thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Donation box at Columbine Memorial in Clement Park is stolen

A contribution box at the Columbine Memorial in Clement Park was stolen sometime over the weekend .
Contributions placed in the box are a source of funds for the all-volunteer Columbine Memorial Foundation , which manages and maintains the site , a place for “ peace , comfort and reflection , ” said Kirsten Kreiling , a member of the memorial committee .
Maintenance costs at the memorial are about $ 15,000 annually .
“ It has been an awfully tough year for fundraising , ” Kreiling said .
“ This a big blow for us.
” The brown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tall and 10 inches square .
It has white lettering on a side spelling out ColumbineMemorial.org .
It was stolen sometime between late afternoon Friday and midday Sunday .
The concrete base of the box is also gone .
It appears someone “ rocked ” the box until the base loosened and it was hauled off entirely , said Jenny Fulton , a Jefferson County Sheriff ’ s Office spokeswoman .
There are currently no leads on a suspect .
Anyone with information on the incident , or who saw something suspicious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office tip line at 303-271-5612 .
Donations to the memorial foundation can me made online at www.columbinememorial.org .

A contribution box at the Columbine Memorial in Clement Park was stolen sometime over the weekend.
Contributions placed in the box are a source of funds for the all-volunteer Columbine Memorial Foundation, which manages and maintains the site, a place for “peace, comfort and reflection,” said Kirsten Kreiling, a member of the memorial committee.
Maintenance costs at the memorial are about $15,000 annually.
“It has been an awfully tough year for fundraising,” Kreiling said. “This a big blow for us.”
The brown, metallic donation box is about 3 feet tall and 10 inches square. It has white lettering on a side spelling out ColumbineMemorial.org. It was stolen sometime between late afternoon Friday and midday Sunday. The concrete base of the box is also gone.
It appears someone “rocked” the box until the base loosened and it was hauled off entirely, said Jenny Fulton, a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman. There are currently no leads on a suspect.
Anyone with information on the incident, or who saw something suspicious, is asked to call the sheriff’s office tip line at 303-271-5612.
Donations to the memorial foundation can me made online at www.columbinememorial.org.


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Colorado to add new level to COVID dial as more cases, hospitalizations reported

Colorado state and county officials are in talks to add a new level to the state COVID-19 dial — just below the highest , stay-at-home level — as new numbers released Monday showed cases and hospitalizations continue to climb .
It ’ s unclear what , exactly , the new level would require , though a half-dozen sources who confirmed the plan told The Denver Post that the designation won ’ t be as restrictive the stay-at-home order Gov .
Jared Polis issued in March .
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the details haven ’ t been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Denver , Boulder , Broomfield , Adams , Jefferson and Arapahoe — have been involved in the talks , sources say .
Polis and local officials have been desperate to avoid placing Colorado in full-on stay-home mode , out of fear of economic ruin and noncompliance , and also out of confidence that the world knows more about how to live with COVID-19 in a reasonably safe manner than it did in the spring .
But officials are running out of options to slow the rise in case counts , hospitalizations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more people were hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 than had been Saturday , bringing the total receiving hospital care for confirmed cases to 1,294 .
Another 130 were hospitalized with suspected COVID-19 but were awaiting test results .
In comparison , on the worst day in April , there were 1,277 people hospitalized with confirmed and suspected cases combined .
Beth Carlton , an associate professor of environmental and occupational health at the Colorado School of Public Health , said people should “ hunker down ” for the next few weeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until a vaccine becomes available .
The highest-risk interactions are those where people are indoors and not wearing masks , she said .
“ We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel .
We just need to get through this dark tunnel , ” she said .
On Friday , the Colorado Hospital Association announced it was activating a system to transfer patients from overburdened hospitals to those with extra beds .
Some hospitals transferred patients over the weekend , association spokeswoman Cara Welch said , though she wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day after the hospitals ’ announcement , Polis said he was ordering the State Emergency Operations Center to move to the highest level of alert , and directed hospitals to come up with a plan to increase the number of intensive-care and general medical beds they have available .
If those plans don ’ t generate enough beds , hospitals could be ordered to stop nonurgent procedures .
Fields hospitals could reopen if all other efforts fail .
As of Monday , 34 counties — more than half — were in the orange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In that level , most businesses can only operate at 25 % of capacity .
Only 12 counties weren ’ t at the red level when it came to the number of new cases .
That means in 52 counties , there are more than 350 cases for every 100,000 people .
In some counties , including Denver , more than one in every 100 people is currently infected .
The rate of tests coming back positive averaged 13 % over the last three days , meaning the increased number of reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing .
Experts consider anything above 5 % a sign of trouble .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 30,843 cases of COVID-19 in the week ending Sunday .
Past increases in cases came with the caveat that infections were at the highest level since Colorado has had reliable data , because testing was so scarce in the spring .
Now , more people in the state are infected than have been at any time since the virus emerged , Carlton said .
“ We ’ ve blown past the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deaths may have increased again last week , based on high initial reports , but the final toll won ’ t be known for at least another week .
In the week ending Nov. 8 , 121 people died of COVID-19 , which was the highest number since the week ending May 10 .
At the worst point , in the third week of April , 237 people died of the virus .
Since March , 167,713 people in Colorado have tested positive for the new coronavirus and 11,203 have been hospitalized .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ died of the virus , and 302 others died with it .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado state and county officials are in talks to add a new level to the state COVID-19 dial — just below the highest, stay-at-home level — as new numbers released Monday showed cases and hospitalizations continue to climb.
An announcement is expected Tuesday.
It’s unclear what, exactly, the new level would require, though a half-dozen sources who confirmed the plan told The Denver Post that the designation won’t be as restrictive the stay-at-home order Gov. Jared Polis issued in March. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the details haven’t been finalized.
At least six Denver-area counties — Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Adams, Jefferson and Arapahoe — have been involved in the talks, sources say.
Polis and local officials have been desperate to avoid placing Colorado in full-on stay-home mode, out of fear of economic ruin and noncompliance, and also out of confidence that the world knows more about how to live with COVID-19 in a reasonably safe manner than it did in the spring.
But officials are running out of options to slow the rise in case counts, hospitalizations and daily deaths.
By Monday, 107 more people were hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19 than had been Saturday, bringing the total receiving hospital care for confirmed cases to 1,294. Another 130 were hospitalized with suspected COVID-19 but were awaiting test results.
In comparison, on the worst day in April, there were 1,277 people hospitalized with confirmed and suspected cases combined.
Beth Carlton, an associate professor of environmental and occupational health at the Colorado School of Public Health, said people should “hunker down” for the next few weeks to avoid spreading the virus and overwhelming hospitals until a vaccine becomes available. The highest-risk interactions are those where people are indoors and not wearing masks, she said.
“We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to get through this dark tunnel,” she said.
On Friday, the Colorado Hospital Association announced it was activating a system to transfer patients from overburdened hospitals to those with extra beds. Some hospitals transferred patients over the weekend, association spokeswoman Cara Welch said, though she wasn’t sure how many.
A day after the hospitals’ announcement, Polis said he was ordering the State Emergency Operations Center to move to the highest level of alert, and directed hospitals to come up with a plan to increase the number of intensive-care and general medical beds they have available. If those plans don’t generate enough beds, hospitals could be ordered to stop nonurgent procedures. Fields hospitals could reopen if all other efforts fail.
As of Monday, 34 counties — more than half — were in the orange level, which is just below stay-at-home. In that level, most businesses can only operate at 25% of capacity.
Only 12 counties weren’t at the red level when it came to the number of new cases. That means in 52 counties, there are more than 350 cases for every 100,000 people. In some counties, including Denver, more than one in every 100 people is currently infected.
The rate of tests coming back positive averaged 13% over the last three days, meaning the increased number of reported cases isn’t due to more testing. Experts consider anything above 5% a sign of trouble.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 30,843 cases of COVID-19 in the week ending Sunday. Past increases in cases came with the caveat that infections were at the highest level since Colorado has had reliable data, because testing was so scarce in the spring. Now, more people in the state are infected than have been at any time since the virus emerged, Carlton said.
“We’ve blown past the April peak,” she said.
Deaths may have increased again last week, based on high initial reports, but the final toll won’t be known for at least another week.
In the week ending Nov. 8, 121 people died of COVID-19, which was the highest number since the week ending May 10. At the worst point, in the third week of April, 237 people died of the virus.
Since March, 167,713 people in Colorado have tested positive for the new coronavirus and 11,203 have been hospitalized. As of Monday, 2,276 people had died of the virus, and 302 others died with it.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-11-16--After Further Review: Broncos pass rush non-existent in loss to Raiders

Add the pass rush to the ever-growing list of things the Broncos need to quickly address and fix .
In Sunday ’ s 37-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders , the Broncos failed to post a sack for the first time this season and totaled only three disruptions , tied with Week 2 at Pittsburgh for lowest of the season .
Coach Vic Fangio went with a rush-four-and-cover-with-seven game plan against veteran Raiders quarterback Derek Carr .
The Broncos rushed at least five players on only four of 31 drop-backs — the rate of 12.9 % was their lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 21.4 % against the Steelers and Tampa Bay ) .
“ Our pass rush overall and on third down in particular wasn ’ t quite good enough , ” Fangio said .
“ We were rushing four because they ’ re a very good passing team .
We were in coverages there to help with ( defending ) their passing game and their good group of receivers .
“ But…the pass rush wasn ’ t good enough for the most part.
” Carr was 6-of-10 passing for 83 yards on third down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is illustrated by another goose-egg for outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and Carr ’ s 21-yard pass to Henry Ruggs — safety Justin Simmons was in man coverage on the left side , but Carr had 5.90 seconds to survey , slide around and eventually pass .
A DeMarcus Walker sack was negated by penalty , meaning Carr wasn ’ t officially knocked down either .
The pressures were by Walker , outside linebacker Malik Reed and defensive end DeShawn Williams .
Here is the rest of our review of the Broncos ’ loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Raiders rushed five or more players on only nine of quarterback Drew Lock ’ s 51 drop-backs ( 17.6 % ) .
They totaled 11 disruptions ( two sacks , five knockdowns and four pressures ) .
The sacks came in 2.27 ( unblocked player ) and 4.43 ( coverage ) seconds .
Right tackle Calvin Anderson was booked for 3 1/2 of the pressures .
With six-man pressures , the Raiders produced a sack and two interceptions .
Going long .
The only bright spot for Lock was his accuracy downfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 “ air ” yards , he was 5-of-8 for 113 yards and one interception .
The completions went for 17 , 26 , 27 , 27 and 16 yards .
Interception stories .
On Lock ’ s first interception , he looked deep middle to receiver KJ Hamler against Cover 2 .
In reality , Lock threw right into the coverage .
Unknown is if Hamler should have adjusted the route to run underneath the two safeties .
On the critical second interception ( goal-line late in the first half ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have “ run through ” safety Jeff Heath to draw a penalty or break up the pass .
The third interception , by Carl Nassib , was all on Lock .
A defensive end , Nassib dropped into coverage and Lock threw right to him .
First-half woes .
They continued for the Broncos ’ offense .
First drive — one-yard dump off pass to running back Royce Freeman on third-and-5 .
Second drive — three plays gained no yards to result in a field goal .
Third drive — interception on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacked on third-and-1 .
Fifth drive — Hamler one-yard catch on third-and-3 ( perhaps detoured by his defender ) , resulting in a field goal .
Sixth drive — interception .
Ojemudia sits .
Six missed tackles in the previous two games earned rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia a spot on the sideline — he didn ’ t play any of the 72 defensive snaps .
Essang Bassey took over the third cornerback role ( 43 snaps ) , including the nickel spot to allow Bryce Callahan to stay outside .
Callahan was targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completions for nine yards ) .
He was fortunate that Henry Ruggs and Darren Waller both dropped passes against him .
Second half adjustment .
Throughout the second half , Fangio went with a different personnel package to account for the Raiders ’ run game ( it didn ’ t really work ) .
The Broncos basically went to a 4-3 defense ( four down linemen , three linebackers , four defensive backs ) .
Alexander Johnson served as the middle linebacker .
The Broncos allowed rushes of one , eight , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Raiders ’ final drive while in that personnel package .
Game-sealing drive .
Up 13-6 midway through the third quarter , the Raiders put the game away with an 11-play , 78-yard drive .
( In the last three games , the Broncos ’ defense has been on the field for nine drives of at least 10 plays compared to 10 in the first six games . )
Josh Jacobs opened with an 11-yard carry against a nickel package .
Carr threw 21 yards to Ruggs on third-and-4 , followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After a penalty , on second-and-18 , the Raiders got 13 back on an easy pass to Jacobs .
Two plays later , Jacobs waltzed in for a five-yard touchdown .
Spencer ’ s adventure .
Back from a shoulder injury that cost him three games , Diontae Spencer tried to make up for lost time on his opening kick return .
Instead , he just lost yards .
He caught the kick at the 2-yard line and reached the 14 before starting his adventure backward to the 5 .
Coupled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first possession at the 2 .
Big tackle by Watson .
One reason for the Broncos to keep inside linebacker Josh Watson on the active roster is he runs fast and packs a wallop .
Covering a kickoff , he planted Jalen Richard ( who was shaken up on the play ) .

Add the pass rush to the ever-growing list of things the Broncos need to quickly address and fix.
In Sunday’s 37-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Broncos failed to post a sack for the first time this season and totaled only three disruptions, tied with Week 2 at Pittsburgh for lowest of the season.
Coach Vic Fangio went with a rush-four-and-cover-with-seven game plan against veteran Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. The Broncos rushed at least five players on only four of 31 drop-backs — the rate of 12.9% was their lowest of the year (the previous low was 21.4% against the Steelers and Tampa Bay).
“Our pass rush overall and on third down in particular wasn’t quite good enough,” Fangio said. “We were rushing four because they’re a very good passing team. We were in coverages there to help with (defending) their passing game and their good group of receivers.
“But…the pass rush wasn’t good enough for the most part.”
Carr was 6-of-10 passing for 83 yards on third down. The ineffectiveness of the pass rush is illustrated by another goose-egg for outside linebacker Bradley Chubb and Carr’s 21-yard pass to Henry Ruggs — safety Justin Simmons was in man coverage on the left side, but Carr had 5.90 seconds to survey, slide around and eventually pass.
A DeMarcus Walker sack was negated by penalty, meaning Carr wasn’t officially knocked down either. The pressures were by Walker, outside linebacker Malik Reed and defensive end DeShawn Williams.
Here is the rest of our review of the Broncos’ loss to Las Vegas:
Offense
Under pressure. The Raiders rushed five or more players on only nine of quarterback Drew Lock’s 51 drop-backs (17.6%). They totaled 11 disruptions (two sacks, five knockdowns and four pressures). The sacks came in 2.27 (unblocked player) and 4.43 (coverage) seconds. Right tackle Calvin Anderson was booked for 3 1/2 of the pressures. With six-man pressures, the Raiders produced a sack and two interceptions.
Going long. The only bright spot for Lock was his accuracy downfield. On passes that traveled at least 16 “air” yards, he was 5-of-8 for 113 yards and one interception. The completions went for 17, 26, 27, 27 and 16 yards.
Interception stories. On Lock’s first interception, he looked deep middle to receiver KJ Hamler against Cover 2. In reality, Lock threw right into the coverage. Unknown is if Hamler should have adjusted the route to run underneath the two safeties. On the critical second interception (goal-line late in the first half), it’s possible receiver Jerry Jeudy should have “run through” safety Jeff Heath to draw a penalty or break up the pass. The third interception, by Carl Nassib, was all on Lock. A defensive end, Nassib dropped into coverage and Lock threw right to him.
First-half woes. They continued for the Broncos’ offense. First drive — one-yard dump off pass to running back Royce Freeman on third-and-5. Second drive — three plays gained no yards to result in a field goal. Third drive — interception on third-and-14. Fourth drive — Lock was sacked on third-and-1. Fifth drive — Hamler one-yard catch on third-and-3 (perhaps detoured by his defender), resulting in a field goal. Sixth drive — interception.
Defense
Ojemudia sits. Six missed tackles in the previous two games earned rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia a spot on the sideline — he didn’t play any of the 72 defensive snaps. Essang Bassey took over the third cornerback role (43 snaps), including the nickel spot to allow Bryce Callahan to stay outside. Callahan was targeted five times in man coverage (two completions for nine yards). He was fortunate that Henry Ruggs and Darren Waller both dropped passes against him.
Second half adjustment. Throughout the second half, Fangio went with a different personnel package to account for the Raiders’ run game (it didn’t really work). The Broncos basically went to a 4-3 defense (four down linemen, three linebackers, four defensive backs). Alexander Johnson served as the middle linebacker. The Broncos allowed rushes of one, eight, two, nine, two and 23 yards on the Raiders’ final drive while in that personnel package.
Game-sealing drive. Up 13-6 midway through the third quarter, the Raiders put the game away with an 11-play, 78-yard drive. (In the last three games, the Broncos’ defense has been on the field for nine drives of at least 10 plays compared to 10 in the first six games.) Josh Jacobs opened with an 11-yard carry against a nickel package. Carr threw 21 yards to Ruggs on third-and-4, followed by three Devontae Booker carries totaling 20 yards. After a penalty, on second-and-18, the Raiders got 13 back on an easy pass to Jacobs. Two plays later, Jacobs waltzed in for a five-yard touchdown.
Special teams
Spencer’s adventure. Back from a shoulder injury that cost him three games, Diontae Spencer tried to make up for lost time on his opening kick return. Instead, he just lost yards. He caught the kick at the 2-yard line and reached the 14 before starting his adventure backward to the 5. Coupled with a penalty, the Broncos started their first possession at the 2.
Big tackle by Watson. One reason for the Broncos to keep inside linebacker Josh Watson on the active roster is he runs fast and packs a wallop. Covering a kickoff, he planted Jalen Richard (who was shaken up on the play).


thedenverpost--2020-11-16--Colorado sees sharp jump in hate crimes, FBI reports

Reported hate crimes in Colorado rose 74 % in 2019 compared to 2018 , according to data released Monday by the FBI .
The federal agency reported 210 hate crimes in Colorado in 2019 , compared to 121 in 2018 , a significant year-over-year increase that continues a longer upward trend in reported hate crimes in the state .
Of the Colorado hate crimes reported in 2019 , the majority were motivated by race and sexual orientation , according to the FBI ’ s data , which recorded 117 race-based hate crimes and 47 crimes based on sexual orientation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as seven based on disabilities and five on gender-identity , according to the FBI .
In November 2019 , Pueblo resident Richard Holzer , a self-identified white supremacist , was charged with a federal hate crime after he plotted with undercover FBI agents to blow up the Temple Emmanuel synagogue in Pueblo .
He was arrested before he could carry out his plans , and pleaded guilty in October .
Holzer will be sentenced in January .
The spike in Colorado likely reflects both better reporting of hate crimes by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the frequency of such crimes , said Jeremy Shaver , senior associate regional director for The Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region .
He noted the increase in Colorado began around 2015 , and said “ heightened rhetoric ” around hot-button issues like immigration has created an atmosphere in which some feel emboldened to target others based on their identities .
“ That can translate not only into hate speech but also into activity , ” he said .
Nationally , hate crimes rose to the highest level in more than a decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest number of hate-motivated killings since the FBI began collecting that data in the early 1990s .
Across the U.S. , there were 51 hate crime murders in 2019 , which includes 22 people who were killed in a shooting that targeted Mexicans at a Walmart in the border city of El Paso , Texas , according to the FBI .
The suspect in that August 2019 shooting , which left two dozen other people injured , was charged with both state and federal crimes in what authorities said was an attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There were 7,314 hate crimes reported nationally last year , up from 7,120 in 2018 .
The FBI ’ s annual report defines hate crimes as those motivated by bias based on a person ’ s race , religion or sexual orientation , among other categories .
Hate crimes are consistently underreported , Shaver said , and it ’ s likely more crimes occurred than were recorded in the FBI ’ s report .
“ We think there are likely many more cases than this report indicates , but it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Colorado , ” he said .

Reported hate crimes in Colorado rose 74% in 2019 compared to 2018, according to data released Monday by the FBI.
The federal agency reported 210 hate crimes in Colorado in 2019, compared to 121 in 2018, a significant year-over-year increase that continues a longer upward trend in reported hate crimes in the state.
Of the Colorado hate crimes reported in 2019, the majority were motivated by race and sexual orientation, according to the FBI’s data, which recorded 117 race-based hate crimes and 47 crimes based on sexual orientation.
Thirty-six crimes motivated by religion were reported, as well as seven based on disabilities and five on gender-identity, according to the FBI.
In November 2019, Pueblo resident Richard Holzer, a self-identified white supremacist, was charged with a federal hate crime after he plotted with undercover FBI agents to blow up the Temple Emmanuel synagogue in Pueblo. He was arrested before he could carry out his plans, and pleaded guilty in October. Holzer will be sentenced in January.
The spike in Colorado likely reflects both better reporting of hate crimes by local law enforcement and a true increase in the frequency of such crimes, said Jeremy Shaver, senior associate regional director for The Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region.
He noted the increase in Colorado began around 2015, and said “heightened rhetoric” around hot-button issues like immigration has created an atmosphere in which some feel emboldened to target others based on their identities.
“That can translate not only into hate speech but also into activity,” he said.
Nationally, hate crimes rose to the highest level in more than a decade, and federal officials also recorded the highest number of hate-motivated killings since the FBI began collecting that data in the early 1990s.
Across the U.S., there were 51 hate crime murders in 2019, which includes 22 people who were killed in a shooting that targeted Mexicans at a Walmart in the border city of El Paso, Texas, according to the FBI. The suspect in that August 2019 shooting, which left two dozen other people injured, was charged with both state and federal crimes in what authorities said was an attempt to scare Hispanics into leaving the United States.
There were 7,314 hate crimes reported nationally last year, up from 7,120 in 2018. The FBI’s annual report defines hate crimes as those motivated by bias based on a person’s race, religion or sexual orientation, among other categories.
Hate crimes are consistently underreported, Shaver said, and it’s likely more crimes occurred than were recorded in the FBI’s report.
“We think there are likely many more cases than this report indicates, but it’s our best measure of what is happening in Colorado,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed.


thedenverpost--2020-11-16--Man shot dead Monday morning in Aurora road-rage incident

A man was shot dead Monday morning in a road-rage incident in Aurora , police said .
At about 11:40 @ @ @ @ @ East Yale Avenue and East Brown Drive on a report of a shooting , according @ @ @ @ @ Officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound .
He was taken to a @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Initial information is that this started as a possible road-rage incident , ” @ @ @ @ @ release .
“ A person of interest has been identified in this case.
” Neither @ @ @ @ @ , or the possible suspect , was released .
No arrest has been made , @ @ @ @ @ investigation is ongoing .
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call police @ @ @ @ @ Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 ( STOP ) .

A man was shot dead Monday morning in a road-rage incident in Aurora, police said.
At about 11:40 a.m., officers responded to East Yale Avenue and East Brown Drive on a report of a shooting, according to a news release. Officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital where he died.
“Initial information is that this started as a possible road-rage incident,” police said in the news release. “A person of interest has been identified in this case.”
Neither the identity of the victim, or the possible suspect, was released. No arrest has been made, police said, and an investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call police at 303-739-6077, or contact Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP).


thedenverpost--2020-11-16--Nuggets forward Jerami Grant to opt out of $9.3 million player option, become free agent, source con

Nuggets forward Jerami Grant to opt out of $9.3 million player option, become free agent, source confirms

What had long been reported became official Monday afternoon .
Nuggets forward Jerami Grant will opt out of his $ 9.3 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent , a league source confirmed to The Denver Post .
The Post reported in late September that Grant was expected to opt out of his contract and test free agency .
Retaining Grant , who played an integral role in the Nuggets ’ deep postseason run , remains the top priority for Denver this offseason .
The Nuggets have long signaled that his versatility and age make him the ideal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power forward Paul Millsap will be an unrestricted free agent as well .
• Inside the Nuggets ’ draft philosophy as they prepare for “ crapshoot ” night • Kiszla : Trade for Jrue Holiday , win a championship .
For Nuggets , what ’ s not to like ?
• NBA draft : Why the Nuggets might have a perfect match at No .
22 • Nuggets have explored trading into top-10 of NBA draft , sources says Denver remains confident that it will be able to keep Grant , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s plans .
Grant , 26 , averaged 12 points and 3.5 rebounds during the regular season .
At least three other teams are expected to have interest in Grant once free agency opens Friday , Nov. 20 .
Those teams , as previously reported by The Post , are the Detroit Pistons , Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks .
Grant could command a deal worth between $ 13.5 million to $ 15 million annually .

What had long been reported became official Monday afternoon.
Nuggets forward Jerami Grant will opt out of his $9.3 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent, a league source confirmed to The Denver Post. The Post reported in late September that Grant was expected to opt out of his contract and test free agency.
Retaining Grant, who played an integral role in the Nuggets’ deep postseason run, remains the top priority for Denver this offseason. The Nuggets have long signaled that his versatility and age make him the ideal power forward of the future. Veteran power forward Paul Millsap will be an unrestricted free agent as well.
Denver remains confident that it will be able to keep Grant, according to a person familiar with the team’s plans. Grant, 26, averaged 12 points and 3.5 rebounds during the regular season. At least three other teams are expected to have interest in Grant once free agency opens Friday, Nov. 20. Those teams, as previously reported by The Post, are the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks.
Grant could command a deal worth between $13.5 million to $15 million annually.
Yahoo first reported Grant’s decision.


thedenverpost--2020-11-16--Man ordered to pay $2.5 million restitution to four victims in marijuana fraud

A former Aspen businessman sentenced to 12 years in prison has been ordered to pay nearly $ 2.5 million in restitution to four victims swindled in a black-market marijuana scheme .
Scott Pack was sentenced to prison in July by Arapahoe County District Judge Michael Spear under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act on a first-class drug felony conviction , as well as two counts of securities fraud .
Last week , Spear ruled that four victims , who were defrauded by Pack , be paid restitution in the case .
The four had sought $ 2.8 million .
Spear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 299,935 ; $ 950,000 ; and $ 1,050,000 .
“ It is fitting that Pack ’ s insatiable greed and disregard for Colorado ’ s laws has now resulted in the law divesting him of much of his ill-gotten gains , ” said District Attorney George Brauchler , in a news release .
“ I am pleased the victims will be provided some of what was taken from them.
” Pack was indicted in June 2017 and found guilty in February .
As part of the case , investigators found an illegal marijuana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 845 marijuana plants weighing 2,535 pounds .
The illegal marijuana , valued at more than $ 5 million , was distributed in Arapahoe , Douglas and Elbert counties , and other Front Range locations .
“ No legal marijuana sales were reported or marijuana taxes paid , ” the news release said .
The four duped victims thought they had invested in a legitimate business .
Pack was described by prosecutors as being a “ mastermind ” of the criminal enterprise .

A former Aspen businessman sentenced to 12 years in prison has been ordered to pay nearly $2.5 million in restitution to four victims swindled in a black-market marijuana scheme.
Scott Pack was sentenced to prison in July by Arapahoe County District Judge Michael Spear under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act on a first-class drug felony conviction, as well as two counts of securities fraud.
Last week, Spear ruled that four victims, who were defrauded by Pack, be paid restitution in the case.
The four had sought $2.8 million. Spear awarded amounts of $199,935; $299,935; $950,000; and $1,050,000.
“It is fitting that Pack’s insatiable greed and disregard for Colorado’s laws has now resulted in the law divesting him of much of his ill-gotten gains,” said District Attorney George Brauchler, in a news release. “I am pleased the victims will be provided some of what was taken from them.”
Pack was indicted in June 2017 and found guilty in February. As part of the case, investigators found an illegal marijuana operation at a site in Elizabeth with 845 marijuana plants weighing 2,535 pounds. The illegal marijuana, valued at more than $5 million, was distributed in Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert counties, and other Front Range locations.
“No legal marijuana sales were reported or marijuana taxes paid,” the news release said. The four duped victims thought they had invested in a legitimate business. Pack was described by prosecutors as being a “mastermind” of the criminal enterprise.


thedenverpost--2020-11-16--CU Buffs men’s basketball 2020-21 nonconference schedule unveiled

The Colorado Buffaloes men ’ s basketball team on Monday announced its seven-game nonconference schedule for the 2020-21 season .
@ @ @ @ @ off its season at the Little Apple Classic in Manhattan , Kan. , against South @ @ @ @ @ Two days later , the Buffs are set to face former Big 12 rival Kansas @ @ @ @ @ three nonconference games at the CU Events Center , taking on Colorado State ( Dec. @ @ @ @ @ ( Dec. 14 ) and Omaha ( Dec. 16 ) .
The final two nonconference @ @ @ @ @ the Far West Classic at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas .
CU will face @ @ @ @ @ game — on Dec. 20 and Grand Canyon on Dec. 22 .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ schedule :

The Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team on Monday announced its seven-game nonconference schedule for the 2020-21 season.
CU is scheduled to tip off its season at the Little Apple Classic in Manhattan, Kan., against South Dakota on Nov. 25. Two days later, the Buffs are set to face former Big 12 rival Kansas State.
Colorado will host three nonconference games at the CU Events Center, taking on Colorado State (Dec. 8), Northern Colorado (Dec. 14) and Omaha (Dec. 16).
The final two nonconference games will take place at the Far West Classic at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. CU will face Washington — as a nonconference game — on Dec. 20 and Grand Canyon on Dec. 22.
Here’s a look at the full schedule:


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Stolen Alan Turing memorabilia, once offered to CU Boulder, to be returned to England

Federal officials say they have reached a deal to return several possessions of the mathematician Alan Turing to his boarding school in England after they were recovered from a home southwest of Denver .
Homeland Security investigators initially seized the items in late January from the home of Julia Turing , who is not related .
According to court documents at the time , Julia Turing approached the University of Colorado Boulder in early 2018 to ask whether it would be interested in displaying several items from Alan Turing ’ s life , including his knighthood medal , his doctoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and photographs from his time at the Sherborne School in Dorset , England .
Archivists at the University library determined that the items were stolen and notified authorities , who found the items in Julia Turing ’ s home in Conifer .
According to court records , Julia Turing visited Sherborne in 1984 during a larger study of Alan Turing ’ s life and asked to see his archive .
School officials said they found a note underneath the box after the theft , reading : “ Please forgive me for taking these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be well taken care of while under the care of my hands and shall one day all be returned to this spot .
”

Federal officials say they have reached a deal to return several possessions of the mathematician Alan Turing to his boarding school in England after they were recovered from a home southwest of Denver.
Homeland Security investigators initially seized the items in late January from the home of Julia Turing, who is not related. According to court documents at the time, Julia Turing approached the University of Colorado Boulder in early 2018 to ask whether it would be interested in displaying several items from Alan Turing’s life, including his knighthood medal, his doctoral degree from Princeton University and several notes and photographs from his time at the Sherborne School in Dorset, England.
Archivists at the University library determined that the items were stolen and notified authorities, who found the items in Julia Turing’s home in Conifer.
According to court records, Julia Turing visited Sherborne in 1984 during a larger study of Alan Turing’s life and asked to see his archive. School officials said they found a note underneath the box after the theft, reading: “Please forgive me for taking these materials into my possession. They will be well taken care of while under the care of my hands and shall one day all be returned to this spot.”
Read more at BizWest.


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Letters: Paid leave passage represents advancement for workers (11/17/20)

Every social movement and effort to improve lives of workers has been opposed by special interests — companies and capitalists trying to preserve the status quo for their own benefit .
It hasn ’ t been very long since people were working 12 hours a day in sweatshops for wages that were barely sufficient to support families .
It took all of the 20th century to make advancements in working conditions , reasonable hours , job safety , time off for illness and childbirth , child labor laws , compensation for injuries , Social Security , minimum wage — all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the face of opposition by the owner class , capitalists who cried “ foul , ” “ socialism , ” “ closing of business , ” etc .
And all the while , the improvements for workers led to a better economy , increases in business , more productive workplaces , and a more equitable society .
Now the complaints are about COVID-19 .
The fact is that the paid leave law in Colorado won ’ t take effect until 2023 .
That gives us two years to deal with the virus before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the virus persists , we have time to make adjustments .
The message to business is this : “ stop whining and help improve the lives of our workers.
” Stop making socialism the bogyman .
The fact is that our democratic values will sustain us even as we adopt more aspects of socialism to improve capitalism .
Our patriotic duty is to improve our country and we can do so by improving the lot of working families without losing any business .
David Brooks ’ column makes some salient points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place until Democrats stop referring to Republicans as the enemy , and Republicans stop referring to Democrats as the enemy .
How can anything good for our country be established with this attitude ?
It is precisely the multi-party system that has made American great .
We don ’ t always have to agree with each other , but we can listen and act on common ground on matters that affect us all .
Once upon a time in America , this system worked .
If it doesn ’ t work now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are responsible .
We the people need to declare a lockdown on our animosity against those with which we disagree .
We need to take a chill pill and pull together for our neighborhood , community and state — for the future of America and our children .
The major TV networks and other media can ’ t seem to mention vice president-elect Kamala Harris without indicating she is a person of color and a woman .
Stop it .
She is a highly competent , eloquent and trusting public servant who will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person of high character .
What she brings to the office is not mostly her race , roots or gender but her competency .
Her selection was not all about race or gender and it is insulting to her to continue the never-ending emphasis on race about why she was selected , especially in a time of racial strife .
This practice fosters more than it heals on racial issues .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to @ @ @ @ @ @

Advancement for workers
Re: “Businesses fret over paid leave law,” Nov. 7 news story
Every social movement and effort to improve lives of workers has been opposed by special interests — companies and capitalists trying to preserve the status quo for their own benefit. It hasn’t been very long since people were working 12 hours a day in sweatshops for wages that were barely sufficient to support families.
It took all of the 20th century to make advancements in working conditions, reasonable hours, job safety, time off for illness and childbirth, child labor laws, compensation for injuries, Social Security, minimum wage — all gained with sacrifices and all made in the face of opposition by the owner class, capitalists who cried “foul,” “socialism,” “closing of business,” etc. And all the while, the improvements for workers led to a better economy, increases in business, more productive workplaces, and a more equitable society.
Now the complaints are about COVID-19. The fact is that the paid leave law in Colorado won’t take effect until 2023. That gives us two years to deal with the virus before tax burdens of the law kick in. If the virus persists, we have time to make adjustments. The message to business is this: “stop whining and help improve the lives of our workers.”
Stop making socialism the bogyman. The fact is that our democratic values will sustain us even as we adopt more aspects of socialism to improve capitalism. Our patriotic duty is to improve our country and we can do so by improving the lot of working families without losing any business.
Walter Heidenfelder, Denver
Cooler heads should prevail
Re: “How Biden could steer a divided government,” Nov. 14 commentary
David Brooks’column makes some salient points. Healing in this country cannot take place until Democrats stop referring to Republicans as the enemy, and Republicans stop referring to Democrats as the enemy.
How can anything good for our country be established with this attitude? It is precisely the multi-party system that has made American great.
We don’t always have to agree with each other, but we can listen and act on common ground on matters that affect us all.
Once upon a time in America, this system worked. If it doesn’t work now, we, all of us, are responsible.
Rosetta Rogers, Aurora
We the people need to declare a lockdown on our animosity against those with which we disagree. We need to take a chill pill and pull together for our neighborhood, community and state — for the future of America and our children.
It’s energy-efficient.
David L. Stevenson, Denver
Harris’ qualities
The major TV networks and other media can’t seem to mention vice president-elect Kamala Harris without indicating she is a person of color and a woman. Stop it.
She is a highly competent, eloquent and trusting public servant who will place country over self, and is a person of high character. What she brings to the office is not mostly her race, roots or gender but her competency.
Her selection was not all about race or gender and it is insulting to her to continue the never-ending emphasis on race about why she was selected, especially in a time of racial strife. This practice fosters more than it heals on racial issues.
Stan Hrincevich, Littleton
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Denver weather: A mild Tuesday for November with little wind

The wave of above-average temperatures continues Tuesday under sunny skies .
Expect a high near 70 degrees with light winds @ @ @ @ @ , according to the National Weather Service in Boulder .
By Tuesday night , the @ @ @ @ @ with a low of 42 degrees .
Wednesday will be a bit warmer , but @ @ @ @ @ pick up .
Otherwise , expect partly sunny skies with a high near 73 degrees @ @ @ @ @ 10 mph with wind gusts up to 16 mph .

The wave of above-average temperatures continues Tuesday under sunny skies. Expect a high near 70 degrees with light winds in the Denver metro area, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder. By Tuesday night, the skies will remain mostly clear with a low of 42 degrees.
Wednesday will be a bit warmer, but wind speeds are predicted to pick up. Otherwise, expect partly sunny skies with a high near 73 degrees. Wind speeds may top 10 mph with wind gusts up to 16 mph.


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Denver shoppers, small businesses look beyond Black Friday this COVID-19 holiday shopping season

Samantha Duncan got her first bit of Christmas shopping done on Thursday afternoon , visiting the Denver Premium Outlets shopping center in Thornton to pick out some clothes for her husband .
The 38-year-old Westminster resident said she specifically went to the open-air mall around midday to avoid weekend or evening crowds .
A steep increase in new COVID-19 infections has led to a 25 % cap on customer capacity at stores in Adams County and many other places across the state , and she was looking to minimize her risk .
Already a pretty active online shopper , Duncan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises to be unlike any other because of the virus , she plans to focus on rounding up gifts via mouse clicks even more so than in years past .
“ I ’ m definitely am not doing any Black Friday things , ” she said .
Duncan ’ s not alone there .
In a Sept. 16 survey of 1,000 U.S. adults , personal finance site FinanceBuzz found that 57 % of people were less likely to shop in person on Black Friday this year than in year ’ s past .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state reeling from the latest wave of the pandemic , there is a chance that in-person shopping may be completely shut down by public health orders on Black Friday , making the classic “ doorbuster ” deal sales promotions , already fading in popularity .
essentially a moot point .
“ I think COVID was the catalyst for Black Friday either slowing down or going away , ” said Ali Besharat , a marketing professor at the University of Denver ’ s Daniels College of Business and co-director of the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center .
“ Given the operational restrictions that are mandated by the local authorities , obviously the norms have changed and so have the customers ’ behaviors , ” Besharat said .
“ For that reason , I expect to see a drastic change with respect to how many people are going to shop in the malls or big-box retail stores.
” Consulting giant Deloitte also commissioned a survey of American shoppers about their holiday plans , reaching more than 4,000 of them between Sept. 9-15 .
Breaking results down by region , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 other Western states expected to spend 65 % of their holiday budget online this year on average .
One statistic from the Deloitte survey that is sure to have some retailers reaching for the Tums : More than half of western state shoppers said they will be scaling back their holiday spending in 2020 because of economic concerns .
The average household budget in the west , including for food and entertainment , is $ 1,280 this year .
That ’ s 7.7 % lower than the national average of $ 1,387 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of only small celebrations this holiday season .
She and her husband plan to eat Thanksgiving dinner with one other family , COVID-19 conditions permitting , and they are going to celebrate Christmas just the two of them plus their dog .
Her gift-buying budget hasn ’ t been affected by the pandemic .
“ I ’ m pretty fortunate because my husband and I are both still working at full capacity , and I ’ ve saved a lot of money from not vacationing this year , ” she said .
Aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s goals this year is to support local retailers , especially those that already had to close down in the spring because of the virus .
The problem with that , she says , is they don ’ t advertise near as much as big-box competitors and many offer an uneven online experience .
Their sales platforms are not as push-button easy and don ’ t feel as secure as those of national brands .
“ I have ordered online from local stores but they ’ re not all equipped for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident Sarah Corie , 25 , hopes to support a lot of local small businesses this year , too .
The problem is she hasn ’ t been able to get acquainted with many yet since moving to the city from Louisiana last month .
She ’ s hoping Google will help her with that .
“ I generally do most of my holiday shopping online just to take advantage of all the sales and discounts .
Obviously , you have a bigger option pool online , ” Corie said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need a lot more attention than they ever have.
” Corie has experience on both sides of the sales counter .
She runs a boutique in Louisiana remotely .
Her budget will be tighter this year , she said , because of all of the uncertainty around the virus .
Normally , she spends $ 50 to $ 100 on each person on her list .
This year she expects to keep that down in the $ 20 to $ 30 range .
Overall , that could bring her spending down from $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 400 when it comes to gifts .
The list itself will also be shorter .
“ Traditionally , I would just buy for everybody , ” said Corie , who calls holiday gift giving her favorite part of the year .
“ But my goal is just to focus on the people closest to me this year.
” DU ’ s Besharat may believe the era of Black Friday as a one-day , in-person shopping bonanza is over , but that hardly means promotions and big-time discounts are a thing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to entice shoppers this year .
The retail giant split its seasonal bargains into three events and spread them out over the entire month of November in its “ Black Friday deals for days ” promotion .
It kicked off with online deals on Nov. 4 followed by in-store deals on Nov. 7 .
A second round of bargains started online Wednesday and runs through Saturday .
Finally , more online deals with drop online on Nov. 25 with special in-store deals available starting at 5 a.m. on Black Friday itself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contactless curbside pickup .
“ It kind of split the crowd into three buckets and also it creates a feeling of understanding and compassion that it ’ s not all about making people jump on an opportunity where they all have to show up certain days , ” Besharat said .
Of course , online sales are an increasingly big part of the pie for retailers , all year long and on Black Friday .
Adobe Analytics projects U.S. consumers like Duncan and Corie will combine to spend $ 189 billion online this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Black Friday alone is expected to see $ 10 billion in online sales , a 39 % increase over 2019 , by Adobe ’ s projections .
They can ’ t offer the discounts of big-box competition but Besharat has been impressed by some of the things he has seen independent retailers around the country do to address the pandemic and still try to meet shoppers ’ needs .
He has seen small boutiques allowing people to book private shopping appointments and even offering digital walk-throughs where a personal shopping assistant will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of visiting businesses in person but still interested in browsing the merchandise .
Creating new ways to serve customers has been a key to Denver gift shop Made in Colorado ‘ s success this year , according to Steven Mendoza , who helps run the store and its attached sister business Roberta ’ s Chocolates with his family including his mom , Roberta Poirier , who owns the two stores .
After almost 20 years of being located off of West 29th Avenue , the side-by-side shops moved to a more prominent space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July .
It was a stressful time to move , especially after being shut down to in-store shopping in the spring , but it helped that the businesses were coming off their biggest Easter and Mother ’ s Day sales days ever .
Mendoza attributed that to the businesses introducing a new gift basket option , allowing customers to add Roberta ’ s homemade fudge , truffles and other treats with selections from Made in Colorado ’ s wide variety of artisan gifts in one package .
It ’ s an option Mendoza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical holiday season as well .
“ This gets us through the year , ” he said .
“ If we don ’ t have a good Christmas , we ’ re hurting.
” Having a loyal customer base built over decades helped the stores weather the first shutdown .
Mendoza is confident the businesses can meet customers ’ needs through the online ordering available through its website , madeincolorado.com .
Echoing a refrain for many local businesses this year , Mendoza urges people to get their holiday orders in as early as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to Roberta ’ s handmade goods , the business needs at least two weeks ’ notice to make sure it can get orders to customers on time , he said .
“ We really don ’ t want it to be shut down , ” Mendoza said of what the future holds .
“ But we ’ ll make sure we ’ ll get our customers taken care of .
”

Samantha Duncan got her first bit of Christmas shopping done on Thursday afternoon, visiting the Denver Premium Outlets shopping center in Thornton to pick out some clothes for her husband.
The 38-year-old Westminster resident said she specifically went to the open-air mall around midday to avoid weekend or evening crowds. A steep increase in new COVID-19 infections has led to a 25% cap on customer capacity at stores in Adams County and many other places across the state, and she was looking to minimize her risk.
Already a pretty active online shopper, Duncan said during a 2020 holiday season that promises to be unlike any other because of the virus, she plans to focus on rounding up gifts via mouse clicks even more so than in years past.
“I’m definitely am not doing any Black Friday things,” she said.
Duncan’s not alone there. In a Sept. 16 survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, personal finance site FinanceBuzz found that 57% of people were less likely to shop in person on Black Friday this year than in year’s past. In the Denver-metro area and other parts of the state reeling from the latest wave of the pandemic, there is a chance that in-person shopping may be completely shut down by public health orders on Black Friday, making the classic “doorbuster” deal sales promotions, already fading in popularity. essentially a moot point.
“I think COVID was the catalyst for Black Friday either slowing down or going away,” said Ali Besharat, a marketing professor at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business and co-director of the school’s Consumer Insights and Business Innovation Center.
“Given the operational restrictions that are mandated by the local authorities, obviously the norms have changed and so have the customers’ behaviors,” Besharat said. “For that reason, I expect to see a drastic change with respect to how many people are going to shop in the malls or big-box retail stores.”
Consulting giant Deloitte also commissioned a survey of American shoppers about their holiday plans, reaching more than 4,000 of them between Sept. 9-15. Breaking results down by region, Deloitte found that shoppers in Colorado and 12 other Western states expected to spend 65% of their holiday budget online this year on average.
One statistic from the Deloitte survey that is sure to have some retailers reaching for the Tums: More than half of western state shoppers said they will be scaling back their holiday spending in 2020 because of economic concerns. The average household budget in the west, including for food and entertainment, is $1,280 this year. That’s 7.7% lower than the national average of $1,387.
Duncan is expecting to be part of only small celebrations this holiday season. She and her husband plan to eat Thanksgiving dinner with one other family, COVID-19 conditions permitting, and they are going to celebrate Christmas just the two of them plus their dog. Her gift-buying budget hasn’t been affected by the pandemic.
“I’m pretty fortunate because my husband and I are both still working at full capacity, and I’ve saved a lot of money from not vacationing this year,” she said.
Aside from avoiding crowds, one of Duncan’s goals this year is to support local retailers, especially those that already had to close down in the spring because of the virus. The problem with that, she says, is they don’t advertise near as much as big-box competitors and many offer an uneven online experience. Their sales platforms are not as push-button easy and don’t feel as secure as those of national brands.
“I have ordered online from local stores but they’re not all equipped for that,” she said.
New Denver resident Sarah Corie, 25, hopes to support a lot of local small businesses this year, too. The problem is she hasn’t been able to get acquainted with many yet since moving to the city from Louisiana last month. She’s hoping Google will help her with that.
“I generally do most of my holiday shopping online just to take advantage of all the sales and discounts. Obviously, you have a bigger option pool online,” Corie said. “I know, though, that small businesses need a lot more attention than they ever have.”
Corie has experience on both sides of the sales counter. She runs a boutique in Louisiana remotely.
Her budget will be tighter this year, she said, because of all of the uncertainty around the virus. Normally, she spends $50 to $100 on each person on her list. This year she expects to keep that down in the $20 to $30 range. Overall, that could bring her spending down from $600 or more to $300 to $400 when it comes to gifts. The list itself will also be shorter.
“Traditionally, I would just buy for everybody,” said Corie, who calls holiday gift giving her favorite part of the year. “But my goal is just to focus on the people closest to me this year.”
DU’s Besharat may believe the era of Black Friday as a one-day, in-person shopping bonanza is over, but that hardly means promotions and big-time discounts are a thing of the past. He highlighted Walmart’s efforts to entice shoppers this year.
The retail giant split its seasonal bargains into three events and spread them out over the entire month of November in its “Black Friday deals for days” promotion. It kicked off with online deals on Nov. 4 followed by in-store deals on Nov. 7. A second round of bargains started online Wednesday and runs through Saturday. Finally, more online deals with drop online on Nov. 25 with special in-store deals available starting at 5 a.m. on Black Friday itself, Nov. 27. Most stores are offering contactless curbside pickup.
“It kind of split the crowd into three buckets and also it creates a feeling of understanding and compassion that it’s not all about making people jump on an opportunity where they all have to show up certain days,” Besharat said.
Of course, online sales are an increasingly big part of the pie for retailers, all year long and on Black Friday. Adobe Analytics projects U.S. consumers like Duncan and Corie will combine to spend $189 billion online this year, shattering previous holiday season records. Black Friday alone is expected to see $10 billion in online sales, a 39% increase over 2019, by Adobe’s projections.
They can’t offer the discounts of big-box competition but Besharat has been impressed by some of the things he has seen independent retailers around the country do to address the pandemic and still try to meet shoppers’ needs. He has seen small boutiques allowing people to book private shopping appointments and even offering digital walk-throughs where a personal shopping assistant will do a video call with customers warry of visiting businesses in person but still interested in browsing the merchandise.
Creating new ways to serve customers has been a key to Denver gift shop Made in Colorado‘s success this year, according to Steven Mendoza, who helps run the store and its attached sister business Roberta’s Chocolates with his family including his mom, Roberta Poirier, who owns the two stores.
After almost 20 years of being located off of West 29th Avenue, the side-by-side shops moved to a more prominent space at 4022 Tennyson St. in Denver in July. It was a stressful time to move, especially after being shut down to in-store shopping in the spring, but it helped that the businesses were coming off their biggest Easter and Mother’s Day sales days ever. Mendoza attributed that to the businesses introducing a new gift basket option, allowing customers to add Roberta’s homemade fudge, truffles and other treats with selections from Made in Colorado’s wide variety of artisan gifts in one package. It’s an option Mendoza and family plan to embrace for the critical holiday season as well.
“This gets us through the year,” he said. “If we don’t have a good Christmas, we’re hurting.”
Having a loyal customer base built over decades helped the stores weather the first shutdown. Mendoza is confident the businesses can meet customers’ needs through the online ordering available through its website, madeincolorado.com.
Echoing a refrain for many local businesses this year, Mendoza urges people to get their holiday orders in as early as possible for delivery. Especially when it comes to Roberta’s handmade goods, the business needs at least two weeks’ notice to make sure it can get orders to customers on time, he said.
“We really don’t want it to be shut down,” Mendoza said of what the future holds. “But we’ll make sure we’ll get our customers taken care of.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Thanksgiving travel expected to dip nationwide — and that’s OK

An organization that ’ s been in the travel promotion business for 100-plus years is advising people to reconsider their holiday plans , have just small gatherings and perhaps stick closer to home this year because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Nationwide , AAA expects about 50 million people to travel this Thanksgiving season .
In Colorado , the organization anticipates there will be about 897,000 travelers .
Those numbers could be even lower as people monitor the surge in COVID-19 cases and the restrictions being reimposed to slow the spread , AAA said .
Gov .
Jared Polis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home .
Neighboring New Mexico has imposed a two-week shutdown of a broad spectrum of businesses as Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham warned the health care system is at a “ breaking point , ” the Albuquerque Journal reported .
Skyler McKinley , spokesman for AAA Colorado , said the organization is taking its cue from the experts this holiday season .
“ As a membership organization , we have a responsibility to keep our members safe , ” McKinley said .
“ If you talk to two sets of people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks on the ground — at county health departments , in state government — those two groups of experts are saying now is not the time to travel.
” Economic troubles caused by the loss of jobs and business are also behind the AAA ’ s forecast of the lowest Thanksgiving travel volume in four years and the largest yearly decline since the Great Recession .
Car trips are expected to drop nationwide by about 5 % this Thanksgiving , but increase in the West roughly 2 % from Thanksgiving 2019 .
McKinley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that those venturing out on the roads will pay less for gas .
The national average price is expected to be $ 2.11 per gallon , the lowest seasonal price since 2015 .
Colorado , motorists can expect to pay an average of $ 2.18 per gallon , down from $ 2.79 at this time last year .
AAA says air travel will likely drop by 47 % nationally and nearly 45 % statewide , with only 34,000 Coloradans traveling by airplane .
A survey by AA found that 73 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle , compared to 28 % percent who are comfortable taking a commercial flight .
Denver International Airport is anticipating a 36 % decline in traffic from the 2019 Thanksgiving season , spokeswoman Emily Williams said in an email .
The Sunday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are projected to be the busiest days , with about 50,000 people expected Nov. 29 , which would be the airport ’ s busiest day since mid-March , she said .
“ The airlines are taking every precaution that they can to protect travelers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line that we hear from the White House coronavirus task force and from governors is that if you ’ re going to gather , no matter how you get there , really limit the number of folks you ’ re going to see .
”

An organization that’s been in the travel promotion business for 100-plus years is advising people to reconsider their holiday plans, have just small gatherings and perhaps stick closer to home this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Nationwide, AAA expects about 50 million people to travel this Thanksgiving season. In Colorado, the organization anticipates there will be about 897,000 travelers. Those numbers could be even lower as people monitor the surge in COVID-19 cases and the restrictions being reimposed to slow the spread, AAA said.
Gov. Jared Polis and other officials are urging people to work from home. Neighboring New Mexico has imposed a two-week shutdown of a broad spectrum of businesses as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham warned the health care system is at a “breaking point,” the Albuquerque Journal reported.
Skyler McKinley, spokesman for AAA Colorado, said the organization is taking its cue from the experts this holiday season.
“As a membership organization, we have a responsibility to keep our members safe,” McKinley said. “If you talk to two sets of people, the experts in infectious diseases and the folks on the ground — at county health departments, in state government — those two groups of experts are saying now is not the time to travel.”
Economic troubles caused by the loss of jobs and business are also behind the AAA’s forecast of the lowest Thanksgiving travel volume in four years and the largest yearly decline since the Great Recession.
Car trips are expected to drop nationwide by about 5% this Thanksgiving, but increase in the West roughly 2% from Thanksgiving 2019. McKinley said.
One bit of good news is that those venturing out on the roads will pay less for gas. The national average price is expected to be $2.11 per gallon, the lowest seasonal price since 2015. Colorado, motorists can expect to pay an average of $2.18 per gallon, down from $2.79 at this time last year.
AAA says air travel will likely drop by 47% nationally and nearly 45% statewide, with only 34,000 Coloradans traveling by airplane.
A survey by AA found that 73% of Coloradans are comfortable traveling in their own vehicle, compared to 28% percent who are comfortable taking a commercial flight.
Denver International Airport is anticipating a 36% decline in traffic from the 2019 Thanksgiving season, spokeswoman Emily Williams said in an email. The Sunday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are projected to be the busiest days, with about 50,000 people expected Nov. 29, which would be the airport’s busiest day since mid-March, she said.
“The airlines are taking every precaution that they can to protect travelers,” McKinley said. “The bottom line that we hear from the White House coronavirus task force and from governors is that if you’re going to gather, no matter how you get there, really limit the number of folks you’re going to see.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Flat-fee real-estate brokerage firm enters Denver real estate market

Metro Denver yards will start sprouting a new kind of for-sale sign , ones from Homie , a Utah real estate brokerage that charges a flat fee of $ 3,000 to sell a home rather than the typical sell-side commission of up to 3 % of the sales price .
“ We view ourselves as a disruptive real estate company that uses technology to streamline the process and reduce the fees , ” said Melissa Millan , the company ’ s general manager in Colorado .
“ We want to have your back as your homie would.
” Several brokerages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ REX , have entered the fray in metro Denver , offering a flat-fee or heavily discounted listing commission .
So far , they haven ’ t overturned the conventional commission structure , which runs 5 % to 6 % on a sale .
Homie , by contrast , got its start in Salt Lake City in 2015 and is now that state ’ s leading brokerage in sales volume , Millan said .
It hopes to repeat the pattern in Colorado , where it will officially launched on Tuesday .
Homie agents are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is given a dedicated agent , avoiding the practice at some flat-fee brokerages of handing consumers off to different specialists through the process .
Except for home showings , now out of favor anyway during the pandemic , the brokerage is full-service , rather than a la carte or bare-bones , Millan said .
Buyers using Homie can receive a rebate of up to $ 5,000 and Homie sellers are allowed to determine what commission they want to pay the agent who brings in a buyer .
The company recommends paying 2.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which should help keep the buyer agents engaged .
If a Homie seller completes a deal with a buyer represented by another Homie agent , they pay a flat fee of $ 2,500 .
At October ’ s median home sales price in metro Denver , a 6 % commission rate would cost about $ 31,000 versus the $ 5,500 paid by a Homie seller who stays “ in-house.
” Millan said technology has streamlined the homebuying process and allows consumers to do more of the legwork , adding that over time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a commission structure established years ago when agents carried more of the load .
Homie is not just looking to get both sides of the sales transaction when it can .
The brokerage will help its clients obtain mortgage , title and insurance services in one-stop if they want .
“ For the first time we will have all of those services running from day one , ” Millan said of the Denver launch .
Real estate trends analyst Mike Delprete , said n a blog post that the next generation brokerage models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-time agents , are seeing clients use mortgage services at an 80 % rate .
“ This is only possible with an integrated end-to-end experience , powered by employees , and not a loose confederation of independent contractors , ” he said .

Metro Denver yards will start sprouting a new kind of for-sale sign, ones from Homie, a Utah real estate brokerage that charges a flat fee of $3,000 to sell a home rather than the typical sell-side commission of up to 3% of the sales price.
“We view ourselves as a disruptive real estate company that uses technology to streamline the process and reduce the fees,” said Melissa Millan, the company’s general manager in Colorado. “We want to have your back as your homie would.”
Several brokerages, including Trelora, Redefy, and REX, have entered the fray in metro Denver, offering a flat-fee or heavily discounted listing commission. So far, they haven’t overturned the conventional commission structure, which runs 5% to 6% on a sale.
Homie, by contrast, got its start in Salt Lake City in 2015 and is now that state’s leading brokerage in sales volume, Millan said. It hopes to repeat the pattern in Colorado, where it will officially launched on Tuesday.
Homie agents are employees rather than contractors and a customer is given a dedicated agent, avoiding the practice at some flat-fee brokerages of handing consumers off to different specialists through the process. Except for home showings, now out of favor anyway during the pandemic, the brokerage is full-service, rather than a la carte or bare-bones, Millan said.
Buyers using Homie can receive a rebate of up to $5,000 and Homie sellers are allowed to determine what commission they want to pay the agent who brings in a buyer. The company recommends paying 2.5% to 2.8% of the sales price, which should help keep the buyer agents engaged.
If a Homie seller completes a deal with a buyer represented by another Homie agent, they pay a flat fee of $2,500. At October’s median home sales price in metro Denver, a 6% commission rate would cost about $31,000 versus the $5,500 paid by a Homie seller who stays “in-house.”
Millan said technology has streamlined the homebuying process and allows consumers to do more of the legwork, adding that over time, it is getting harder to justify a commission structure established years ago when agents carried more of the load.
Homie is not just looking to get both sides of the sales transaction when it can. The brokerage will help its clients obtain mortgage, title and insurance services in one-stop if they want.
“For the first time we will have all of those services running from day one,” Millan said of the Denver launch.
Real estate trends analyst Mike Delprete, said n a blog post that the next generation brokerage models like Orchard and Homie, which employ full-time agents, are seeing clients use mortgage services at an 80% rate.
“This is only possible with an integrated end-to-end experience, powered by employees, and not a loose confederation of independent contractors,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Nuggets NBA mock draft tracker 3.0: What the national experts predict Denver will do

Just one more day until the NBA draft and the Nuggets have plenty of options to choose from with their selection .
Denver Post NBA beat writer Mike Singer breaks down who ’ s available for the Nuggets if they keep their pick at No .
22 : PG | SG | SF | PF | C. Here ’ s a look at what national experts think the Nuggets will do with the No .
22 pick : “ The Nuggets take the local kid , grabbing a forward who reportedly registered a 43.5 ” vertical jump in his combine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose skills as a rebounder help strengthen one of the Nuggets strengths .
He doesn ’ t have to come in as a shooting threat , and his ability to score around the rim plays well next to Nikola Jokić , Michael Porter Jr. , and potentially Jerami Grant .
If Grant leaves , Bey can slot in as the forward defender the team needs .
He could have a lot of highlight reel plays finishing lobs on a loaded Nuggets team.
” See the full mock draft .
“ Flynn has moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams have gotten more exposure to him in the workout hot spot of Las Vegas , where he has spent the pre-draft process .
That has helped validate the outstanding season he had as one of the best players in college basketball , as well as his fit in today ’ s NBA as a prolific pick-and-roll player with deep shooting range , strong decision-making and competitiveness defensively.
” See the full mock draft ( subscription ) .
“ Green established himself with his 3-point shot and ability to find his spots in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-point range in the final month of the season ( 13-for-27 ) and could turn into a solid two-way player.
” See the full mock draft .
“ Hampton ’ s shooting has been a hot topic and key swing skill that he ’ s been working on with trainer/coach Mike Miller .
An improved shot to complement his explosiveness and secondary playmaking could significantly elevate Hampton ’ s offense and ceiling.
” See the full mock draft .
“ The Nuggets are looking at a variety of big men in this upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the frontcourt forward spots ( assuming Jerami Grant re-signs ) and have a solid group of guards .
The two spots could be 3-and-D wing or big .
Nnaji is one guy the Nuggets have certainly kept an eye on , and it wouldn ’ t be surprising to see them go down this pathway.
” See the full mock draft ( subscription ) .
“ The Nuggets need depth up front , with Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee hitting free agency and Bol Bol better suited to play as a stretch forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to space the floor would give Denver a valuable dimension in the frontcourt , and his shot-blocking skills and limited mobility can be maximized and covered for in their scheme , where he ’ d presumably spell Nikola Jokic and occasionally share the floor .
He could feasibly land as high as the late teens , but much of that will depend on trades .
This would be a sensible landing spot for Smith , and he ’ s unlikely to fall much further than this.
” See the full mock draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only bright spot in Washington ’ s disappointing season .
He ’ s an undersized center — but one who figures to be productive thanks to a good motor and intriguing skillset.
” See the full mock draft .

Just one more day until the NBA draft and the Nuggets have plenty of options to choose from with their selection.
Denver Post NBA beat writer Mike Singer breaks down who’s available for the Nuggets if they keep their pick at No. 22: PG | SG | SF | PF | C.
Here’s a look at what national experts think the Nuggets will do with the No. 22 pick:
SB Nation | Daniel Lewis | Updated Nov. 12
Tyler Bey, F, Colorado
“The Nuggets take the local kid, grabbing a forward who reportedly registered a 43.5” vertical jump in his combine measurements. Bey is an athletic defender whose skills as a rebounder help strengthen one of the Nuggets strengths. He doesn’t have to come in as a shooting threat, and his ability to score around the rim plays well next to Nikola Jokić, Michael Porter Jr., and potentially Jerami Grant. If Grant leaves, Bey can slot in as the forward defender the team needs. He could have a lot of highlight reel plays finishing lobs on a loaded Nuggets team.” See the full mock draft.
ESPN | Jonathan Givony | Updated Nov. 16
Malachi Flynn, G, San Diego State University
“Flynn has moved up draft boards rapidly, as NBA teams have gotten more exposure to him in the workout hot spot of Las Vegas, where he has spent the pre-draft process. That has helped validate the outstanding season he had as one of the best players in college basketball, as well as his fit in today’s NBA as a prolific pick-and-roll player with deep shooting range, strong decision-making and competitiveness defensively.” See the full mock draft (subscription).
USA Today | Scott Gleeson | Updated Nov. 12
Josh Green, G, Arizona
“Green established himself with his 3-point shot and ability to find his spots in half-court sets. He really improved from 3-point range in the final month of the season (13-for-27) and could turn into a solid two-way player.” See the full mock draft.
Bleacher Report | Jonathan Wasserman | Updated Nov. 16
RJ Hampton, G, New Zealand Breakers
“Hampton’s shooting has been a hot topic and key swing skill that he’s been working on with trainer/coach Mike Miller. An improved shot to complement his explosiveness and secondary playmaking could significantly elevate Hampton’s offense and ceiling.” See the full mock draft.
The Athletic | Sam Vecenie | Updated Nov. 16
Zeke Nnaji, F/C, Arizona
“The Nuggets are looking at a variety of big men in this upcoming class as they’re set across the frontcourt forward spots (assuming Jerami Grant re-signs) and have a solid group of guards. The two spots could be 3-and-D wing or big. Nnaji is one guy the Nuggets have certainly kept an eye on, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them go down this pathway.” See the full mock draft (subscription).
Sports Illustrated | Jeremy Woo | Updated Nov. 16
Jalen Smith, C, Maryland
“The Nuggets need depth up front, with Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee hitting free agency and Bol Bol better suited to play as a stretch forward than a center. Smith’s ability to space the floor would give Denver a valuable dimension in the frontcourt, and his shot-blocking skills and limited mobility can be maximized and covered for in their scheme, where he’d presumably spell Nikola Jokic and occasionally share the floor. He could feasibly land as high as the late teens, but much of that will depend on trades. This would be a sensible landing spot for Smith, and he’s unlikely to fall much further than this.” See the full mock draft.
CBS Sports | Gary Parrish | Updated Nov. 12
Isaiah Stewart, C, Washington
“Isaiah Stewart was perhaps the only bright spot in Washington’s disappointing season. He’s an undersized center — but one who figures to be productive thanks to a good motor and intriguing skillset.” See the full mock draft.


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--The CU Buffs really do miss Nebraska — in more ways than one

Like an old pair of shoes , everything fit .
The jokes .
The jabs .
All that red , storming the castle on Stadium Drive , only to file out in misery .
For Alex Passett , seeing Colorado beat Nebraska in football last fall at Folsom Field made him want to party like it was 1999 .
“ The Nebraska thing , it was amazing to have that back , ” said Passett , CU class of ’ 86 and president of Forever Buffs Kansas City .
“ For a football game , our pregame parties ( in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compare to a CU party at USC or at Washington .
But the thing is , we really lost a lot of rivalries .
And while those parties out ( on the coast ) may be double the size of what we had here , I just don ’ t know who our rival is right now.
” And that ’ s the rub , isn ’ t it ?
Even the staunchest defenders of CU ’ s decision to move to the Pac-12 in June 2010 admit it left a hole in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s never healed .
“ I ’ m sure they ’ ve asked ( athletic director ) Rick ( George ) , and certainly , they ’ ve asked me : ‘ Well , who ’ s our rival ?
’ ” Buffs chancellor Phil DiStefano told The Post .
“ And in the Pac-12 , we don ’ t have one yet….But I think it ’ s great being in the conference.
” It ’ s ironic : CU joined a conference that aligns neatly with its alumni base , its campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community vibe .
But in doing so , it somehow , strangely , lost a bit of what also made the Buffs special .
Old Big 12/Big 8 rivals delighted in sneering at Boulder back when it was a “ hippie ” town on the fringes of a brisket-and-barbecue conference .
None more than Cornhuskers fans , who often referred to the 80302 as “ The Berkeley of the Big Eight , ” as if a bordering state was another planet entirely .
Now that the Buffs routinely visit the real Berkeley to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The animus , though ?
Not so much .
RELATED : How the CU Buffs have fared compared to their fellow Big 12 departures Nebraska served that function perfectly , back in the day .
For that , we can thank Bill McCartney , who needed a villain when he took over as CU ’ s football coach in 1982 .
Not just a villain , but a rallying point .
A cause .
In the last 20 meetings between CU and Nebraska from 1962-81 , the Cornhuskers had won 19 times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ giant .
McCartney aimed high , making Nebraska the program ’ s red-letter game .
“ Bill created the thing , ” recalled Charlie McBride , a receiver on CU ’ s 1962 Orange Bowl squad and Nebraska ’ s defensive coordinator from 1982-99 .
“ The coaches ( at Nebraska ) didn ’ t pay a whole lot of attention to it .
“ I don ’ t know that the ( Husker ) players thought it was a rivalry until probably they ’ d heard enough jokes about Nebraska that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mac played it up , twisting the knife whenever he could , regaling boosters with Nebraska jokes and even banning the color red around the CU football offices .
In 1986 , the Buffs beat the Big Red for the first time since 1967 .
CU then won or tied three of the next five meetings .
Chasing the Big Red ushered in one of the greatest 20-year periods in Buffs football history , a generational stretch from 1985-2004 in which CU went to 16 bowl games , won or shared four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the summer of 2010 , the Buffs and Huskers both decided to leave the Big 12 for the Pac-12 and Big Ten , respectively .
And both programs have since sunk to new depths chasing old ghosts .
From 2013-2019 , Nebraska averaged 6.5 victories per season ; CU averaged five .
“ I think I heard somebody from Nebraska say , ‘ We ’ d love to play Colorado every year , ' ” CU athletic director Rick George told The Post .
“ And look , we like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And who knows about the future ?
” On the surface , CU joining the Pac-12 in tandem with neighboring Utah was supposed to offer similar juice .
A scrap for bragging rights along the western border instead of the eastern one .
When “ The Rumble in the Rockies ’ resumed in the fall of 2011 , it was a throwback , the renewal of an old tradition : CU and the Utes met 57 times from 1903-1962 , having spent decades together in the old Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference ( 1910-1937 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 1938-47 ) .
Only the Utes haven ’ t borne much of a grudge .
And CU hasn ’ t given Utah fans much of a reason to bear one .
“ A rivalry typically has some bad blood involved in it and some ill feelings , ” longtime Utes coach Kyle Whittingham once told The Post .
“ And there is none of that with Colorado.
” Instead , the Rumble has come to reflect the divergent fortunes of both programs .
Utah leads the annual series 7-2 since it became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a share of three South Division titles .
CU , meanwhile , has won the South just once , in 2016 , which was also the only season over the past decade in which the Buffs won more than five games .
“ ( Rivalries ) have to come about naturally .
It ’ s not invented , ” former Big 12 and Big Eight commissioner Chuck Neinas told The Post .
“ Colorado ’ s logical rival is Utah .
But I don ’ t know that Utah cares .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game they ’ ve got to win.
” Maybe the thing needs a proper traveling trophy — a ski boot , a mountain bike , something .
“ We knew that ( animosity ) wouldn ’ t happen right away , ” former Utah athletic director Chris Hill told The Post .
“ I told Rick George that he and I should get into a fight before a game and have a national story and then we ’ d be fine .
Then we ’ d hate each other and that would @ @ @ @ @

Editor’s note: Fourth installment in series on CU’s move to the Pac-12 a decade ago.
Like an old pair of shoes, everything fit. The jokes. The jabs. All that red, storming the castle on Stadium Drive, only to file out in misery.
For Alex Passett, seeing Colorado beat Nebraska in football last fall at Folsom Field made him want to party like it was 1999.
“The Nebraska thing, it was amazing to have that back,” said Passett, CU class of ’86 and president of Forever Buffs Kansas City. “For a football game, our pregame parties (in the Big 12) wouldn’t compare to a CU party at USC or at Washington. But the thing is, we really lost a lot of rivalries. And while those parties out (on the coast) may be double the size of what we had here, I just don’t know who our rival is right now.”
And that’s the rub, isn’t it? Even the staunchest defenders of CU’s decision to move to the Pac-12 in June 2010 admit it left a hole in the hearts of Buffs faithful that’s never healed.
“I’m sure they’ve asked (athletic director) Rick (George), and certainly, they’ve asked me: ‘Well, who’s our rival?’” Buffs chancellor Phil DiStefano told The Post. “And in the Pac-12, we don’t have one yet….But I think it’s great being in the conference.”
It’s ironic: CU joined a conference that aligns neatly with its alumni base, its campus culture, its academic goals and its community vibe. But in doing so, it somehow, strangely, lost a bit of what also made the Buffs special.
Old Big 12/Big 8 rivals delighted in sneering at Boulder back when it was a “hippie” town on the fringes of a brisket-and-barbecue conference. None more than Cornhuskers fans, who often referred to the 80302 as “The Berkeley of the Big Eight,” as if a bordering state was another planet entirely.
Now that the Buffs routinely visit the real Berkeley to compete, the logic lines up.
The animus, though? Not so much.
RELATED: How the CU Buffs have fared compared to their fellow Big 12 departures
Nebraska served that function perfectly, back in the day. For that, we can thank Bill McCartney, who needed a villain when he took over as CU’s football coach in 1982.
Not just a villain, but a rallying point. A cause. In the last 20 meetings between CU and Nebraska from 1962-81, the Cornhuskers had won 19 times. Nebraska was a national brand and regional giant. McCartney aimed high, making Nebraska the program’s red-letter game.
“Bill created the thing,” recalled Charlie McBride, a receiver on CU’s 1962 Orange Bowl squad and Nebraska’s defensive coordinator from 1982-99. “The coaches (at Nebraska) didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to it.
“I don’t know that the (Husker) players thought it was a rivalry until probably they’d heard enough jokes about Nebraska that they decided it was going to be one.”
Mac played it up, twisting the knife whenever he could, regaling boosters with Nebraska jokes and even banning the color red around the CU football offices. In 1986, the Buffs beat the Big Red for the first time since 1967. CU then won or tied three of the next five meetings.
Chasing the Big Red ushered in one of the greatest 20-year periods in Buffs football history, a generational stretch from 1985-2004 in which CU went to 16 bowl games, won or shared four conference titles and won a national championship.
In the summer of 2010, the Buffs and Huskers both decided to leave the Big 12 for the Pac-12 and Big Ten, respectively. And both programs have since sunk to new depths chasing old ghosts. From 2013-2019, Nebraska averaged 6.5 victories per season; CU averaged five.
“I think I heard somebody from Nebraska say, ‘We’d love to play Colorado every year,'” CU athletic director Rick George told The Post. “And look, we like the rivalry. We like the game. And who knows about the future?”
On the surface, CU joining the Pac-12 in tandem with neighboring Utah was supposed to offer similar juice. A scrap for bragging rights along the western border instead of the eastern one.
When “The Rumble in the Rockies’ resumed in the fall of 2011, it was a throwback, the renewal of an old tradition: CU and the Utes met 57 times from 1903-1962, having spent decades together in the old Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (1910-1937) and the Mountain States Athletic Conference (1938-47).
Only the Utes haven’t borne much of a grudge. And CU hasn’t given Utah fans much of a reason to bear one.
“A rivalry typically has some bad blood involved in it and some ill feelings,” longtime Utes coach Kyle Whittingham once told The Post. “And there is none of that with Colorado.”
Instead, the Rumble has come to reflect the divergent fortunes of both programs.
Utah leads the annual series 7-2 since it became a Pac-12 affair, and has won a share of three South Division titles.
CU, meanwhile, has won the South just once, in 2016, which was also the only season over the past decade in which the Buffs won more than five games.
“(Rivalries) have to come about naturally. It’s not invented,” former Big 12 and Big Eight commissioner Chuck Neinas told The Post. “Colorado’s logical rival is Utah. But I don’t know that Utah cares. They’ve got BYU. That’s the game they’ve got to win.”
Maybe the thing needs a proper traveling trophy. A ski boot. A mountain bike. A giant carbine hook. Go crazy.
“We knew that (animosity) wouldn’t happen right away,” former Utah athletic director Chris Hill told The Post. “I told Rick George that he and I should get into a fight before a game and have a national story and then we’d be fine. Then we’d hate each other and that would speed it up.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-17--Rockies’ GM Jeff Bridich still searching for answers at first base

A sure-handed , slugging first baseman used to be central to the Rockies ’ identity , such as Andres Galarraga and Todd Helton .
Heck , you can even throw Justin Morneau into the mix .
After all , he won a batting title playing first base for the Rockies in 2014 .
Now , however , first base remains one of the Rockies ’ biggest question marks .
Is Josh Fuentes the answer ?
What about Ryan McMahon ?
Is there an affordable free agent out there who can fit the bill for the short term ?
Filling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeff Bridich ’ s albatross since he took over as GM after the 2014 season , even though Bridich has thrown plenty of money at the problem .
Prior to the 2017 season , he signed Ian Desmond to a five-year , $ 70 million deal .
The experiment to convert Desmond from a shortstop/outfielder into a first baseman was a bust .
Moreover , Desmond , 35 , has produced a meager .252 average and .741 OPS in three seasons in Colorado .
He opted out of the 2020 season but recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roster in anticipation of the 2021 season .
It remains to be seen if he will actually return in a role as a fourth outfielder for $ 8 million .
The Rockies recently declined Daniel Murphy ’ s $ 12 million option and paid him a $ 6 million buyout .
The 35-year-old , who signed a two-year $ 24 million in December 2018 , played poorly in the field and was a disappointment at the plate .
He hit .269 with 16 home runs , 94 RBIs and posted a .742 OPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was hampered by a finger injury in his first season in Colorado .
Last season , Murphy was bumped out of the starting lineup by Fuentes , who staked a claim as the starter for 2021 .
In 24 games in September , Fuentes was impressive , hitting .316 and driving in 17 runs .
Fuentes knows he ’ s not a slugger .
He describes himself as a gap-to-gap hitter .
He did , however , strike out 28.2 % of the time and has a tendency to chase pitches outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was excellent .
He pulled off several great plays and committed only one error .
Still , he ’ s only played in 54 big-league games with a .289 on-base percentage , so questions remain if he could handle the position on a daily basis .
If prospect Brendan Rodgers stays healthy and finally blossoms as a second baseman , that might enable the Rockies to move McMahon to first base .
Or , perhaps , Fuentes and McMahon would share time there .
Down on the farm , Grant Lavigne and Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 ) , could evolve into the first basemen of the future , but neither player figures to debut until 2022 , at the earliest .
Could the Rockies sign a veteran free agent for the short term ?
It ’ s possible , though the Rockies say they aren ’ t planning to spend much .
Perhaps they ’ ll make a bid for veteran Carlos Santana , who has a terrific pedigree but is coming off a bad season for Cleveland where he hit just .199 .
Santana , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walks with 47 and slugged eight home runs .
Yes , he turns 35 in April , but he hit 34 home runs and posted 4.4 WAR in 2019 , so he there still might be some thunder in his bat .
If the Rockies offer him a one-year deal for about $ 6 million he could be a fit in Colorado .

A sure-handed, slugging first baseman used to be central to the Rockies’ identity, such as Andres Galarraga and Todd Helton.
Heck, you can even throw Justin Morneau into the mix. After all, he won a batting title playing first base for the Rockies in 2014.
Now, however, first base remains one of the Rockies’ biggest question marks. Is Josh Fuentes the answer? What about Ryan McMahon? Is there an affordable free agent out there who can fit the bill for the short term?
Filling the hole at first has been general manager Jeff Bridich’s albatross since he took over as GM after the 2014 season, even though Bridich has thrown plenty of money at the problem.
Prior to the 2017 season, he signed Ian Desmond to a five-year, $70 million deal. The experiment to convert Desmond from a shortstop/outfielder into a first baseman was a bust. Moreover, Desmond, 35, has produced a meager .252 average and .741 OPS in three seasons in Colorado. He opted out of the 2020 season but recently was reinstated to Colorado’s 40-man roster in anticipation of the 2021 season. It remains to be seen if he will actually return in a role as a fourth outfielder for $8 million.
The Rockies recently declined Daniel Murphy’s $12 million option and paid him a $6 million buyout. The 35-year-old, who signed a two-year $24 million in December 2018, played poorly in the field and was a disappointment at the plate. He hit .269 with 16 home runs, 94 RBIs and posted a .742 OPS in 172 games with the Rockies. He was hampered by a finger injury in his first season in Colorado.
Last season, Murphy was bumped out of the starting lineup by Fuentes, who staked a claim as the starter for 2021. In 24 games in September, Fuentes was impressive, hitting .316 and driving in 17 runs. Fuentes knows he’s not a slugger. He describes himself as a gap-to-gap hitter. He did, however, strike out 28.2% of the time and has a tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone.
Fuentes’ glovework was excellent. He pulled off several great plays and committed only one error. Still, he’s only played in 54 big-league games with a .289 on-base percentage, so questions remain if he could handle the position on a daily basis.
If prospect Brendan Rodgers stays healthy and finally blossoms as a second baseman, that might enable the Rockies to move McMahon to first base. Or, perhaps, Fuentes and McMahon would share time there.
Down on the farm, Grant Lavigne and Michael Toglia (Colorado’s first-round pick in 2019), could evolve into the first basemen of the future, but neither player figures to debut until 2022, at the earliest.
Could the Rockies sign a veteran free agent for the short term? It’s possible, though the Rockies say they aren’t planning to spend much. Perhaps they’ll make a bid for veteran Carlos Santana, who has a terrific pedigree but is coming off a bad season for Cleveland where he hit just .199. Santana, however, did lead the American League in walks with 47 and slugged eight home runs.
Yes, he turns 35 in April, but he hit 34 home runs and posted 4.4 WAR in 2019, so he there still might be some thunder in his bat. If the Rockies offer him a one-year deal for about $6 million he could be a fit in Colorado.