
“ The virus will tell us when we ’ re going to be able to come back and when it ’ s under control and they have the proper testing and whatnot in place , ” Kelly said .
“ Until that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep planning like we have a season coming up .
No one has told us that we ’ re not playing ; no one has told us that we are definitely playing .
“ You just have to go and be very agile in terms of how you ’ re handling this whole situation and adjust to whatever happens .
Nothing that was said ( in various states ) in the last 24 to 48 hours directly impacts us playing games in September , but you never know .
We ’ ll continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the medical people determine whether it ’ s safe for our players to come back and play .
”

During a recent Madden video game tournament between Oregon State players and staff, Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith didn’t do well.
“I got blown out,” he said.
Winning wasn’t the point of the tournament, however, which was designed to create team camaraderie during the COVID-19 pandemic that has shut down sports and led to stay-in-place orders around the country.
“We kind of learned early on when we all separated, the guys missed each other the most,” Smith said during a Pac-12 webinar with media on Wednesday. “They love ball and they want to learn it and they’re doing school, but they miss the interaction. We wanted to do some unique things to keep them engaged with each other.”
Wednesday was the third of four webinars with the conference’s head coaches. Smith was joined by Arizona State’s Herm Edwards and UCLA’s Chip Kelly.
The three coaches touched on a variety of topics, including player engagement during this unique time.
“Unless you were around for the (flu) pandemic in 1918, you’ve never gone through this before,” Kelly said.
The Bruins have had guest speakers talk to the team during Zoom meetings, but Kelly said there’s been an emphasis on staying connected as a team.
“What you do miss (as players) is that camaraderie in the locker room and not talking about football, but talking about life,” Kelly said. “It’s physical distancing that we’re going through right now, not social distancing. We want to make sure that guys don’t get excluded.”
Coaches have been in frequent communication with their players, not only talking Xs and Os and making sure academics are in order, but staying aware of the mental health of all the student-athletes and staff.
“This is a moment in your life when you need to reflect on your life,” Edwards said. “Our whole life … there’s been a schedule. Everyone is on a schedule. Now all of a sudden, you don’t have a schedule. You have to make your own schedule. I challenge guys: This is a time that you need to reflect on you. What does your schedule look like every day? Does that schedule allow you to become a better version of yourself?”
Although there has been no in-person contact or practice time on the field as a team, the coaches said they’ve taken advantage of the opportunity to teach more.
“We’ve probably spent more time right now as coaches with what we’re doing right now, to actually teach our players,” Edwards said. “As a coach, you’re a teacher; that’s what you do. You give them knowledge.”
None of the coaches have been through this type of situation, but Edwards said the ability to adjust has been vital.
“I think it has a lot to do with our attitudes,” he said. “Attitude is your best friend and your worst enemy. How you go about doing this I think is very important. The reflection that you project to your players is very important. We live in a world as coaches that the unexpected is always about to happen. It has happened.
“A plan that can’t be changed is a bad plan. Our plan had to be adjusted.”
All three said they’ve stayed motivated by teaching the players, as well as the desire to stay ready for when football does return.
“There’s going to be a light at the end of the tunnel,” Smith said. “We don’t know exactly how long this tunnel is that we’re in, but we’re going to get an opportunity to play, to get them back. … The unknown is what it is and we’re working through that by continuing to work hard on the day to day, because the light is at the end of the tunnel.”
For now, the coaches are waiting to see how long they’ll be in the tunnel.
The governor in Arizona has said pro sports can return this week. The governor in Oregon has said mass gatherings – likely including football games – might not happen until at least October. In California, several universities will likely continue online learning in the fall and stay-at-home orders could last for months.
All three coaches Wednesday said they’ll wait for definitive answers.
“The virus will tell us when we’re going to be able to come back and when it’s under control and they have the proper testing and whatnot in place,” Kelly said. “Until that time, we’re going to keep planning like we have a season coming up. No one has told us that we’re not playing; no one has told us that we are definitely playing.
“You just have to go and be very agile in terms of how you’re handling this whole situation and adjust to whatever happens. Nothing that was said (in various states) in the last 24 to 48 hours directly impacts us playing games in September, but you never know. We’ll continue to monitor it and let the experts and the medical people determine whether it’s safe for our players to come back and play.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Appearance on “Shark Tank” lands Colorado entrepreneur $300,000 investment

Kevin O ’ Leary , one of the business titans on ABC ’ s “ Shark Tank , ” got a 25 % stake in Franco ’ s business and Franco ’ s colorful jacket , designed to look like it has sticky notes stuck all over it .
The episode featuring Franco , CEO of mcSquares , was recorded in June and aired Wednesday night .
Franco was looking for $ 300,000 from the investors in exchange for a 10 % stake in the startup .
O ’ Leary anted up , but wanted a bigger share .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the journey with you , 10 % is not enough at all given the risk , ” said O ’ Leary , who made his fortune in the computer software business .
Franco said the deal is being finalized .
“ You want to negotiate as little equity as you possibly can in any venture deal , ” Franco said Thursday .
“ That said , the value that a shark brings to a company is way beyond the capital .
You have to weigh that into the decision .
Thankfully I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on.
” His company makes a line of products that includes dry-erase tablets , desktop white boards and a type of reusable sticky note that doesn ’ t use adhesion , designed for use in classrooms and corporate meeting rooms .
The company saw 600 % growth in the first quarter of this year and expects to do $ 3 million in sales in 2020 , he added .
The company , which does its manufacturing in-house , is in a 7,000-square-foot space in Lower Downtown Denver .

Colorado entrepreneur Anthony Franco got $300,000.
Kevin O’Leary, one of the business titans on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” got a 25% stake in Franco’s business and Franco’s colorful jacket, designed to look like it has sticky notes stuck all over it.
The episode featuring Franco, CEO of mcSquares, was recorded in June and aired Wednesday night.
Franco was looking for $300,000 from the investors in exchange for a 10% stake in the startup. O’Leary anted up, but wanted a bigger share.
“If I’m going to take the journey with you, 10% is not enough at all given the risk,” said O’Leary, who made his fortune in the computer software business.
Franco said the deal is being finalized. He threw his jacket in gratis.
“You want to negotiate as little equity as you possibly can in any venture deal,” Franco said Thursday. “That said, the value that a shark brings to a company is way beyond the capital. You have to weigh that into the decision. Thankfully I did a lot of that calculation before I went on.”
His company makes a line of products that includes dry-erase tablets, desktop white boards and a type of reusable sticky note that doesn’t use adhesion, designed for use in classrooms and corporate meeting rooms.
The company saw 600% growth in the first quarter of this year and expects to do $3 million in sales in 2020, he added. The company, which does its manufacturing in-house, is in a 7,000-square-foot space in Lower Downtown Denver.


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Nuggets Mailbag: If NBA returns, how will Denver respond to long layoff?

It ’ s sounding like hope is growing that the NBA season can be salvaged .
If that happens , how do you think the Nuggets will respond in their return from the long layoff ?
Would it matter if they have to give up their home court advantage at altitude and play in a Disney World bubble ?
There are so many other pressing issues with the NBA ’ s return that the minutiae – i.e .
the loss of homecourt advantage – hasn ’ t really been vetted .
It ’ s one reason I expect this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An 8 over a 1 seed ?
Who knows ?
As it pertains to the Nuggets , I asked the franchise ’ s greatest player , Alex English , how he thought the team would fare .
“ If we get a return to the season , I don ’ t know if it can be like it was when the season ended because those guys played all those games , they were in great shape , they were in their game .
… Now you come back , you ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got ta get in game shape , you got ta get in that same mental state , so I don ’ t know if they can get totally there , but I like this team .
I felt like we had a great chance last year .
If we had gotten in that championship with Golden State , we would ’ ve been the Western Conference champions .
But they didn ’ t .
And now I think they ’ re loaded and ready to go.
” With a third five-star recruit decommitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring , does this indicate a problem with the UCLA program or something much larger ?
I have no problem with these players earning a living and improving on their careers , but will we be seeing more G-League games on TV while NCAA basketball becomes more regional on TV with the more one-and-done guys skipping college ?
The NCAA ’ s longstanding reservations on compensating its athletes gave the NBA an opening .
What Adam Silver and the NBA have done , by forging a path for elite recruits to play in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a direct shot at the NCAA and its model .
Silver is saying we ’ ll pay significant money , give you around-the-clock NBA coaching , get you familiar with the NBA lifestyle and , most importantly , develop you as a player .
That ’ s an intriguing sell for prospects .
Let ’ s imagine this had been on the table when Zion Williamson was transitioning from high school to college .
You don ’ t think the NBA would ’ ve found a way to televise his games and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re going to see G-League games on TV .
The NBA will utilize those prospects ’ star power to lift up and promote the rest of the league .
Do you think the Nuggets keep their draft pick ?
Who and what position do you expect them to target in the 20 range ?
The Nuggets were an average 3-point shooting team this season and traded away perhaps their best shooter in Malik Beasley .
Harris ’ struggles only underscored their need for more efficiency from outside .
I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can play anywhere from 2-4 .
Villanova ’ s Saddiq Bey , Vanderbilt ’ s Aaron Nesmith and Florida State ’ s Devin Vassell are the most intriguing from that perspective .
I will say that most mock drafts have those guys going higher than where the Nuggets are expected to pick at No .
21 .
If they don ’ t draft a backup shooting guard , expect them to add one by other means .

It’s sounding like hope is growing that the NBA season can be salvaged. If that happens, how do you think the Nuggets will respond in their return from the long layoff? Would it matter if they have to give up their home court advantage at altitude and play in a Disney World bubble?
— Matt, East Colfax
There are so many other pressing issues with the NBA’s return that the minutiae – i.e. the loss of homecourt advantage – hasn’t really been vetted. It’s one reason I expect this year’s playoffs to be wonky. An 8 over a 1 seed? Who knows? As it pertains to the Nuggets, I asked the franchise’s greatest player, Alex English, how he thought the team would fare.
“If we get a return to the season, I don’t know if it can be like it was when the season ended because those guys played all those games, they were in great shape, they were in their game. … Now you come back, you’ve gotta get in playing shape, you gotta get in game shape, you gotta get in that same mental state, so I don’t know if they can get totally there, but I like this team. I felt like we had a great chance last year. If we had gotten in that championship with Golden State, we would’ve been the Western Conference champions. But they didn’t. And now I think they’re loaded and ready to go.”
With a third five-star recruit decommitting from college basketball to turn pro this spring, does this indicate a problem with the UCLA program or something much larger? I have no problem with these players earning a living and improving on their careers, but will we be seeing more G-League games on TV while NCAA basketball becomes more regional on TV with the more one-and-done guys skipping college?
— Gregory Weiss, Denver
The NCAA’s longstanding reservations on compensating its athletes gave the NBA an opening. What Adam Silver and the NBA have done, by forging a path for elite recruits to play in the G-League prior to the draft, is a direct shot at the NCAA and its model. Silver is saying we’ll pay significant money, give you around-the-clock NBA coaching, get you familiar with the NBA lifestyle and, most importantly, develop you as a player. That’s an intriguing sell for prospects. Let’s imagine this had been on the table when Zion Williamson was transitioning from high school to college. You don’t think the NBA would’ve found a way to televise his games and capture the excitement that he brought? We’re going to see G-League games on TV. The NBA will utilize those prospects’ star power to lift up and promote the rest of the league.
Do you think the Nuggets keep their draft pick? Who and what position do you expect them to target in the 20 range?
— CT, New Jersey
The Nuggets were an average 3-point shooting team this season and traded away perhaps their best shooter in Malik Beasley. Harris’ struggles only underscored their need for more efficiency from outside. I’d expect them to target strong 3-point shooters who can play anywhere from 2-4. Villanova’s Saddiq Bey, Vanderbilt’s Aaron Nesmith and Florida State’s Devin Vassell are the most intriguing from that perspective. I will say that most mock drafts have those guys going higher than where the Nuggets are expected to pick at No. 21. If they don’t draft a backup shooting guard, expect them to add one by other means.


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--Rapids return to individual workouts after two-month hiatus: “Everyone was ready”

The Colorado Rapids hit the field for the first time in two months Thursday , returning at long last for individual workouts in Commerce City following an extended hiatus caused by the coronavirus .
MLS had recently announced players would be permitted to conduct individual workouts on outdoor team training fields beginning May 6 .
The stipulation was that clubs must follow stringent health protocols to ensure safety .
“ It was great getting out there , it almost felt like having a team training , ” head coach Robin Fraser said in a team video .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much recently , but to see each other in the flesh was nice and everyone looked good .
Everyone was ready .
It was pretty challenging and it felt like guys were just up for the challenge.
” MLS ’ season paused after two weeks of play due to COVID-19 .
The Rapids won each of their first two games on last-minute goals , but it ’ s unknown if those results will even matter .
There have been several ideas floated of what the league may look like this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bubble scenario and a semi-normal season with no fans .
Currently , there is no restart date .
The focus is only on making sure all teams can return to training .
“ It was very professional , ” Rapids striker and MLS veteran Kei Kamara said in a team video .
“ It ’ s a bit scary to be honest , quarantine soccer .
The way you parked your car , you see your teammates but you ’ re not able to give them high five as you usually do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ check and get directed to the distance of where you have to go .
It ’ s good that we ’ re taking the right steps because we want to be back on this grass.
” Many Rapids players haven ’ t had the luxury of much if any workout gear over their time off .
A big part of staying in shape leading up to a resume in play is just getting back to Dick ’ s Sporting Goods Park .
“ It benefits me a lot , ” Kamara explained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ grass and having equipment that we have here .
Going to the park to kick a ball isn ’ t the same .
Most of the parks don ’ t have nets up at the moment.
” The Rapids want to make sure their training is purposeful .
It ’ s the first step in ramping back up to a midseason restart .
Nobody is sure of what is next , though Fraser ’ s perspective remains wide .
“ This is a huge global issue , ” the Rapids coach said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re excited to get back together and start to play and we feel like we ’ re a fun team that the community will get excited about .
And hopefully , we get to that point soon where we can be out and playing and kind of enjoying each other and hopefully that helps bring the community together .
”

The Colorado Rapids hit the field for the first time in two months Thursday, returning at long last for individual workouts in Commerce City following an extended hiatus caused by the coronavirus.
MLS had recently announced players would be permitted to conduct individual workouts on outdoor team training fields beginning May 6. The stipulation was that clubs must follow stringent health protocols to ensure safety.
“It was great getting out there, it almost felt like having a team training,” head coach Robin Fraser said in a team video. “We’ve all seen each other on zoom so much recently, but to see each other in the flesh was nice and everyone looked good. Everyone was ready. It was pretty challenging and it felt like guys were just up for the challenge.”
MLS’ season paused after two weeks of play due to COVID-19. The Rapids won each of their first two games on last-minute goals, but it’s unknown if those results will even matter.
There have been several ideas floated of what the league may look like this year, including a knockout tournament, a neutral-site bubble scenario and a semi-normal season with no fans. Currently, there is no restart date. The focus is only on making sure all teams can return to training.
“It was very professional,” Rapids striker and MLS veteran Kei Kamara said in a team video. “It’s a bit scary to be honest, quarantine soccer. The way you parked your car, you see your teammates but you’re not able to give them high five as you usually do. You walk in and get the temperature check and get directed to the distance of where you have to go. It’s good that we’re taking the right steps because we want to be back on this grass.”
Many Rapids players haven’t had the luxury of much if any workout gear over their time off. A big part of staying in shape leading up to a resume in play is just getting back to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
“It benefits me a lot,” Kamara explained. “To be back on the right grass and having equipment that we have here. Going to the park to kick a ball isn’t the same. Most of the parks don’t have nets up at the moment.”
The Rapids want to make sure their training is purposeful. It’s the first step in ramping back up to a midseason restart. Nobody is sure of what is next, though Fraser’s perspective remains wide.
“This is a huge global issue,” the Rapids coach said. “But for our small world, we’re excited to get back together and start to play and we feel like we’re a fun team that the community will get excited about. And hopefully, we get to that point soon where we can be out and playing and kind of enjoying each other and hopefully that helps bring the community together.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-15--PHOTOS: Denver Police honor fallen officers

Deputy chief of police Barb Archer pokes her head out of line as she and the honor guard prepare for @ @ @ @ @ for officers killed in the line of duty on Thursday , May 14 , 2020 @

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Deputy chief of police Barb Archer pokes her head out of line as she and the honor guard prepare for their entrance during a remembrance for officers killed in the line of duty on Thursday, May 14, 2020.