thedenverpost--2020-07-15--Antonio Senzatela, in better shape and with repertoire sharpened, primed to be a pillar on back end

Antonio Senzatela, in better shape and with repertoire sharpened, primed to be a pillar on back end of Rockies’ rotation

Antonio Senzatela is ready to flush last year ’ s rough season from his memory and be a stabilizer on the back end of the Rockies ’ rotation .
The right-hander dropped about 15 pounds this offseason .
Gone is the finger pain caused by throwing his changeup in 2019 .
And his repertoire has improved across the board , starting with his mid-90s fastball and extending to his offspeed pitches .
“ The greatest offseason strides of all the guys ( in the rotation ) is Antonio Senzatela , ” pitching coach Steve Foster said .
“ It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year at the end of the season , that he stuck with through the offseason and came into spring training with .
His velocity is up .
His breaking pitches are sharper.
” The hype around Senzatela was also high heading into spring training in 2019 , but that momentum was quickly derailed .
He spent the first three weeks of the regular season on the injured list because of an infected blister on his right heel .
When he did get healthy , inconsistencies caused him to spend over a month in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 25-year-old finished with a 6.71 ERA in 25 starts , but Senzatela believes the strides made over his final four starts — of which he won three — can carry into 2020 ’ s condensed season .
He began incorporating his curve more in those final outings , with more success , and he felt like he got his changeup back .
“ I went back to my first grip and I feel it good coming out of my hand , ” Senzatela said .
“ I ’ m finding the good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look like my fastball.
” Senzatela said he ’ s becoming more mature as he continues to find himself as a big-leaguer .
He threw five shutout innings in his big-league debut in 2016 , and posted a 2.08 ERA through his first four starts that year .
But as MLB hitters adapted to him , he found the sailing not as smooth , with rough spots cropping up as they did last year when he bombed in consecutive starts .
The Yankees roughed him up in New York on July 20 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he got sent to Albuquerque the next day .
When Senzatela returned to the mound for the Rockies on Aug. 25 , the results were equally as poor , as the Cardinals scored six runs in one-plus innings .
“ Early in my career , I took a few steps forward in the first few months , and after that I got into some trouble , ” he said .
“ But this is the big leagues , and you need to make adjustments .
I think I probably took too long to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every season I ’ ve tried to come in better and help the team win .
I believe this year is going to be good.
” Like Foster , others have taken notice of Senzatela ’ s edge during summer camp .
“ He ’ s in great shape and he ’ s talking baseball all the time , ” said right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez , who is competing for the rotation ’ s fifth spot .
“ I ’ m excited for him and I think everyone else is , too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to follow each other ’ s paths , essentially , to success and to winning .
I have no doubt in my mind that Antonio is going to have a great year and lead us that way .
”

Antonio Senzatela is ready to flush last year’s rough season from his memory and be a stabilizer on the back end of the Rockies’ rotation.
The right-hander dropped about 15 pounds this offseason. Gone is the finger pain caused by throwing his changeup in 2019. And his repertoire has improved across the board, starting with his mid-90s fastball and extending to his offspeed pitches.
“The greatest offseason strides of all the guys (in the rotation) is Antonio Senzatela,” pitching coach Steve Foster said. “It was the things done behind the scenes last year at the end of the season, that he stuck with through the offseason and came into spring training with. His velocity is up. His breaking pitches are sharper.”
The hype around Senzatela was also high heading into spring training in 2019, but that momentum was quickly derailed. He spent the first three weeks of the regular season on the injured list because of an infected blister on his right heel. When he did get healthy, inconsistencies caused him to spend over a month in Triple-A Albuquerque across July and August.
The 25-year-old finished with a 6.71 ERA in 25 starts, but Senzatela believes the strides made over his final four starts — of which he won three — can carry into 2020’s condensed season. He began incorporating his curve more in those final outings, with more success, and he felt like he got his changeup back.
“I went back to my first grip and I feel it good coming out of my hand,” Senzatela said. “I’m finding the good (arm slot) and making it look like my fastball.”
Senzatela said he’s becoming more mature as he continues to find himself as a big-leaguer. He threw five shutout innings in his big-league debut in 2016, and posted a 2.08 ERA through his first four starts that year.
But as MLB hitters adapted to him, he found the sailing not as smooth, with rough spots cropping up as they did last year when he bombed in consecutive starts. The Yankees roughed him up in New York on July 20 for six runs in one-plus innings, and he got sent to Albuquerque the next day. When Senzatela returned to the mound for the Rockies on Aug. 25, the results were equally as poor, as the Cardinals scored six runs in one-plus innings.
“Early in my career, I took a few steps forward in the first few months, and after that I got into some trouble,” he said. “But this is the big leagues, and you need to make adjustments. I think I probably took too long to make (certain) adjustments, but every season I’ve tried to come in better and help the team win. I believe this year is going to be good.”
Like Foster, others have taken notice of Senzatela’s edge during summer camp.
“He’s in great shape and he’s talking baseball all the time,” said right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez, who is competing for the rotation’s fifth spot. “I’m excited for him and I think everyone else is, too. We need to push each other. We need to follow each other’s paths, essentially, to success and to winning. I have no doubt in my mind that Antonio is going to have a great year and lead us that way.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-15--Local athletes stuck in limbo after Johnson & Wales University terminates Denver campus

Brandon Coder realized his dream to play college soccer at Johnson & Wales University in east Denver , only 40 miles from where he grew up .
Fast-forward about two years later , and Coder is stuck in a nightmare .
“ Something so precious to you can be taken away so fast , ” he said .
“ You don ’ t know what to do about it or how to react.
” The coronavirus pandemic ’ s profound impact on college athletics forced dozens of schools –such as Akron , Bowling Green , East Carolina and Stanford — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it worse .
On June 26 , the Division-III school announced the closure of its Denver campus and , effective immediately , a permanent end to its 15 intercollegiate varsity athletic programs .
A JWU news release said that “ safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic , combined with concerns over being able to field complete rosters ” led to its decision .
“ It was a low blow for us , ” said Coder , a Silver Creek High School graduate .
“ Our coach didn ’ t know , nobody knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave us a heads up .
… I was expecting to go back for two years and still play .
We were all excited and had been training hard this summer .
We ’ ve all still been communicating well about how we wanted the season to go.
” The unexpected closure has left hundreds in limbo between current JWU student-athletes and incoming freshmen committed to play next season , with the 2020-21 academic year fast approaching .
While D-III schools do not provide athletic scholarships , JWU provided an affordable college option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school players intent on continuing their athletic careers .
Two Rangeview boys basketball seniors — Isaiah Sweetwine and Isaiah Jamison — had signed to play at JWU next season before the program shuttered with little advance notice .
“ It ’ s disappointing because JWU is playing in front of your hometown and family , ” Sweetwine said .
“ It took me a while to process it , but I was shocked , ” Jamison added .
JWU provided all of its student-athletes with a blanket release for permission to speak with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard on Rangeview ’ s 2019 Class 5A title team , called it a “ blessing in disguise ” after being contacted by more than 20 college programs .
However , with many schools starting classes next week , it ’ s a race to find the right fit .
“ The timing is the toughest part , ” Rangeview basketball coach Shawn Palmer said .
“ I ’ ve reached out to all the junior colleges in the state and some of the schools that had previously been recruiting these boys to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a basketball perspective , a lot of rosters are set for next year.
” JWU is not alone cutting programs amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Two Wyoming junior colleges — Sheridan and Gillette — eliminated their entire athletics programs in June .
More small schools are likely to follow .
“ Not all of those kids are going to be able to find new places , ” Palmer said .
“ Their athletic careers are going to be done and it ’ s really not their fault.
” Coder spent the past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing his soccer team , he ’ d like to stick with the school .
JWU has four campuses nationwide — including Providence , Rhode Island — where Coder plans to enroll and join their soccer program .
It ’ s far from ideal but he ’ s thankful for the opportunity to play .
“ I decided to stay with the school because I love the program that I ’ m in and everything transfers , ” Coder said .
“ But it ’ s a far move for me .
”

Brandon Coder realized his dream to play college soccer at Johnson & Wales University in east Denver, only 40 miles from where he grew up.
Fast-forward about two years later, and Coder is stuck in a nightmare.
“Something so precious to you can be taken away so fast,” he said. “You don’t know what to do about it or how to react.”
The coronavirus pandemic’s profound impact on college athletics forced dozens of schools –such as Akron, Bowling Green, East Carolina and Stanford — to terminate individual sports. JWU got it worse.
On June 26, the Division-III school announced the closure of its Denver campus in the summer of 2021 and, effective immediately, a permanent end to its 15 intercollegiate varsity athletic programs. A JWU news release said that “safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with concerns over being able to field complete rosters” led to its decision.
“It was a low blow for us,” said Coder, a Silver Creek High School graduate. “Our coach didn’t know, nobody knew from our school, so no one gave us a heads up. … I was expecting to go back for two years and still play. We were all excited and had been training hard this summer. We’ve all still been communicating well about how we wanted the season to go.”
The unexpected closure has left hundreds in limbo between current JWU student-athletes and incoming freshmen committed to play next season, with the 2020-21 academic year fast approaching. While D-III schools do not provide athletic scholarships, JWU provided an affordable college option for rosters filled by mostly Colorado high school players intent on continuing their athletic careers.
Two Rangeview boys basketball seniors — Isaiah Sweetwine and Isaiah Jamison — had signed to play at JWU next season before the program shuttered with little advance notice.
“It’s disappointing because JWU is playing in front of your hometown and family,” Sweetwine said.
“It took me a while to process it, but I was shocked,” Jamison added.
JWU provided all of its student-athletes with a blanket release for permission to speak with any school. Sweetwine, a shooting guard on Rangeview’s 2019 Class 5A title team, called it a “blessing in disguise” after being contacted by more than 20 college programs. However, with many schools starting classes next week, it’s a race to find the right fit.
“The timing is the toughest part,” Rangeview basketball coach Shawn Palmer said. “I’ve reached out to all the junior colleges in the state and some of the schools that had previously been recruiting these boys to see their level of interest. From a basketball perspective, a lot of rosters are set for next year.”
JWU is not alone cutting programs amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two Wyoming junior colleges — Sheridan and Gillette — eliminated their entire athletics programs in June. More small schools are likely to follow.
“Not all of those kids are going to be able to find new places,” Palmer said. “Their athletic careers are going to be done and it’s really not their fault.”
Coder spent the past two seasons in goal for JWU. Despite losing his soccer team, he’d like to stick with the school. JWU has four campuses nationwide — including Providence, Rhode Island — where Coder plans to enroll and join their soccer program.
It’s far from ideal but he’s thankful for the opportunity to play.
“I decided to stay with the school because I love the program that I’m in and everything transfers,” Coder said. “But it’s a far move for me.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-15--Denver weather: Cooler temps in metro area on Wednesday before another sizzling weekend

Denver ’ s high temperature on Wednesday will again be below seasonal norms and there ’ s a 40 % chance of showers and thunderstorms , mainly after 2 p.m. , according to the National Weather Service .
Skies over Denver on Wednesday will be mostly sunny and the high temperature will reach 83 degrees , according to the weather service forecast .
Winds could gust up to 15 mph .
There ’ s a chance of late-day showers and thunderstorms through the weekend , especially in the mountains and foothills , the weather service said .
The strongest storms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While a chance for afternoon stormy weather remains in the Denver forecast , kiss the cooler weather goodbye .
On Thursday in Denver the high temperature will rise to a toasty 94 degrees .
There ’ s a 30 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms and winds will gust to 24 mph , the weather service said .
Friday will be hotter still — at 96 degrees — and the 30 % chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms repeats .
Saturday in the city will be hotter still , with a high @ @ @ @

Denver’s high temperature on Wednesday will again be below seasonal norms and there’s a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Skies over Denver on Wednesday will be mostly sunny and the high temperature will reach 83 degrees, according to the weather service forecast. Winds could gust up to 15 mph.
There’s a chance of late-day showers and thunderstorms through the weekend, especially in the mountains and foothills, the weather service said. The strongest storms will produce strong winds and hail.
While a chance for afternoon stormy weather remains in the Denver forecast, kiss the cooler weather goodbye.
On Thursday in Denver the high temperature will rise to a toasty 94 degrees. There’s a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms and winds will gust to 24 mph, the weather service said.
Friday will be hotter still — at 96 degrees — and the 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms repeats. Saturday in the city will be hotter still, with a high of 98 degrees.


thedenverpost--2020-07-15--Ask Amy: Girlfriend wants to swing – alone

Dear Amy : I recently broke up with my girlfriend , but now she wants me back .
I saw her dozens of times in the wee hours of the morning tapping on her phone and then hiding the phone once she knew I was awake .
I didn ’ t do anything until someone in her inner circle came to me and said that I was “ a fool to trust her , she has had a guy on the side the whole time , and that she wanted to break up with me but was afraid I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntarily into a mental health unit for depression for a few days some time back .
I am crushed that she betrayed my trust ( by discussing this with others ) .
She admitted she told others about my hospitalization but claimed the rest is simply not true and that her hiding of the phone was because of an “ addiction to learning about the swinging lifestyle.
” She is very unabashed sexually , and is also much younger than I ( no I ’ m not a “ sugar daddy ; ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t give her money ) .
She claims that she has since deleted her online accounts that she uses to access the swingers ’ clubs and online swingers blogs .
She texts me every day , tells me she loves me , and says she wants me to trust her .
She said she would never cheat on me .
We have continued to talk in person occasionally and I want to trust her , but I just have a gut feeling that I can ’ t .
Even if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I still saw her hide her phone , and she did betray my confidence regarding my stay in a mental health unit .
What should I do ?
— My Gut Says No Dear Gut : Trust is a choice , and sometimes choosing to trust involves a very deliberate quieting of those emergent self-protective voices , while remaining vigilant concerning the person who betrayed you .
However – in your case – I am strongly urging you to go with your gut .
Your first responsibility is to your mental health .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional help when you needed it the most .
You should very deliberately avoid any triggers that might affect your mental health at this point , and the uncertainty presented by this relationship would be at the top of the list .
You seem to instinctively know this , and that is why you are keeping your distance , now .
Good for you .
Your girlfriend ’ s explanation of her own behavior does not make sense .
“ Swinging ” is supposed to be a partner activity .
If she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t she invite you ?
Her use of the word “ addiction ” to describe her own behavior means that she will likely have to reckon with it in a more responsible and deliberate way .
But how she handles this is not your problem , but hers .
Talk this through with a therapist , and continue to take good care of yourself .
Dear Amy : My granddaughter graduated in June in one of the ‘ drive-by ’ graduations done in so many places , due to the current pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasion and will hopefully have a party in late July .
Many people responded to her announcement by sending cash , checks , and gift cards at that time , but she does not intend to send thank-you notes until after the party , which means that people won ’ t know until August if their gifts were received .
Some folks have asked me if the mailed items got to her and I ’ m not sure how to respond .
Do I give them her phone number , or what ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that family , so don ’ t know what to do .
Dear Embarrassed : I understand your feeling of embarrassment , but I hope you will not take this on as something to feel ashamed about , or to fix .
If friends of yours wonder if gifts were received , you can say , “ She told me she is planning to send her thank-yous in August , but if you ’ d like , I can give you her email address , so you could follow-through.
” Dear Amy : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marriage as a “ jail sentence , ” but said he was staying “ for the sake of the kids.
” I wonder how many parents would advise their children to stay in a miserable relationship .
I felt an incredible sense of relief when my parents got divorced .
Dear Survivor : Kids see so much more than their parents seem to realize .

Dear Amy: I recently broke up with my girlfriend, but now she wants me back.
I saw her dozens of times in the wee hours of the morning tapping on her phone and then hiding the phone once she knew I was awake.
I didn’t do anything until someone in her inner circle came to me and said that I was “a fool to trust her, she has had a guy on the side the whole time, and that she wanted to break up with me but was afraid I would commit suicide.”
I did check myself voluntarily into a mental health unit for depression for a few days some time back.
I am crushed that she betrayed my trust (by discussing this with others). She admitted she told others about my hospitalization but claimed the rest is simply not true and that her hiding of the phone was because of an “addiction to learning about the swinging lifestyle.”
She is very unabashed sexually, and is also much younger than I (no I’m not a “sugar daddy;” I’m not rich and I don’t give her money).
She claims that she has since deleted her online accounts that she uses to access the swingers’ clubs and online swingers blogs.
She texts me every day, tells me she loves me, and says she wants me to trust her. She said she would never cheat on me.
We have continued to talk in person occasionally and I want to trust her, but I just have a gut feeling that I can’t.
Even if I dismissed what I heard as hearsay, I still saw her hide her phone, and she did betray my confidence regarding my stay in a mental health unit. What should I do?
— My Gut Says No
Dear Gut: Trust is a choice, and sometimes choosing to trust involves a very deliberate quieting of those emergent self-protective voices, while remaining vigilant concerning the person who betrayed you.
However – in your case – I am strongly urging you to go with your gut. Your first responsibility is to your mental health. You deserve so much credit for getting professional help when you needed it the most.
You should very deliberately avoid any triggers that might affect your mental health at this point, and the uncertainty presented by this relationship would be at the top of the list. You seem to instinctively know this, and that is why you are keeping your distance, now. Good for you.
Your girlfriend’s explanation of her own behavior does not make sense. “Swinging” is supposed to be a partner activity. If she is truly into swinging, then why didn’t she invite you?
Her use of the word “addiction” to describe her own behavior means that she will likely have to reckon with it in a more responsible and deliberate way. But how she handles this is not your problem, but hers.
Talk this through with a therapist, and continue to take good care of yourself.
Dear Amy: My granddaughter graduated in June in one of the ‘drive-by’ graduations done in so many places, due to the current pandemic.
She sent out announcements of the occasion and will hopefully have a party in late July.
Many people responded to her announcement by sending cash, checks, and gift cards at that time, but she does not intend to send thank-you notes until after the party, which means that people won’t know until August if their gifts were received.
Some folks have asked me if the mailed items got to her and I’m not sure how to respond. Do I give them her phone number, or what?
I pretty much have to tiptoe around that family, so don’t know what to do.
— Embarrassed Grandma
Dear Embarrassed: I understand your feeling of embarrassment, but I hope you will not take this on as something to feel ashamed about, or to fix. If friends of yours wonder if gifts were received, you can say, “She told me she is planning to send her thank-yous in August, but if you’d like, I can give you her email address, so you could follow-through.”
Dear Amy: “Lonely Man” described his terrible marriage as a “jail sentence,” but said he was staying “for the sake of the kids.”
I wonder how many parents would advise their children to stay in a miserable relationship. I felt an incredible sense of relief when my parents got divorced.
— Survivor
Dear Survivor: Kids see so much more than their parents seem to realize.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Denver gets free beers if Brandon McManus breaks NFL record for longest field goal in 2020

In Week 13 of last season , Brandon McManus lined up for an NFL-record 65-yard field goal with one second remaining in the first half against the Chargers in Denver .
But coach Vic Fangio changed his mind at the last moment , disallowing the Broncos kicker the opportunity at history .
In 2020 , McManus is hopeful he gets a chance to break the record — and if he ’ s successful , everyone that ’ s of-age in the city of Denver can get a free beer .
McManus laid out the details of his partnership with Bud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good Morning Football .
The 28-year-old made it clear he is capable of breaking the current NFL record , 64 yards , set by former Broncos kicker Matt Prater in 2013 .
“ I have a big leg , and I ’ ve always wanted to have my name etched in history , ” McManus said on the NFL Network show .
“ I know I can make that , my teammates know I can make that .
In training camp , with live rushes , I ’ ve made it from 73 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beer , McManus joked that “ everyone ’ s going to be on my side this year , hopefully , to attempt it.
” He also made light of the fiery confrontation between himself and Fangio during that game against Los Angeles , which McManus eventually won for Denver on a 53-yard field goal as time expired .
“ Even ( Prater ) texted me after the game and said , ‘ I can ’ t believe they didn ’ t let you do it , ' ” McManus said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , and this time , I know Vic Fangio ’ s an Italian guy and I know he likes red wine.
” McManus was 29-of-34 on field goals last year ( 85 percent ) , and his career long in a game is 57 yards .

In Week 13 of last season, Brandon McManus lined up for an NFL-record 65-yard field goal with one second remaining in the first half against the Chargers in Denver. But coach Vic Fangio changed his mind at the last moment, disallowing the Broncos kicker the opportunity at history.
In 2020, McManus is hopeful he gets a chance to break the record — and if he’s successful, everyone that’s of-age in the city of Denver can get a free beer.
McManus laid out the details of his partnership with Bud Light on Thursday’s installment of Good Morning Football. The 28-year-old made it clear he is capable of breaking the current NFL record, 64 yards, set by former Broncos kicker Matt Prater in 2013.
“I have a big leg, and I’ve always wanted to have my name etched in history,” McManus said on the NFL Network show. “I know I can make that, my teammates know I can make that. In training camp, with live rushes, I’ve made it from 73 yards.”
With the possibility of free beer, McManus joked that “everyone’s going to be on my side this year, hopefully, to attempt it.” He also made light of the fiery confrontation between himself and Fangio during that game against Los Angeles, which McManus eventually won for Denver on a 53-yard field goal as time expired.
“Even (Prater) texted me after the game and said, ‘I can’t believe they didn’t let you do it,'” McManus said. “I really would like an opportunity to do that, and this time, I know Vic Fangio’s an Italian guy and I know he likes red wine.”
McManus was 29-of-34 on field goals last year (85 percent), and his career long in a game is 57 yards.


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--List of national retail chains requiring masks is growing

NEW YORK — Two major retailers on Thursday joined the growing list of national chains that will require customers to wear face masks regardless of where cities or states stand on the issue .
Target ’ s mandatory face mask policy will go into effect Aug. 1 , and all CVS stores will begin requiring them on Monday .
More than 80 % of Target ’ s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations .
Target will hand out masks at entrances to those who need them .
The announcements come one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Walmart , said that it would mandate face shields for all customers starting Monday .
Starbucks , Best Buy , Kohl ’ s and Kroger Co. have also announced mandatory masks nationwide .
Retailers have hesitated to make masks mandatory nationwide out of fear of angering some customers over what , even in a pandemic , has become a political issue .
They have been reluctant to put employees in the position of becoming enforcers .
Confrontations with customers and store employees have played out in multiple incidents caught on video .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ even in states that mandate face masks .
However , the recent surge of new virus cases — particularly in Florida , California , Texas and Arizona — has left them with no choice , retail experts say .
“ To be clear , we ’ re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer , ” said Jon Roberts , the chief operating officer at CVS .
“ What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

NEW YORK — Two major retailers on Thursday joined the growing list of national chains that will require customers to wear face masks regardless of where cities or states stand on the issue.
Target’s mandatory face mask policy will go into effect Aug. 1, and all CVS stores will begin requiring them on Monday.
More than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target will hand out masks at entrances to those who need them.
The announcements come one day after the nation’s largest retailer, Walmart, said that it would mandate face shields for all customers starting Monday.
Starbucks, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Kroger Co. have also announced mandatory masks nationwide.
Retailers have hesitated to make masks mandatory nationwide out of fear of angering some customers over what, even in a pandemic, has become a political issue.
They have been reluctant to put employees in the position of becoming enforcers. Confrontations with customers and store employees have played out in multiple incidents caught on video.
It was difficult to enforce such rules even in states that mandate face masks. However, the recent surge of new virus cases — particularly in Florida, California, Texas and Arizona — has left them with no choice, retail experts say.
“To be clear, we’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer, ” said Jon Roberts, the chief operating officer at CVS. “What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Vatican says bishops should report sex abuse to police

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican told bishops around the world on Thursday they should report cases of clergy sex crimes to police even when not legally bound to do so , in its latest effort to compel church leaders to protect minors from predator priests .
The Vatican issued a long-awaited manual for bishops and religious superiors on conducting in-house investigations into allegations of priests who rape and molest minors and vulnerable adults .
While the Vatican has had detailed canonical norms in place for two decades , the laws continue to be ignored by some bishops , particularly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Poland .
While the manual doesn ’ t have the force of a new law , it goes beyond the current Vatican policy about cooperating with law enforcement agencies , prosecutors and police .
That policy requires bishops and religious superiors to report allegations of sex crimes with minors only where local laws require it .
The manual says : “ Even in cases where there is no explicit legal obligation to do so , the ecclesiastical authorities should make a report to the competent civil authorities if this is considered necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minors from the danger of further criminal acts.
” And it says church leaders must comply with “ legitimate ” subpoena requests .
The manual , issued in a half-dozen languages , appears aimed in part at depriving bishops and religious superiors of their frequent excuses not to carry out preliminary investigations into accused priests .
The manual states , for example , that anonymous allegations should not be dismissed outright , as they often are , and that even hearsay and social media posts can constitute the basis on which to launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the manual says bishops should not ignore allegations just because they fall outside the church ’ s statute of limitations , since the Vatican can at any time decide to waive the time limit .
The only justification for dismissing an allegation outright , the manual says , is if the bishop determines the “ manifest impossibility of proceeding , ” such as if the the priest wasn ’ t physically present when the alleged crimes took place .
The manual also makes clear that the type of crimes that fall under sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes not only sexual relations but any physical contact for sexual gratification , including actions bishops frequently dismiss as mere “ boundary violations.
” The manual lists exhibitionism , masturbation , pornography production and “ conversations and/or propositions of a sexual nature ” that can occur through a variety of means of communication as crimes that must be investigated .
And it warns that bishops can themselves be prosecuted canonically for negligence if they fail to take allegations seriously and investigate them .
The manual was published by the Vatican office that investigates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Doctrine of the Faith , and was issued in Italian , French , English , Spanish , Portuguese , Polish and German .
Its origins lie in Pope Francis ’ 2019 sex abuse summit , in which the presidents of all the world ’ s bishops conferences came to the Vatican for a four-day tutorial on preventing abuse .
Francis summoned them after he himself botched a notorious case of abuse and cover-up in Chile , and after he realized that many bishops around the world still didn ’ t understand or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem in the church .
On the first day of the summit , Francis issued 21 points of reflection going forward , with the first point a recommendation that the Vatican issue a handbook to help bishops investigate and prosecute sex crimes .
While the Vatican has issued a variety of abuse-related documents over the years , the new manual provides a point-by-point instruction on how to conduct investigations , from start to finish .
The Vatican has long refused to flat-out require bishops to report abuse allegations to police , arguing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unjust treatment of priests in countries where Catholics are a persecuted minority .
Survivors and advocates have long blasted the position , arguing that the Vatican could make a universal reporting mandate with certain exceptions if needed .
Anne Barrett Doyle , co-founder of BishopAccountability , an online resource center about abuse , said the manual ’ s non-binding recommendation that bishops should report abuse was “ incrementally better ” than the Vatican ’ s past position .
But she stressed : “ We ’ re past the point of ‘ should.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordering bishops and religious superiors ( to report ) all allegations to civil authorities , ” with exceptions where it ’ s not safe .
And she insisted that real progress would come when the Vatican institutes a true “ zero tolerance ” policy , permanently removing from public ministry any cleric who abuses and any bishop who enables him .
“ That will be progress .
That will be the reform that is needed , ” she said .
SNAP , the main victims ’ advocacy group in the U.S. , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hands of the church altogether .
“ Rather than hope that church officials will listen to Pope Francis ’ new suggestion , attorneys general in every single state should be launching independent investigations into clergy abuse , using subpoena power and grand jury to force the truth into the public square and ensure that children are protected from abusers and that enablers are removed form positions of power , ” the group said in a statement .

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican told bishops around the world on Thursday they should report cases of clergy sex crimes to police even when not legally bound to do so, in its latest effort to compel church leaders to protect minors from predator priests.
The Vatican issued a long-awaited manual for bishops and religious superiors on conducting in-house investigations into allegations of priests who rape and molest minors and vulnerable adults. While the Vatican has had detailed canonical norms in place for two decades, the laws continue to be ignored by some bishops, particularly in the developing world and even Catholic strongholds like Poland.
While the manual doesn’t have the force of a new law, it goes beyond the current Vatican policy about cooperating with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and police. That policy requires bishops and religious superiors to report allegations of sex crimes with minors only where local laws require it.
The manual says: “Even in cases where there is no explicit legal obligation to do so, the ecclesiastical authorities should make a report to the competent civil authorities if this is considered necessary to protect the person involved or other minors from the danger of further criminal acts.”
And it says church leaders must comply with “legitimate” subpoena requests.
The manual, issued in a half-dozen languages, appears aimed in part at depriving bishops and religious superiors of their frequent excuses not to carry out preliminary investigations into accused priests.
The manual states, for example, that anonymous allegations should not be dismissed outright, as they often are, and that even hearsay and social media posts can constitute the basis on which to launch a preliminary probe.
In addition, the manual says bishops should not ignore allegations just because they fall outside the church’s statute of limitations, since the Vatican can at any time decide to waive the time limit.
The only justification for dismissing an allegation outright, the manual says, is if the bishop determines the “manifest impossibility of proceeding,” such as if the the priest wasn’t physically present when the alleged crimes took place.
The manual also makes clear that the type of crimes that fall under sexual abuse is “quite broad” and includes not only sexual relations but any physical contact for sexual gratification, including actions bishops frequently dismiss as mere “boundary violations.” The manual lists exhibitionism, masturbation, pornography production and “conversations and/or propositions of a sexual nature” that can occur through a variety of means of communication as crimes that must be investigated.
And it warns that bishops can themselves be prosecuted canonically for negligence if they fail to take allegations seriously and investigate them.
The manual was published by the Vatican office that investigates priestly sex crimes, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and was issued in Italian, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish and German.
Its origins lie in Pope Francis’ 2019 sex abuse summit, in which the presidents of all the world’s bishops conferences came to the Vatican for a four-day tutorial on preventing abuse. Francis summoned them after he himself botched a notorious case of abuse and cover-up in Chile, and after he realized that many bishops around the world still didn’t understand or take seriously the depth of the abuse problem in the church.
On the first day of the summit, Francis issued 21 points of reflection going forward, with the first point a recommendation that the Vatican issue a handbook to help bishops investigate and prosecute sex crimes. While the Vatican has issued a variety of abuse-related documents over the years, the new manual provides a point-by-point instruction on how to conduct investigations, from start to finish.
The Vatican has long refused to flat-out require bishops to report abuse allegations to police, arguing that such a universal law could lead to unjust treatment of priests in countries where Catholics are a persecuted minority. Survivors and advocates have long blasted the position, arguing that the Vatican could make a universal reporting mandate with certain exceptions if needed.
Anne Barrett Doyle, co-founder of BishopAccountability, an online resource center about abuse, said the manual’s non-binding recommendation that bishops should report abuse was “incrementally better” than the Vatican’s past position.
But she stressed: “We’re past the point of ‘should.’ There is nothing stopping the pope from ordering bishops and religious superiors (to report) all allegations to civil authorities,” with exceptions where it’s not safe.
And she insisted that real progress would come when the Vatican institutes a true “zero tolerance” policy, permanently removing from public ministry any cleric who abuses and any bishop who enables him.
“That will be progress. That will be the reform that is needed,” she said.
SNAP, the main victims’ advocacy group in the U.S., said the issue should be taken out of the hands of the church altogether.
“Rather than hope that church officials will listen to Pope Francis’ new suggestion, attorneys general in every single state should be launching independent investigations into clergy abuse, using subpoena power and grand jury to force the truth into the public square and ensure that children are protected from abusers and that enablers are removed form positions of power,” the group said in a statement.
AP producer Maria Grazia Murru contributed.


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Colorado governor issues statewide mask order as COVID-19 cases rise

Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis issued a statewide mask mandate Thursday afternoon , after days of pressure from his fellow Democrats to make the move .
Polis announced at a news conference that he has issued an executive order requiring everyone age 10 and older to wear a mask or other facial covering while in public indoor spaces .
The order is effective at midnight .
“ Look , in Colorado , there ’ s no shirt , no shoes , no mask , no service , ” Polis said .
“ Very simple.
” The order is effective for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be subject to civil or criminal penalties , ” Polis said .
The governor ’ s order follows four straight weeks of rising COVID-19 cases in Colorado , including a 40 % increase last week , according to state health officials .
Hospitalizations for the coronavirus also are increasing , and state epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said that current trends could mean Colorado ’ s ICU bed capacity will be exceeded in September .
“ The data is beginning to be alarming , ” Polis said .
Polis was joined by Denver Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask order on May 1 , and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman , who called face coverings the “ least invasive and least costly public health option ” to combat the coronavirus .
Several sources with knowledge of his decision-making , but who were not authorized to speak publicly about the governor ’ s plans , told The Denver Post that his office informed legislative leadership Wednesday that the order was coming .
Polis previously had said he can ’ t enforce a statewide mask order .
Nearly 40 cities and counties in Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and hospitalizations climb in the state .
The mask order was first reported by Colorado Politics .
This is a developing story and will be updated .

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a statewide mask mandate Thursday, hoping to stem a resurgence in coronavirus cases that he said has left the state “on the knife’s edge.”
Polis announced at a news conference that he had issued an executive order requiring everyone 11 and older to wear a mask or other facial covering while in public indoor spaces, including all retail stores. The order is effective at midnight and runs for at least the next 30 days.
“Look, in Colorado, there’s no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service,” Polis said. “Very simple.”
Sheriff’s offices in El Paso and Weld counties, two conservative strongholds, quickly reacted by saying their deputies would not enforce the orders.
Said Polis on Thursday, “Wearing a mask is not a political statement. I don’t know how, in anybody’s mind, this became a game of political football.”
The governor’s order follows four straight weeks of rising COVID-19 cases in Colorado, including a 40% increase last week, according to state health officials. Hospitalizations for the coronavirus also are increasing, and state epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said that current trends could mean Colorado’s ICU bed capacity will be exceeded in September.
The number of people that someone with coronavirus spreads the virus to, on average, has increased from 1.08 two weeks ago to about 1.78 today, she said.
“We’re concerned that this trend is going to continue,” Herlihy said.
Said Polis, “The data is beginning to be alarming.”
The governor has consistently advocated for mask wearing, and has at times been uncharacteristically forceful about it, including in a recent Facebook post in which he described anti-maskers as “selfish bastards.” But as recently as Tuesday, Polis said he wasn’t convinced that ordering masks, as opposed to simply encouraging them, would increase compliance.
On Thursday, he presented data to the contrary. Two studies — one by the state that was conducted in June, and another by an outside group that was conducted in May and June — showed that anywhere from 8% to 16% more people wore masks in counties where they’ve been ordered to over counties without such orders.
Prior to Thursday’s announcement, nearly 40 cities and counties in Colorado had already issued mask orders. The new statewide order allows for orders issued by municipalities that are stricter than the state’s to remain in place. Many cities and counties, for example, require masks for children older than 2 or 3 — a lower age limit than the state’s order.
Polis previously had said mask orders are not enforceable, and while he did not backtrack that stance on Thursday, he did say that it’s not enforcement, but rather “the mere clarity of message” of mask ordinances, that he believes will be more effective in improving compliance.
Still, the threat of enforcement is baked into the new executive order. People who don’t wear masks in places they are required may be prosecuted for trespassing, the order states.
Polis was joined by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, who issued his own mask order on May 1, and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, who called face coverings the “least invasive and least costly public health option” to combat the coronavirus.
Coffman said he wasn’t in favor of a mask order a few weeks ago.
“But now it’s different. And now I’m worried. A lot of people are hurting,” he said.
Added Polis, “We need a coordinated, unambiguous state message with moral clarity and scientific clarity, and we’re providing that today.”
Both Hancock and Coffman privately urged Polis to issue a stay-at-home order in the spring well before he actually did it. And both men suggested in their remarks Thursday that they’ve been waiting on Polis to come around in this case, too. They are among a chorus of public officials who’ve warned against a patchwork of city and county ordinances that can lead to confusion and diminish compliance.
There’s a smaller but still significant chorus of Republicans who have believe the governor’s orders have been excessive. And while the governor and many others have said that mask-wearing shouldn’t be political — it’s public health experts, after all, who say this practice is necessary — not wearing a mask has quickly become a political statement in this state and elsewhere.
Patrick Neville, the minority leader of Colorado’s House GOP, said in a tweet that he may sue Polis over this latest order. Lauren Boebert, the congressional hopeful from Rifle, issued a statement saying that Polis is “attacking our personal liberties.”
Officials from El Paso and Weld counties were not critical of Polis, but did both indicate that while they’ll encourage mask use, they won’t enforce the governor’s order.
“We’re not going to be actively policing this,” said Joe Moylan, a spokesman for the Weld County Sheriff’s Office. “If we see someone without a mask on, we’re going to ask them to put one on, and if they don’t, we’ll ask them to go home.”
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced on Twitter that its deputies won’t issue citations to people who don’t wear masks, writing, “We cannot afford to take actions that further erode the public trust in us.”
There are several groups exempt from the mask order, including religious officiants; people eating in restaurants (their exemption only applies when seated at their table); people receiving personal grooming service, such as a beard trimming; people exercising alone; and law enforcement and other “public safety personnel.”
Colorado counties that are certified by the state as having achieved “Protect Our Neighbors” status — which requires meeting eight criteria, including declining COVID-19 cases — can request an exemption from the governor’s mask order. According to state officials, no county has yet been granted that status.
The governor announced that in addition to the mask order, because of the rising cases, he’s putting two-week pause on state variances — the exceptions that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issues to counties allowing them greater leniency than statewide coronavirus restrictions require.


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Rockies podcast: Injury report, backup catcher battle, middle relief questions and the possibility o

Rockies podcast: Injury report, backup catcher battle, middle relief questions and the possibility of fans at Coors Field in 2020

In this packed edition of the On The Rox podcast , Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Kyle Fredrickson break @ @ @ @ @ amid Rockies ’ “ summer camp ” in LoDo .
Newman gives health updates on @ @ @ @ @ and Scott Oberg , plus the duo discusses the backup catcher battle , the team @ @ @ @ @ and whether fans will be allowed at Coors Field this season .

In this packed edition of the On The Rox podcast, Denver Post sportswriters Kyle Newman and Kyle Fredrickson break down a multitude of topics amid Rockies’ “summer camp” in LoDo.
Newman gives health updates on Charlie Blackmon, David Dahl and Scott Oberg, plus the duo discusses the backup catcher battle, the team’s middle relievers, and whether fans will be allowed at Coors Field this season.
Subscribe to the podcast
SoundCloud | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--After a long search, Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art picks a new top curator

Denver ’ s Museum of Contemporary Art announced today that Miranda Lash will take over as chief curator starting in September .
Lash , currently curator of contemporary art at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville , replaces Nora Burnett Abrams who was promoted last August to the MCA ’ s executive director job .
RELATED : After a national search , MCA Denver hires from within to fill executive director role Lash has a long resume , assembling more than 30 museum exhibitions over her career , including showcases of established names , ranging from Mel Chin to Rashaad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But she is probably best known for her role in producing group exhibitions , most notably “ Southern Accent : Seeking the American South in Contemporary Art , ” a landmark survey she co-curated with Trevor Schoonmaker in 2016 .
That exhibition , which toured major U.S. galleries , challenged the narrow definition many people hold of art created in and about the the South by connecting a diverse lineup of 60 artists , including Ebony G. Patterson , Dario Robleto , Catherine Opie , Jeffrey Gibson , William Eggleston and Mel Chin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that time the exhibition world ’ s most influential publication , praised the show as “ a revolutionary exploded diagram of Southern Identity.
” In an interview this week , Lash said she hopes to continue exploring regional themes in her new position at the MCA as she becomes acquainted with the Colorado art scene .
She ’ ll work to spotlight local talent while continuing to have an international outlook in her exhibition-making .
“ That ’ s not to say that every show I create will be about Denver specifically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program in some way , either conceptually or directly , ” she said .
She ’ s also ready to help the museum as it responds to the immediate concerns of social equity raised by Black Lives Matter and other consciousness-raising movements .
“ I really believe there ’ s an important role for the museum to play as a space of new ideas and of healing at a time when it ’ s needed more than ever , ” she said .
RELATED : “ We the People ” : At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ material truths Lash ’ s curatorial efforts have consistently brought attention to work created by women , LGBTQ-identifying artists and artists of color .
“ Art is such a powerful , open-ended language , ” she said .
“ In a way , it ’ s the language that is most appropriate to take on some of the hardest questions in society.
” Lash said one of the things that attracted her to the MCA post is Denver ’ s large and growing Latino population .
She ’ s Mexican-American and grew up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and her curatorial platform includes bringing Latino artists into public view .
“ I feel excited knowing that I can make that a part of my goals and know that it has a relationship to the demographics of Denver , ” she said .
“ I can present shows of Latinx artists and know that there ’ s an audience in the city that will find a point of connection to that.
” The curator is also known for producing programming that goes beyond the objects installed on gallery walls .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was accompanied by a concert series , a symposium on Confederate monuments and other activities .
That broad understanding of how a contemporary art museum can serve its community in 2020 and beyond was an important consideration in adding her to the team , said the MCA ’ s Abrams .
“ The MCA is a tricky place .
We ’ re not like any other , non-collecting contemporary art museums , which is to say , we care so much about contemporary culture at large , ” said Abrams .
By that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national leader in exhibition creation , is also known for its popular parties , concerts , lectures and other “ weird , nerdy , quirky programming that may have nothing to do with the exhibitions on view , ” as Abrams puts it .
As a job candidate , Lash stood out because “ she already had put into practice so much of what we have put into practice , ” said Abrams .
Lash received her BA in art history and architecture from Harvard University and her MA in art history from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Speed Museum , Lash was the New Orleans Museum of Art ’ s first curator of modern and contemporary art .
She ’ s deeply involved in the curatorial field as a researcher and writer with essays appearing in numerous journals , and she serves on the board of the influential Joan Mitchell Foundation , based in New York .
But her curatorial focus remains on producing exhibitions that explore serious subjects in ways that make each of them attractive to the public , and easy to understand .
“ I basically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
“ How can I talk about this in a way that anyone can access it , even if it ’ s tough ?
” “ I ’ m not a believer in dumbing down ideas , ” she said .
“ I think the best way you can serve people is by giving them everything , but speaking clearly and accessibly.
” Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , In The Know , to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox .

Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art announced today that Miranda Lash will take over as chief curator starting in September.
Lash, currently curator of contemporary art at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, replaces Nora Burnett Abrams who was promoted last August to the MCA’s executive director job.
RELATED: After a national search, MCA Denver hires from within to fill executive director role
Lash has a long resume, assembling more than 30 museum exhibitions over her career, including showcases of established names, ranging from Mel Chin to Rashaad Newsome to the late Bruce Conner.
But she is probably best known for her role in producing group exhibitions, most notably “Southern Accent: Seeking the American South in Contemporary Art,” a landmark survey she co-curated with Trevor Schoonmaker in 2016.
That exhibition, which toured major U.S. galleries, challenged the narrow definition many people hold of art created in and about the the South by connecting a diverse lineup of 60 artists, including Ebony G. Patterson, Dario Robleto, Catherine Opie, Jeffrey Gibson, William Eggleston and Mel Chin.
The online magazine Hyperallergic, at that time the exhibition world’s most influential publication, praised the show as “a revolutionary exploded diagram of Southern Identity.”
In an interview this week, Lash said she hopes to continue exploring regional themes in her new position at the MCA as she becomes acquainted with the Colorado art scene. She’ll work to spotlight local talent while continuing to have an international outlook in her exhibition-making.
“That’s not to say that every show I create will be about Denver specifically, but I want Denver to inform the program in some way, either conceptually or directly,” she said.
She’s also ready to help the museum as it responds to the immediate concerns of social equity raised by Black Lives Matter and other consciousness-raising movements.
“I really believe there’s an important role for the museum to play as a space of new ideas and of healing at a time when it’s needed more than ever,” she said.
RELATED: “We the People”: At the MCA, artist Nari Ward’s material truths
Lash’s curatorial efforts have consistently brought attention to work created by women, LGBTQ-identifying artists and artists of color.
“Art is such a powerful, open-ended language,” she said. “In a way, it’s the language that is most appropriate to take on some of the hardest questions in society.”
Lash said one of the things that attracted her to the MCA post is Denver’s large and growing Latino population. She’s Mexican-American and grew up in a bilingual household in Los Angeles, and her curatorial platform includes bringing Latino artists into public view.
“I feel excited knowing that I can make that a part of my goals and know that it has a relationship to the demographics of Denver,” she said. “I can present shows of Latinx artists and know that there’s an audience in the city that will find a point of connection to that.”
The curator is also known for producing programming that goes beyond the objects installed on gallery walls. “Southern Accent,” for example, was accompanied by a concert series, a symposium on Confederate monuments and other activities.
That broad understanding of how a contemporary art museum can serve its community in 2020 and beyond was an important consideration in adding her to the team, said the MCA’s Abrams.
“The MCA is a tricky place. We’re not like any other, non-collecting contemporary art museums, which is to say, we care so much about contemporary culture at large,” said Abrams.
By that she means the MCA, while a national leader in exhibition creation, is also known for its popular parties, concerts, lectures and other “weird, nerdy, quirky programming that may have nothing to do with the exhibitions on view,” as Abrams puts it.
As a job candidate, Lash stood out because “she already had put into practice so much of what we have put into practice,” said Abrams.
Lash received her BA in art history and architecture from Harvard University and her MA in art history from Williams College. Before her time at the Speed Museum, Lash was the New Orleans Museum of Art’s first curator of modern and contemporary art. She’s deeply involved in the curatorial field as a researcher and writer with essays appearing in numerous journals, and she serves on the board of the influential Joan Mitchell Foundation, based in New York.
But her curatorial focus remains on producing exhibitions that explore serious subjects in ways that make each of them attractive to the public, and easy to understand.
“I basically imagine taking my family through the gallery,” she said. “How can I talk about this in a way that anyone can access it, even if it’s tough?”
“I’m not a believer in dumbing down ideas,” she said. “I think the best way you can serve people is by giving them everything, but speaking clearly and accessibly.”
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--NHL’s older coaches debate wearing masks, taking precautions

After two days behind a mask and off his skates , Rick Bowness returned to his natural habitat on the ice with air inside the rink blowing against his face .
“ You get out there and you miss it , ” the Dallas Stars coach said .
“ You realize how much you enjoy being out there.
” The NHL ’ s oldest head coach still worries about COVID-19 but not enough to stop doing his job .
It ’ s a risk-reward proposition coaches and executives around sports are weighing , and while Florida assistant Mike Kitchen is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of hockey ’ s return , plenty of others are considering masking up behind the bench and taking other precautions in the middle of a pandemic .
“ It ’ s a different world out there , ” Bowness , 65 , said .
“ I ’ m going to have to adjust to it , there is no question .
I just want to make sure I ’ m cautious , which we ’ ve been since this virus started , and I will continue to do that .
My health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandfather now , my first grandkid .
I intend on playing some golf with that kid down the road .
I intend on being here a lot longer .
So , yeah , am I going to be careful ?
Absolutely.
” The World Health Organization said the disease can be more severe in people 60 and over , and the NHL has four head coaches and a handful of assistants in that age range .
The average age of the 24 head coaches in the playoffs is just under 54 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s four major professional sports leagues .
With that life experience comes meetings like New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz held with his staff this week to talk about whether to don a mask for games and practices .
“ I don ’ t know exactly what I ’ m going to do , ” Trotz said Wednesday on his 58th birthday .
“ I ’ m not too concerned .
I ’ m in pretty good health , but it affects everybody differently if you do get it .
I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so there ’ s a good chance I could have a mask behind the bench , but I haven ’ t decided yet .
I should say I don ’ t want to give it to anybody if I have it , but I don ’ t. ” Coaches are relying on frequent testing at training camp and in the hub cities of Toronto and Edmonton , hoping before going into quarantine that players and their families can avoid contracting the virus that halted the season in March .
All team staff are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be daily once games start .
“ We ’ re all doing everything we can not to bring it into our locker room , ” Bowness said .
“ Give our players credit , as well , because this is a big sacrifice for everyone and they ’ re looking after themselves.
” The NHL reported 43 players tested positive during voluntary workouts from June 8-July 12 .
At least three of those cases came from the Tampa Bay Lightning and one from the Boston Bruins , though the league took over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anonymity .
Outside practice facilities , coaches ’ comfort levels might vary from a hotspot such as Texas to the Canadian province of Manitoba , where there have been zero reported cases in 13 of the past 14 days .
“ It was possibly easier for me , because of the fact that I was pretty darn safe right from the start , ” 53-year-old Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice said .
“ I ’ m really confident in what goes on in our building , tested every second day , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The only coach taking part in the NHL ’ s return older than Bowness is 67-year-old Pittsburgh assistant Jacques Martin , who was on the ice for camp practices this week like normal .
Columbus ’ John Tortorella , 62 , Florida ’ s Joel Quenneville , 61 , and Montreal ’ s Claude Julien , 60 , also all felt comfortable enough to get back to work .
Tortorella , who along with Philadelphia ’ s 59-year-old Alain Vigneault and Boston ’ s 55-year-old Bruce Cassidy is a finalist for the Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , brushed aside a question about himself and said , “ Safety is the priority ” for all involved .
Kitchen made what he called “ a difficult decision to say the least , but the right decision for me and my family ” in opting out , and Quenneville said he wished his longtime right-hand man nothing but the best .
Much like players , only a handful of whom decided not to play , coaches had to make their own determinations .
“ I think this is going to be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re all going to deal with it in our own way .
… We ’ re all going to have to make that call .
”

After two days behind a mask and off his skates, Rick Bowness returned to his natural habitat on the ice with air inside the rink blowing against his face.
“You get out there and you miss it,” the Dallas Stars coach said. “You realize how much you enjoy being out there.”
The NHL’s oldest head coach still worries about COVID-19 but not enough to stop doing his job. It’s a risk-reward proposition coaches and executives around sports are weighing, and while Florida assistant Mike Kitchen is the only one to so far opt out of hockey’s return, plenty of others are considering masking up behind the bench and taking other precautions in the middle of a pandemic.
“It’s a different world out there,” Bowness, 65, said. “I’m going to have to adjust to it, there is no question. I just want to make sure I’m cautious, which we’ve been since this virus started, and I will continue to do that. My health — hey, I’m a grandfather now, my first grandkid. I intend on playing some golf with that kid down the road. I intend on being here a lot longer. So, yeah, am I going to be careful? Absolutely.”
The World Health Organization said the disease can be more severe in people 60 and over, and the NHL has four head coaches and a handful of assistants in that age range. The average age of the 24 head coaches in the playoffs is just under 54, the second-oldest behind the NBA among North America’s four major professional sports leagues.
With that life experience comes meetings like New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz held with his staff this week to talk about whether to don a mask for games and practices.
“I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do,” Trotz said Wednesday on his 58th birthday. “I’m not too concerned. I’m in pretty good health, but it affects everybody differently if you do get it. I don’t want to get it, so there’s a good chance I could have a mask behind the bench, but I haven’t decided yet. I should say I don’t want to give it to anybody if I have it, but I don’t.”
Coaches are relying on frequent testing at training camp and in the hub cities of Toronto and Edmonton, hoping before going into quarantine that players and their families can avoid contracting the virus that halted the season in March. All team staff are tested every other day for now and will be daily once games start.
“We’re all doing everything we can not to bring it into our locker room,” Bowness said. “Give our players credit, as well, because this is a big sacrifice for everyone and they’re looking after themselves.”
The NHL reported 43 players tested positive during voluntary workouts from June 8-July 12. At least three of those cases came from the Tampa Bay Lightning and one from the Boston Bruins, though the league took over reporting statistics in the name of privacy and anonymity.
Outside practice facilities, coaches’ comfort levels might vary from a hotspot such as Texas to the Canadian province of Manitoba, where there have been zero reported cases in 13 of the past 14 days.
“It was possibly easier for me, because of the fact that I was pretty darn safe right from the start,” 53-year-old Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice said. “I’m really confident in what goes on in our building, tested every second day, I don’t feel particularly exposed.”
The only coach taking part in the NHL’s return older than Bowness is 67-year-old Pittsburgh assistant Jacques Martin, who was on the ice for camp practices this week like normal. Columbus’ John Tortorella, 62, Florida’s Joel Quenneville, 61, and Montreal’s Claude Julien, 60, also all felt comfortable enough to get back to work.
Tortorella, who along with Philadelphia’s 59-year-old Alain Vigneault and Boston’s 55-year-old Bruce Cassidy is a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year, brushed aside a question about himself and said, “Safety is the priority” for all involved.
Kitchen made what he called “a difficult decision to say the least, but the right decision for me and my family” in opting out, and Quenneville said he wished his longtime right-hand man nothing but the best.
Much like players, only a handful of whom decided not to play, coaches had to make their own determinations.
“I think this is going to be an individual thing,” Bowness said. “We’re all going to deal with it in our own way. … We’re all going to have to make that call.”
AP Sports Writer Stephen Hawkins in Dallas contributed.


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--CU Buffs football’s Terrance Lang aiming for more as junior

When the coronavirus pandemic led to online-only classes at the University of Colorado and forced a shutdown of athletic facilities on campus , Terrance Lang was like many of his teammates in choosing to go home .
It didn ’ t take long for the Pomona , Calif. , native to return to Boulder .
“ I went home for a week and I realized that it was kind of hard to stay in shape because all the gyms were closed , ” said Lang , a junior defensive lineman with the Buffaloes .
“ So , I ended up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just running hills .
There ’ s a lot of hills out here in Boulder ; there ’ s so many sand pits and parks .
It ’ s such an active city , so we were just running .
A couple teammates , we would get together and just run .
“ It was fun exploring Boulder and finding all the new places to run , because there are so many different things out here , but the only thing that was hard is actual weights .
I had no access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of difficult.
” Despite the challenges created by COVID-19 , including the fact that the college football season is in question , Lang is doing all he can to be ready for what he hopes is a great junior season with the Buffs .
The 6-foot-7 , 280-pound Lang is coming off a breakout sophomore season , when he led the Buffaloes with six sacks and 12 quarterback pressures .
He added 40 tackles , nine third-down stops and played more snaps ( 588 ) than any other lineman on the team .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me a lot of confidence coming into this season , ” Lang said recently .
“ I definitely look forward to being a dominant player on the defense and doing everything I can to help the defense be as good as we can be.
” Lang has already come a long way during his career at CU .
He was “ swimming ” early in his career as he learned the college game and a new defense , all while adjusting to putting on weight and living in a new state .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 games in 2018 as a pass-rush specialist .
He recorded one sack in 263 snaps that season , spending most of the year watching .
Last year , he became a more complete player who could defend the run , as well as get after the quarterback , but is now looking for more .
“ Definitely a lot of areas I want to improve on , ” he said .
“ I did gain a lot of confidence ( last year ) .
It just motivated me and made me work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s always stuff I can improve on , but I just can ’ t wait to show what I can do again next season.
” To take his game to another level , Lang is leaning on Chris Wilson – his fourth position coach in four seasons at CU .
Lang views the changes as a positive .
“ It definitely has ( been a benefit ) , just seeing all the different perspectives , ” he said of having a new position coach each year.
” I just feel like I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I could put that together later on.
” Lang was coached by Jim Jeffcoat in 2017 , Kwahn Drake in 2018 and Jimmy Brumbaugh last season .
“ It ’ s definitely different , ” Lang said of Wilson ’ s style .
“ I feel like he wants us , as a position group , to set the tone on the team , basically , and just take over .
With him , it ’ s just all hard work .
It ’ s basically you ’ re going to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Lang has been doing the work , and he said his defensive line mates have been , as well .
It ’ s a group , led by Lang , senior Mustafa Johnson and sophomore Jalen Sami , that could be the strength of the defense .
Lang said several players on the line , including Sami , junior Jeremiah Doss and sophomore Na ’ im Rodman have made jumps forward this offseason .
“ There are so many .
It ’ s hard to just point out guys , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to ball .
I can ’ t wait to see what we ’ re going to do .
”

When the coronavirus pandemic led to online-only classes at the University of Colorado and forced a shutdown of athletic facilities on campus, Terrance Lang was like many of his teammates in choosing to go home.
It didn’t take long for the Pomona, Calif., native to return to Boulder.
“I went home for a week and I realized that it was kind of hard to stay in shape because all the gyms were closed,” said Lang, a junior defensive lineman with the Buffaloes. “So, I ended up coming back to Boulder. I was just running hills. There’s a lot of hills out here in Boulder; there’s so many sand pits and parks. It’s such an active city, so we were just running. A couple teammates, we would get together and just run.
“It was fun exploring Boulder and finding all the new places to run, because there are so many different things out here, but the only thing that was hard is actual weights. I had no access to actual weights, so that was kind of difficult.”
Despite the challenges created by COVID-19, including the fact that the college football season is in question, Lang is doing all he can to be ready for what he hopes is a great junior season with the Buffs.
The 6-foot-7, 280-pound Lang is coming off a breakout sophomore season, when he led the Buffaloes with six sacks and 12 quarterback pressures. He added 40 tackles, nine third-down stops and played more snaps (588) than any other lineman on the team.
“I feel like last season gives me a lot of confidence coming into this season,” Lang said recently. “I definitely look forward to being a dominant player on the defense and doing everything I can to help the defense be as good as we can be.”
Lang has already come a long way during his career at CU.
He was “swimming” early in his career as he learned the college game and a new defense, all while adjusting to putting on weight and living in a new state. After redshirting in 2017, Lang played in 11 games in 2018 as a pass-rush specialist. He recorded one sack in 263 snaps that season, spending most of the year watching.
Last year, he became a more complete player who could defend the run, as well as get after the quarterback, but is now looking for more.
“Definitely a lot of areas I want to improve on,” he said. “I did gain a lot of confidence (last year). It just motivated me and made me work harder in the offseason. There’s always stuff I can improve on, but I just can’t wait to show what I can do again next season.”
To take his game to another level, Lang is leaning on Chris Wilson – his fourth position coach in four seasons at CU. Lang views the changes as a positive.
“It definitely has (been a benefit), just seeing all the different perspectives,” he said of having a new position coach each year.”I just feel like I got a little bit of both worlds, so I could put that together later on.”
Lang was coached by Jim Jeffcoat in 2017, Kwahn Drake in 2018 and Jimmy Brumbaugh last season.
“It’s definitely different,” Lang said of Wilson’s style. “I feel like he wants us, as a position group, to set the tone on the team, basically, and just take over. With him, it’s just all hard work. It’s basically you’re going to do the work or you’re not.”
Lang has been doing the work, and he said his defensive line mates have been, as well. It’s a group, led by Lang, senior Mustafa Johnson and sophomore Jalen Sami, that could be the strength of the defense.
Lang said several players on the line, including Sami, junior Jeremiah Doss and sophomore Na’im Rodman have made jumps forward this offseason.
“There are so many. It’s hard to just point out guys,” he said. “I mean, everybody’s going to ball. I can’t wait to see what we’re going to do.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Lost in the pines: Toll Brothers’ luxury estate ranches in The Timbers are lower priced than nearby

Lost in the pines: Toll Brothers’ luxury estate ranches in The Timbers are lower priced than nearby custom homes

At a moment when real estate agents are reporting that there are serious buyers looking hard now for homes that have more privacy and larger home sites , Toll Brothers has a community of luxurious ranches to see , tucked away in the pines of the Black Forest near Parker .
Toll Brothers at The Timbers , about 25 minutes from the heart of the Denver Tech Center , has the privacy and scenery that are resonating with buyers now , looking for more space after being stuck at home for much of the spring .
New custom homes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; but Toll Brothers ’ large , luxurious ranches here—which look like custom homes—have prices from the $ 900s .
That ’ s for a big ranch on a half-acre , comparable to what you ’ ll see in a ‘ Crestone ’ ranch model—3,652 finished square feet , offering three to five bedrooms , wide-open entertaining areas that open to an outdoor living space , and a full-wide , side-entry 3-car garage .
“ People are really moving forward now , ” says Jennifer Pearce , who has seen brisk sales over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parker or surrounding areas who already knew about this enclave , three miles east of Parker Road at South Pinery Parkway .
“ I had no idea this was here ; I ’ m bringing back my wife , ” one buyer told her this week .
Pearce says the pines are a strong attraction in a metropolitan area that doesn ’ t have a lot of trees , but buyers tell her that Toll Brothers ’ architecture and styling are what lure sales away from other builders around Parker .
“ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
In addition to the Crestone show home you ’ ll tour , Toll Brothers has a ‘ Chatfield ’ ranch that ’ s ready to go now—3,400 square feet of finished space , three bedrooms , three baths , and a study .
It shows a wide-open great room with fireplace opening into a big deck ; besides a gourmet kitchen and breakfast area with oversized walk-in pantry , and a formal dining room adjoined by a butler ’ s pantry .
The price , including a daylit walkout basement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 965,000—around $ 200,000 less than comparable homes by custom builders in the Pinery area .
Or you can talk to Pearce about some new home sites that Toll Brothers is releasing today , where you could order a very personalized version of one of these ( one plan offers a FOUR-car garage option ) .
Toll Brothers has a National Sales Event that ’ s been extended through this weekend , that could favorably affect the pricing on a home like that .
Despite the larger sites and trees , you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I-25 corridor via the new Hess Road connection .
Buyers tell Pearce that they also appreciate the low HOA fee— $ 48 a month .
“ They tell us that they don ’ t want to pay for a pool they ’ re not going to use , ” she adds .
Meanwhile , The Timbers has The Club at Pradera is a country club option close by ; and Pinery Country Club closer still—a very modestly priced , family-style club with a 27-hole course and amenities that will work for families of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post ’ s preparation .

At a moment when real estate agents are reporting that there are serious buyers looking hard now for homes that have more privacy and larger home sites, Toll Brothers has a community of luxurious ranches to see, tucked away in the pines of the Black Forest near Parker.
Toll Brothers at The Timbers What: Luxury homes on larger lots with abundant Black Forest pines in the neighborhood; ranch model; quick move-in on 3-bed-plus-study ranch; new half-acre sites released today
Luxury homes on larger lots with abundant Black Forest pines in the neighborhood; ranch model; quick move-in on 3-bed-plus-study ranch; new half-acre sites released today Where: 9237 Timber Point Dr. Parker; south on Parker Road past town of Parker, 5 miles to The Pinery’s second entrance at S. Pinery Pkwy, east 3 mi. (past Democrat Rd) to Timber Point Dr.
9237 Timber Point Dr. Parker; south on Parker Road past town of Parker, 5 miles to The Pinery’s second entrance at S. Pinery Pkwy, east 3 mi. (past Democrat Rd) to Timber Point Dr. Price: From the low $900s, move now $965,000
From the low $900s, move now $965,000 When: Sat, Sun. and daily 10-to-6
Sat, Sun. and daily 10-to-6 Phone: 720-828-8825
720-828-8825 More Info: TollBrothers.com
Toll Brothers at The Timbers, about 25 minutes from the heart of the Denver Tech Center, has the privacy and scenery that are resonating with buyers now, looking for more space after being stuck at home for much of the spring.
New custom homes in this area are in the million-dollar-plus range; but Toll Brothers’ large, luxurious ranches here—which look like custom homes—have prices from the $900s. That’s for a big ranch on a half-acre, comparable to what you’ll see in a ‘Crestone’ ranch model—3,652 finished square feet, offering three to five bedrooms, wide-open entertaining areas that open to an outdoor living space, and a full-wide, side-entry 3-car garage.
“People are really moving forward now,” says Jennifer Pearce, who has seen brisk sales over the past two months—often to buyers in Parker or surrounding areas who already knew about this enclave, three miles east of Parker Road at South Pinery Parkway.
“I had no idea this was here; I’m bringing back my wife,” one buyer told her this week.
Pearce says the pines are a strong attraction in a metropolitan area that doesn’t have a lot of trees, but buyers tell her that Toll Brothers’ architecture and styling are what lure sales away from other builders around Parker. “Our ranch model blows them away,” she says.
In addition to the Crestone show home you’ll tour, Toll Brothers has a ‘Chatfield’ ranch that’s ready to go now—3,400 square feet of finished space, three bedrooms, three baths, and a study. It shows a wide-open great room with fireplace opening into a big deck; besides a gourmet kitchen and breakfast area with oversized walk-in pantry, and a formal dining room adjoined by a butler’s pantry.
The price, including a daylit walkout basement and full-wide 3-car garage, is $965,000—around $200,000 less than comparable homes by custom builders in the Pinery area.
Or you can talk to Pearce about some new home sites that Toll Brothers is releasing today, where you could order a very personalized version of one of these (one plan offers a FOUR-car garage option). Toll Brothers has a National Sales Event that’s been extended through this weekend, that could favorably affect the pricing on a home like that.
Despite the larger sites and trees, you’ll see how accessible this is to the I-25 corridor via the new Hess Road connection. Buyers tell Pearce that they also appreciate the low HOA fee—$48 a month. “They tell us that they don’t want to pay for a pool they’re not going to use,” she adds.
Meanwhile, The Timbers has The Club at Pradera is a country club option close by; and Pinery Country Club closer still—a very modestly priced, family-style club with a 27-hole course and amenities that will work for families of all ages.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon named finalist for Lady Byng Trophy

For the second time this week , Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon was named a finalist for a prestigious NHL award @ @ @ @ @ was for the Lady Byng , which is awarded by the National Hockey Writers ’ @ @ @ @ @ adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a @ @ @ @ @ ” Earlier in the week , MacKinnon was named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay @ @ @ @ @ the most outstanding player ” by NHL players .
The 24-year-old had 36 goals and @ @ @ @ @ during the 2019-20 regular season , ranking in the top 10 in all three categories @ @ @ @ @ getting whistled for just 12 penalty minutes , which is the second-fewest among the NHL @ @ @ @ @ .
Other finalists for the Lady Byng include Toronto forward Auston Matthews and former Avs @ @ @ @ @ , now with St. Louis .
Two other Avs have previously won the Lady Byng @ @ @ @ @ 2013-14 and Joe Sakic in 2000-01 .

For the second time this week, Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon was named a finalist for a prestigious NHL award.
On Thursday, it was for the Lady Byng, which is awarded by the National Hockey Writers’ Association “to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
Earlier in the week, MacKinnon was named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, given to “the most outstanding player” by NHL players.
The 24-year-old had 36 goals and 58 assists for 93 points during the 2019-20 regular season, ranking in the top 10 in all three categories. He did so while getting whistled for just 12 penalty minutes, which is the second-fewest among the NHL’s top 25 scorers.
Other finalists for the Lady Byng include Toronto forward Auston Matthews and former Avs star Ryan O’Reilly, now with St. Louis.
Two other Avs have previously won the Lady Byng: O’Reilly in 2013-14 and Joe Sakic in 2000-01.


thedenverpost--2020-07-17--Denver developer sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for condo arson

A Denver developer was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in federal prison for arson , torching condominiums on Grove Street .
Michael Marte , 55 also was ordered to pay about $ 2.9 million restitution to the arson victims , according to a news release from the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Colorado .
Marte also will serve three years of supervised probation after his prison term .
The fire , at 1920 and 1930 Grove Street , was set May 10 , 2018 , in buildings that were under construction .
After being indicted in federal court on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested in February 2019 in the Carribean .
Marte was paid an annual salary of about $ 200,000 to supervise the construction project .
Marte purchased a $ 4 million insurance police on the property , naming himself as the beneficiary , and he unsuccessfully tried to collect shortly after the fire .
“ Mr .
Marte thought he could steal $ 4,000,000 by igniting a fire that destroyed someone else ’ s property and put lives at risk , ” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn in the release .
“ But arson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal consequences , as Mr. Marte has now discovered the hard way.
” Denver firefighters battled the three-alarm fire near Empower Field at Mile High for about eight hours .
The loss was valued at about $ 4 million .
Marte , who was charged by indictment on Jan. 6 , 2018 , and pleaded guilty on Nov. 25 , 2019 , was remanded into federal custody at the end of the sentencing hearing .
He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William J. Martinez .

A Denver developer was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in federal prison for arson, torching condominiums on Grove Street.
Michael Marte, 55 also was ordered to pay about $2.9 million restitution to the arson victims, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office in Colorado. Marte also will serve three years of supervised probation after his prison term.
The fire, at 1920 and 1930 Grove Street, was set May 10, 2018, in buildings that were under construction.
After being indicted in federal court on arson and fraud charges, Marte was arrested in February 2019 in the Carribean. Marte was paid an annual salary of about $200,000 to supervise the construction project.
Marte purchased a $4 million insurance police on the property, naming himself as the beneficiary, and he unsuccessfully tried to collect shortly after the fire.
“Mr. Marte thought he could steal $4,000,000 by igniting a fire that destroyed someone else’s property and put lives at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn in the release. “But arson is a serious crime that has serious criminal consequences, as Mr. Marte has now discovered the hard way.”
Denver firefighters battled the three-alarm fire near Empower Field at Mile High for about eight hours. The loss was valued at about $4 million.
Marte, who was charged by indictment on Jan. 6, 2018, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 25, 2019, was remanded into federal custody at the end of the sentencing hearing. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William J. Martinez.


thedenverpost--2020-07-17--3-year-old child found shot dead in Commerce City home

About 3:30 p.m. , police responded to the 7800 block Jasmine Drive on a report of gunfire , police said @ @ @ @ @ child who had been shot .
Two other children were found in the residence unharmed @ @ @ @ @ .
Police released no other information .

A 3-year-old was shot dead Thursday afternoon in Commerce City.
About 3:30 p.m., police responded to the 7800 block Jasmine Drive on a report of gunfire, police said. Officers found a deceased child who had been shot.
Two other children were found in the residence unharmed.
An investigation is ongoing. Police released no other information.


thedenverpost--2020-07-17--Poudre School District cancels July voluntary activities after athletes test positive for COVID-19

As Colorado continues to take hesitant steps towards the resumption of high school sports in the fall , Poudre School District put a freeze on its summer workouts Wednesday .
The district , which serves schools in the Fort Collins area , said it will suspend all voluntary activities for the remainder of July after multiple student-athletes tested positive for COVID-19 at two PSD high schools .
That includes athletics and any other summer programs that the district normally runs .
No plan for August was announced , and there is no timeline for a decision .
“ We know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , and it wasn ’ t an easy one to make , ” said Madeline Noblett , a PSD spokeswoman .
Poudre High football coach Marty McVicker said he found out about the district ’ s plan Tuesday , a day after he had a student-athlete test positive for the coronavirus .
He thinks PSD is making the right decision .
“ For the safety of the kids and the coaches and the people that are around them , even if it ’ s just one case I think it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handle on it before we go forward , ” he said .
Fort Collins High football coach Matt Yemm agreed , although he said he and his players are disappointed , but not surprised given the severity of the pandemic .
After almost four months in quarantine , Yemm said his student-athletes have learned to live life in flux .
“ We ’ ve been kind of preaching the message all summer long that the boys need to be ready to adapt , ” he said .
“ That ’ s just what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last several months .
News is going to be changing every single day and we need to adapt so I think — unfortunately — they ’ re used to things like that happening more regularly now.
” PSD ’ s announcement came a day before the Colorado High School Activities Association sent out an update that stated the organization is still waiting on a decision from the governor ’ s office on the return-to-play plan it submitted .
“ Their timeline is our timeline , and we will be ready to play , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said in the statement .
Even though CHSAA is the governing body of high school sports in the state , summer guidelines are enforced by local entities .
Mandatory team practices are scheduled to begin Aug. 10 , however , and McVicker said he doesn ’ t see how the season can start on time now .
“ I hate to speculate , ” he said .
“ But it seems like when we have one positive test , it shuts everything down .
Once school starts again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going to be more positive tests when classes resume , if we resume in person , so I ’ m just really skeptical.
” The news comes amid a new spike of COVID-19 cases in Larimer County , where 103 new positive tests have been reported in the past five days .
According to the Larimer County data , people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for 20 % of its cases .
The district is supposed to welcome back students Aug. 17 .
PSD originally allowed teams to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams submit plans for following the county ’ s health guidelines .
The district did not have the resources to test all of its athletes , so teams like Yemm ’ s Lambkins relied on symptom checks to determine who could participate .
“ At the end of the day , we care deeply for our kids , for our coaches , for our staff , ” Noblett said .
“ And we make decisions rooted in what we think has their best interests and their safety in mind .
”

As Colorado continues to take hesitant steps towards the resumption of high school sports in the fall, Poudre School District put a freeze on its summer workouts Wednesday.
The district, which serves schools in the Fort Collins area, said it will suspend all voluntary activities for the remainder of July after multiple student-athletes tested positive for COVID-19 at two PSD high schools. That includes athletics and any other summer programs that the district normally runs.
No plan for August was announced, and there is no timeline for a decision.
“We know this was likely a disappointing decision for families, and it wasn’t an easy one to make,” said Madeline Noblett, a PSD spokeswoman.
Poudre High football coach Marty McVicker said he found out about the district’s plan Tuesday, a day after he had a student-athlete test positive for the coronavirus. He thinks PSD is making the right decision.
“For the safety of the kids and the coaches and the people that are around them, even if it’s just one case I think it’s important to make sure we get a handle on it before we go forward,” he said.
Fort Collins High football coach Matt Yemm agreed, although he said he and his players are disappointed, but not surprised given the severity of the pandemic. After almost four months in quarantine, Yemm said his student-athletes have learned to live life in flux.
“We’ve been kind of preaching the message all summer long that the boys need to be ready to adapt,” he said. “That’s just what we’ve come to realize these last several months. News is going to be changing every single day and we need to adapt so I think — unfortunately — they’re used to things like that happening more regularly now.”
PSD’s announcement came a day before the Colorado High School Activities Association sent out an update that stated the organization is still waiting on a decision from the governor’s office on the return-to-play plan it submitted.
“Their timeline is our timeline, and we will be ready to play, with planned modifications, once approved,” CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said in the statement.
Even though CHSAA is the governing body of high school sports in the state, summer guidelines are enforced by local entities. Mandatory team practices are scheduled to begin Aug. 10, however, and McVicker said he doesn’t see how the season can start on time now.
“I hate to speculate,” he said. “But it seems like when we have one positive test, it shuts everything down. Once school starts again, I’m guessing there’s going to be more positive tests when classes resume, if we resume in person, so I’m just really skeptical.”
The news comes amid a new spike of COVID-19 cases in Larimer County, where 103 new positive tests have been reported in the past five days. According to the Larimer County data, people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for 20% of its cases. The district is supposed to welcome back students Aug. 17.
PSD originally allowed teams to return to workouts June 22, but mandated teams submit plans for following the county’s health guidelines. The district did not have the resources to test all of its athletes, so teams like Yemm’s Lambkins relied on symptom checks to determine who could participate.
“At the end of the day, we care deeply for our kids, for our coaches, for our staff,” Noblett said. “And we make decisions rooted in what we think has their best interests and their safety in mind.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-16--Suspect arrested in shooting death of 51-year-old Lakewood man

A suspect has been arrested in the shooting death of 51-year-old Lakewood man .
Esther Epperson , 49 , is @ @ @ @ @ County jail on investigation of first-degree murder , according to the sheriff ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ deputies responded to the 3600 block of South Sheridan Boulevard on a report of shots @ @ @ @ @ shot inside his residence and was taken to a Denver hospital , where he was @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office said .
An investigation is ongoing .
Anyone with information on the @ @ @ @ @ the sheriff ’ s office at 303-271-5612 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 ( @ @ @

A suspect has been arrested in the shooting death of 51-year-old Lakewood man.
Esther Epperson, 49, is being held at the Jefferson County jail on investigation of first-degree murder, according to the sheriff’s office.
About 9:30 p.m. Monday deputies responded to the 3600 block of South Sheridan Boulevard on a report of shots fired. Joe Trujillo was shot inside his residence and was taken to a Denver hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office said.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 303-271-5612 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP).