thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Case Williams, MLB draft surprise? Not for Rockies and others who know Douglas County ace.

CASTLE ROCK — Early this spring , before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the sports world , Douglas County baseball coach Craig Gienger received final confirmation about Case Williams ’ budding talent .
His star , the 6-foot-3 , 225-pound senior right-handed pitcher , was facing Bear Creek in a scrimmage .
Williams ’ fastball hit 96 mph that chilly day .
“ Their hitters were up at the plate kind of chuckling , kind of saying , ‘ Man , I don ’ t know how to hit this stuff , ’ ” Gienger recalled .
“ And Case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s when my assistant coach , ( Curt Williams ) looked at me and said , ‘ The sky is the limit .
This kid is going high in the draft.
’ “ Sure enough , last week the Rockies drafted the 18-year-old Williams in the fourth round , making him the 110th overall player selected .
He joined Pine Creek ’ s Ryan Warner ( third round , 2012 ) and Greeley Central ’ s Shawn Chacon ( third round , 1996 ) as the only in-state pitchers that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rounds out of high school .
Analysts on the MLB Network ’ s draft show were taken aback by Colorado ’ s pick .
After all , Williams did not show up on MLB.com ’ s list of top 200 draft prospects , nor did he make Baseball America ’ s top-500 list .
But if draft gurus were surprised , Williams was not .
“ You know , at this point , it doesn ’ t matter , ” said Williams , who had committed to Santa Clara University before signing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 450,000 bonus .
“ And I wouldn ’ t say I was mad about all of that stuff , it was just weird because I knew it wasn ’ t true .
I knew I could pitch.
” What those close to Williams also know to be true is that he is a mature young man who ’ s been gifted with a powerful right arm and a passion for hard work .
“ He ’ s really focused , ” said his father , Pete Williams .
“ His mom and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do homework , he just did it , and he got good grades ( 3.9 GPA ) .
He knew what it took to get stronger and better .
He took it upon himself to do it , but then , he ’ s always been that way.
” Over the last 18 months , as word got out about the strapping right-hander from Colorado , scouts began showing up to games .
They honed their radar guns on Williams ’ pitches and asked questions about his character , competitiveness and toughness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ I ’ m trying to punch holes in this kid , what have you got ?
’ “ Gienger recalled .
“ I told the scout , ‘ That ’ s a difficult task , this kid has got it together.
’ “ Then the scout said , ‘ My one question is , can he handle adversity ?
’ I said , ‘ Yes , he turns adversity around and uses it to his advantage.
’ ” “ What ’ s he going to be like when he goes into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college kids and a bunch of Dominican kids ?
How ’ s he going to be then ?
” the scout asked .
Gienger , who pitched in the Oakland A ’ s minor-league system in 1992-93 , responded : “ Listen , Case knows who he is and he knows what he wants .
He ’ s not going to be swayed by any of that .
He ’ s very mature and level-headed.
” Bill Schmidt , the Rockies vice president of scouting , noted how calm Williams was last summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major evaluation event in Long Beach , Calif. “ If you ever went there , you ’ d see maybe 500 scouts sitting behind home plate , with ( radar ) guns , ” Schmidt said .
“ It can be a little bit intimidating .
But it didn ’ t faze him.
” Plus , Williams has good stuff .
He throws a four-seam and a two-seam fastball , and lately , the four-seamer has been consistently clocked in the mid-90s .
He ’ s working on a changeup that is rated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior .
But his best pitch is his 12-6 curveball .
“ He has a chance to be a really good player , ” said Marc Johnson , the longtime coach at Cherry Creek who was a pro scout for 38 years .
“ A lot of people underestimated his breaking ball .
That pitch is the separator.
” In addition to the Rockies , the Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds also showed a strong interest in Williams .
According to Gienger , the Reds were poised to draft Williams three picks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what I was surprised by ?
That other people were surprised that Case got that much interest , ” Gienger said .
“ Once he hit 96 ( mph ) last summer and once word got out about his curve , there were a lot of scouts around .
I ’ m glad the Rockies got him .
I think it ’ s a great fit.
” Williams has loved baseball since he was 8 years old and began flashing his talent .
“ You could see that he was something special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” his dad said .
“ The other parents would watch him and go ‘ Wow !
’ But we didn ’ t push Case .
He ’ s the one who wanted to go after this.
” Though Williams made varsity as a freshman , he blossomed as a junior when he finished 8-1 with a 1.81 ERA and 79 strikeouts during a 2019 season that included a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts .
That ’ s when Williams began to see pro baseball as more than just a dream .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change my body , ” said Williams , who at one point weighed 243 pounds .
“ I really made the jump from sophomore to junior year .
I got stronger and slimmed down and got more flexible .
“ That ’ s where that jump was made from me being good to even better .
It was about knowing that if I changed a little bit , I could go after it.
” To that end , Williams started working out at The Factory — a personal training and sports performance facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ What ’ s noteworthy about his body and something that makes him unique is his flexibility and his strength , especially for someone with his body type , ” Mitchell said .
“ He ’ s like a bionic kid and he never really complains of pain or working hard .
“ And he ’ s a great kid ; the kind of kid who seeks and craves feedback .
He ’ s one of those special athletes who understands what it takes to get to the next level .
”

CASTLE ROCK — Early this spring, before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the sports world, Douglas County baseball coach Craig Gienger received final confirmation about Case Williams’ budding talent.
His star, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior right-handed pitcher, was facing Bear Creek in a scrimmage. Williams’ fastball hit 96 mph that chilly day.
“Their hitters were up at the plate kind of chuckling, kind of saying, ‘Man, I don’t know how to hit this stuff,’ ” Gienger recalled. “And Case’s curveball was just unhittable. That’s when my assistant coach, (Curt Williams) looked at me and said, ‘The sky is the limit. This kid is going high in the draft.’ “
Sure enough, last week the Rockies drafted the 18-year-old Williams in the fourth round, making him the 110th overall player selected. He joined Pine Creek’s Ryan Warner (third round, 2012) and Greeley Central’s Shawn Chacon (third round, 1996) as the only in-state pitchers that the Rockies have selected in the first four rounds out of high school.
Analysts on the MLB Network’s draft show were taken aback by Colorado’s pick. After all, Williams did not show up on MLB.com’s list of top 200 draft prospects, nor did he make Baseball America’s top-500 list. But if draft gurus were surprised, Williams was not.
“You know, at this point, it doesn’t matter,” said Williams, who had committed to Santa Clara University before signing with the Rockies on Wednesday for a $450,000 bonus. “And I wouldn’t say I was mad about all of that stuff, it was just weird because I knew it wasn’t true. I knew I could pitch.”
What those close to Williams also know to be true is that he is a mature young man who’s been gifted with a powerful right arm and a passion for hard work.
“He’s really focused,” said his father, Pete Williams. “His mom and I didn’t have to urge him to do homework, he just did it, and he got good grades (3.9 GPA). He knew what it took to get stronger and better. He took it upon himself to do it, but then, he’s always been that way.”
Over the last 18 months, as word got out about the strapping right-hander from Colorado, scouts began showing up to games. They honed their radar guns on Williams’ pitches and asked questions about his character, competitiveness and toughness.
“One scout said to me, ‘I’m trying to punch holes in this kid, what have you got?’ “Gienger recalled. “I told the scout, ‘That’s a difficult task, this kid has got it together.’
“Then the scout said, ‘My one question is, can he handle adversity?’ I said, ‘Yes, he turns adversity around and uses it to his advantage.’ ”
Still, the scout wasn’t finished.
“What’s he going to be like when he goes into a room with a bunch of 22-year-old college kids and a bunch of Dominican kids? How’s he going to be then?” the scout asked.
Gienger, who pitched in the Oakland A’s minor-league system in 1992-93, responded: “Listen, Case knows who he is and he knows what he wants. He’s not going to be swayed by any of that. He’s very mature and level-headed.”
Bill Schmidt, the Rockies vice president of scouting, noted how calm Williams was last summer at the Area Code Games — a major evaluation event in Long Beach, Calif.
“If you ever went there, you’d see maybe 500 scouts sitting behind home plate, with (radar) guns,” Schmidt said. “It can be a little bit intimidating. But it didn’t faze him.”
Plus, Williams has good stuff. He throws a four-seam and a two-seam fastball, and lately, the four-seamer has been consistently clocked in the mid-90s. He’s working on a changeup that is rated far above average for a high school senior. But his best pitch is his 12-6 curveball.
“He has a chance to be a really good player,” said Marc Johnson, the longtime coach at Cherry Creek who was a pro scout for 38 years. “A lot of people underestimated his breaking ball. That pitch is the separator.”
In addition to the Rockies, the Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds also showed a strong interest in Williams. According to Gienger, the Reds were poised to draft Williams three picks after the Rockies did.
“You know what I was surprised by? That other people were surprised that Case got that much interest,” Gienger said. “Once he hit 96 (mph) last summer and once word got out about his curve, there were a lot of scouts around. I’m glad the Rockies got him. I think it’s a great fit.”
Williams has loved baseball since he was 8 years old and began flashing his talent.
“You could see that he was something special when he first started to pitch,” his dad said. “The other parents would watch him and go ‘Wow!’ But we didn’t push Case. He’s the one who wanted to go after this.”
Though Williams made varsity as a freshman, he blossomed as a junior when he finished 8-1 with a 1.81 ERA and 79 strikeouts during a 2019 season that included a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts.
That’s when Williams began to see pro baseball as more than just a dream.
“It all came together when I decided to change my body,” said Williams, who at one point weighed 243 pounds. “I really made the jump from sophomore to junior year. I got stronger and slimmed down and got more flexible.
“That’s where that jump was made from me being good to even better. It was about knowing that if I changed a little bit, I could go after it.”
To that end, Williams started working out at The Factory — a personal training and sports performance facility in Castle Rock run by Travis Mitchell.
“What’s noteworthy about his body and something that makes him unique is his flexibility and his strength, especially for someone with his body type,” Mitchell said. “He’s like a bionic kid and he never really complains of pain or working hard.
“And he’s a great kid; the kind of kid who seeks and craves feedback. He’s one of those special athletes who understands what it takes to get to the next level.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Emerald ash borer, responsible for killing millions of ash trees in the U.S., detected in Arvada

Emerald ash borer — welcome to Arvada .
Now get lost .
The city on Thursday announced that state officials have for the first time confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer in Arvada , seven years after it first arrived in Colorado .
The non-native , wood-boring beetle that is responsible for the death or decline of tens of millions of ash trees in North America was first detected in Boulder in 2013 .
It has since been found in other communities , like Broomfield , Longmont , Berthoud , Lyons and Westminster .
The emerald ash borer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and since then it has spread to at least 35 states .
The insect lacks predators as it is not native to the United States .
Arvada officials said they do not know how the beetle finally found its way into the city , whether it was by natural spread or via accidental human transport such as in firewood or other raw ash material .
The emerald ash borer is capable of travelling a half-mile each year on its own .
Approximately 97,000 ash trees on both private and public land in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beetle .
Over the last several years , forestry staff in the city have completed an inventory of the size , location and health of all 1,500 ash trees on city property , and city staff has identified resources to proactively respond to a potential infestation .

Emerald ash borer — welcome to Arvada. Now get lost.
The city on Thursday announced that state officials have for the first time confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer in Arvada, seven years after it first arrived in Colorado. The non-native, wood-boring beetle that is responsible for the death or decline of tens of millions of ash trees in North America was first detected in Boulder in 2013.
It has since been found in other communities, like Broomfield, Longmont, Berthoud, Lyons and Westminster.
The emerald ash borer was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, and since then it has spread to at least 35 states. The insect lacks predators as it is not native to the United States.
Arvada officials said they do not know how the beetle finally found its way into the city, whether it was by natural spread or via accidental human transport such as in firewood or other raw ash material. The emerald ash borer is capable of travelling a half-mile each year on its own.
Approximately 97,000 ash trees on both private and public land in Arvada could eventually be affected by the beetle. Over the last several years, forestry staff in the city have completed an inventory of the size, location and health of all 1,500 ash trees on city property, and city staff has identified resources to proactively respond to a potential infestation.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--The Spot: Door-knocking returns, Senate ads flood airwaves and Polis revives an old grudge

What ’ s The Spot ?
You ’ re reading an installment of our weekly politics newsletter .
Sign up here to get it delivered straight in your inbox .
Door-to-door canvassing , that most grassroots form of campaigning , was an early victim of the coronavirus pandemic .
Its departure sank several U.S. Senate campaigns in the spring .
Now canvassing is returning , albeit slowly .
Progressive Turnout Project , a Democratic group that spends tens of millions of dollars on canvassing , will begin knocking on Colorado doors Saturday .
“ It will be interesting to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but on the positive side , we anticipate more people than ever before are home .
So , we anticipate our ( outreach ) numbers may even be higher than they ’ ve been before , ” said Alex Morgan , the group ’ s executive director .
PTP has spent the past few months consulting with an infectious disease expert and perfecting its approach .
Canvassers , wearing masks that say “ Voting Matters , ” will knock and then take several big steps back to ensure distancing .
After each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitizer .
The group will focus on the U.S. Senate race and the presidential contest .
It isn ’ t taking a side in the Democratic primary between John Hickenlooper and Andrew Romanoff ; its only priority is getting voters to turn out in November .
PTP seeks out Democrats who often skip elections .
“ The bulk of these folks are in the Denver metro area , ” Morgan says .
“ We ’ re going to have three offices in the Denver area , one in Boulder and one in Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a ( roughly ) $ 2 million investment in the state , with 66 staff who will be knocking almost 700,000 doors ” this year .
PTP will not be the first group to restart canvassing when its staffers pound pavement Saturday .
The Republican National Committee and President Donald Trump ’ s reelection campaign have been knocking on doors here since June 8 .
They have 30 staffers spanning the state and follow similar guidelines to PTP : social distancing of at least six feet , along with mandatory masks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seamlessly transition to virtual campaigning in March , our teams across the country once again adapted efficiently to getting back into the field , ” Colorado RNC spokesperson Kyle Kohli said .
Senate campaigns , meanwhile , are still holding off on door-to-door campaigning .
Hickenlooper ’ s campaign says it hasn ’ t resumed door-knocking yet , and Romanoff ’ s campaign says it is dropping off literature and placing signs in yards — but not interacting with voters face-to-face .
Sen. Cory Gardner ’ s campaign says it hopes to restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done so yet .
In today ’ s Spot , I dig into the barrage of TV ads that ’ s been flying in the Senate primary , and Jon Murray reports on Gov .
Jared Polis ’ steadfast support of an unfunded transit project .
To support the important journalism we do , you can become a Denver Post subscriber here .
You can send tips , comments and questions to me at jwingerter @ denverpost.com or to the other Post reporters below .
During the Colorado legislature ’ s historic 84-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interrupted by the pandemic — lawmakers passed a slew of major legislation .
Some of occurred so early on that it might feel like it happened in a different year .
Saja Hindi looks at a dozen bills a dozen top bills that won approval during the unusual session .
This is the week that Colorado ’ s trickle of U.S. Senate race ads became a steady stream .
Hickenlooper kicked things off Sunday , with a characteristically straight-to-camera ad in which he sits on his porch and talks about his efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to restrict it .
Romanoff followed up the next day with a characteristically aggressive digital ad .
In it , Romanoff supporter , Denver school board member and Black Lives Matter activist Tay Anderson dings Hickenlooper for his past policing policies .
Republicans waded in Tuesday , also predictably hitting Hickenlooper .
Sen. Cory Gardner ’ s campaign released a somewhat hokey ad in which he plays a psychiatrist listening to Hickenlooper ’ s past comments about not wanting to be in the Senate .
The National Republican Senatorial Committee took a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV news reports about Hickenlooper ’ s travails before the Independent Ethics Commission .
The ad represents an aggressive move from the NRSC , which originally did not plan to go on-air until after Democrats pick a candidate June 30 .
Wednesday gave us one pro-Hickenlooper ad and one pro-Gardner ad .
Senate Majority PAC , a Democratic group , is spending $ 1 million defending Hickenlooper .
Meanwhile , the U.S. Chamber launched this ad thanking Gardner for his work on apprenticeships .
As usual , most outside groups airing ads in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A PAC for Colorado ’ s Working Families broadcast an anti-Gardner ad about coronavirus .
A six-figure digital ad buy from Be A Hero Action Fund also criticized Gardner on that front , and the American Federation of Teachers is still running an ad pushing the Senate to pass coronavirus aid .
Rocky Mountain Values is online with this ad criticizing Gardner on environmental issues .
Endorsements : In newspaper endorsements , the Durango Herald is backing Hickenlooper and the Aurora Sentinel has endorsed Romanoff .
On Tuesday , Romanoff announced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s largest private-sector union , United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 , and Crisanta Duran , the former Colorado House speaker who considered running for U.S. Senate last year .
In an unusual move Wednesday , former U.S. Rep. John Salazar switched his endorsement from Romanoff to Hickenlooper .
Hickenlooper also was endorsed by former state Rep. Wilma Webb that day and , on today , by her husband , former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb .
Side note : Hickenlooper announced Thursday that he raised a record $ 3.7 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romanoff raised $ 710,232 in that time .
• Hickenlooper and Romanoff squared off for the final time Tuesday night .
Our coverage of the debate is here , Colorado Public Radio ’ s report is here , and Denver 7 ’ s is here .
• Hickenlooper apologized Monday for comparing politicians to slaves on an ancient slave ship .
• June has been a bad month for Hickenlooper .
Will it matter ?
• The CORE Act has gone nowhere in the Senate .
Hickenlooper wants to use “ that holdup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Glenwood Springs Post Independent reports .
It was a bit awkward Wednesday when Gov .
Jared Polis kicked off a virtual news conference by bringing up an old grudge .
He was headlining the announcement of the new RTD Accountability Committee , a state panel that will scrutinize the Regional Transportation District ’ s operations , finances and other issues and make recommendations for improvements .
RTD , in a kumbaya moment of sorts , had agreed to the outside review after pushing back earlier this year against lawmakers ’ attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troubled agency .
But Polis is nothing if not a proud Boulder resident — and Boulder residents have a longstanding gripe against RTD .
Namely , the commuter rail train they were promised in the 2004 FasTracks program .
As he discussed the importance and difficulty of reforming RTD , Polis couldn ’ t help himself .
“ I joined probably most of the people on this call in voting for FasTracks in 2004 , ” he said .
“ I was very excited that by 2017 , I ’ d be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boulder to Denver and back.
” RTD put the full B Line on hold years ago , though , after tax revenues began coming up woefully short to pay for the expansion program .
The most recent projection to complete the $ 1.5 billion train line is 2050 or later .
“ I ’ ve let RTD know many times that that ’ s unacceptable , ” Polis said .
Pressed by reporters about whether RTD ’ s mounting budget woes simply make that train line unrealistic , Polis said the agency must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Well look , the train has to come — it was part of the 2004 ballot initiative , ” he repeated .
“ So , RTD is required to deliver the train .
… It ’ s a binding vote of the people , ( though ) the people can vote for something different , of course.
” He expressed hope that one outcome of the Accountability Committee would be for its members to suggest ways for RTD to put the northwest train and other waylaid projects on a more realistic timeline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other wrapped up Monday , with lawmakers passing major reforms but shelving others due to the coronavirus pandemic .
• In the final days of the legislative session , lawmakers struck last-minute deals on tax breaks , a vaping tax measure and housing relief .
• Colorado state workers now have the ability to bargain for pay and benefits under a bill approved by the legislature .
• Lawmakers also gave the governor authority to grant mass-pardons for marijuana convictions .
• Polis issued a new order that delays housing evictions amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members grilled Denver ’ s top public safety officials during a contentious meeting about police handling of recent protests .
• The Denver police officer who shot and killed 21-year-old William DeBose last month will not face criminal charges , Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said today .
• Metro Denver ’ s transit system will take years to recover from recent pandemic-induced bus and train service cuts if new RTD revenue projections are accurate .
• Denver Nuggets players and staffers held a Zoom call with Mayor Michael Hancock over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests .
• Boulder saw its largest surge of coronavirus cases since March , leading the CU chancellor to scold students for ignoring public health guidance .
Forward this newsletter to your colleagues and friends and encourage them to subscribe .

For people, policy and Colorado politics
What’s The Spot? You’re reading an installment of our weekly politics newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered straight in your inbox.
Door-to-door canvassing, that most grassroots form of campaigning, was an early victim of the coronavirus pandemic. Its departure sank several U.S. Senate campaigns in the spring.
Now canvassing is returning, albeit slowly. Progressive Turnout Project, a Democratic group that spends tens of millions of dollars on canvassing, will begin knocking on Colorado doors Saturday.
“It will be interesting to see who comes to their door right now, but on the positive side, we anticipate more people than ever before are home. So, we anticipate our (outreach) numbers may even be higher than they’ve been before,” said Alex Morgan, the group’s executive director.
PTP has spent the past few months consulting with an infectious disease expert and perfecting its approach. Canvassers, wearing masks that say “Voting Matters,” will knock and then take several big steps back to ensure distancing.
After each interaction, they’ll use hand sanitizer.
The group will focus on the U.S. Senate race and the presidential contest. It isn’t taking a side in the Democratic primary between John Hickenlooper and Andrew Romanoff; its only priority is getting voters to turn out in November. PTP seeks out Democrats who often skip elections.
“The bulk of these folks are in the Denver metro area,” Morgan says. “We’re going to have three offices in the Denver area, one in Boulder and one in Colorado Springs. Overall, we’re making a (roughly) $2 million investment in the state, with 66 staff who will be knocking almost 700,000 doors” this year.
PTP will not be the first group to restart canvassing when its staffers pound pavement Saturday. The Republican National Committee and President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign have been knocking on doors here since June 8. They have 30 staffers spanning the state and follow similar guidelines to PTP: social distancing of at least six feet, along with mandatory masks.
“Just like we were able to seamlessly transition to virtual campaigning in March, our teams across the country once again adapted efficiently to getting back into the field,” Colorado RNC spokesperson Kyle Kohli said.
Senate campaigns, meanwhile, are still holding off on door-to-door campaigning.
Hickenlooper’s campaign says it hasn’t resumed door-knocking yet, and Romanoff’s campaign says it is dropping off literature and placing signs in yards — but not interacting with voters face-to-face. Sen. Cory Gardner’s campaign says it hopes to restart canvassing soon, but hasn’t done so yet.
In today’s Spot, I dig into the barrage of TV ads that’s been flying in the Senate primary, and Jon Murray reports on Gov. Jared Polis’ steadfast support of an unfunded transit project.
To support the important journalism we do, you can become a Denver Post subscriber here.
You can send tips, comments and questions to me at jwingerter@denverpost.com or to the other Post reporters below.
Top Line
During the Colorado legislature’s historic 84-day session — so short because it was interrupted by the pandemic — lawmakers passed a slew of major legislation. Some of occurred so early on that it might feel like it happened in a different year. Saja Hindi looks at a dozen bills a dozen top bills that won approval during the unusual session.
#COSen 2020 • By Justin Wingerter
The ad blitz
This is the week that Colorado’s trickle of U.S. Senate race ads became a steady stream.
Hickenlooper kicked things off Sunday, with a characteristically straight-to-camera ad in which he sits on his porch and talks about his efforts to expand voting access — and GOP efforts to restrict it.
Romanoff followed up the next day with a characteristically aggressive digital ad. In it, Romanoff supporter, Denver school board member and Black Lives Matter activist Tay Anderson dings Hickenlooper for his past policing policies.
Republicans waded in Tuesday, also predictably hitting Hickenlooper. Sen. Cory Gardner’s campaign released a somewhat hokey ad in which he plays a psychiatrist listening to Hickenlooper’s past comments about not wanting to be in the Senate.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee took a more direct route, broadcasting a collage of TV news reports about Hickenlooper’s travails before the Independent Ethics Commission. The ad represents an aggressive move from the NRSC, which originally did not plan to go on-air until after Democrats pick a candidate June 30.
Wednesday gave us one pro-Hickenlooper ad and one pro-Gardner ad. Senate Majority PAC, a Democratic group, is spending $1 million defending Hickenlooper. Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber launched this ad thanking Gardner for his work on apprenticeships.
As usual, most outside groups airing ads in Colorado this week are left-leaning or Democratic. A PAC for Colorado’s Working Families broadcast an anti-Gardner ad about coronavirus. A six-figure digital ad buy from Be A Hero Action Fund also criticized Gardner on that front, and the American Federation of Teachers is still running an ad pushing the Senate to pass coronavirus aid. Rocky Mountain Values is online with this ad criticizing Gardner on environmental issues.
Endorsements: In newspaper endorsements, the Durango Herald is backing Hickenlooper and the Aurora Sentinel has endorsed Romanoff.
On Tuesday, Romanoff announced a sizable list of endorsements. It included Colorado’s largest private-sector union, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, and Crisanta Duran, the former Colorado House speaker who considered running for U.S. Senate last year.
In an unusual move Wednesday, former U.S. Rep. John Salazar switched his endorsement from Romanoff to Hickenlooper. Hickenlooper also was endorsed by former state Rep. Wilma Webb that day and, on today, by her husband, former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb.
Side note: Hickenlooper announced Thursday that he raised a record $3.7 million between April 1 and June 10. Romanoff raised $710,232 in that time.
More Senate race news
Capitol Diary • By Jon Murray
Polis hasn’t forgotten about RTD’s Boulder train
It was a bit awkward Wednesday when Gov. Jared Polis kicked off a virtual news conference by bringing up an old grudge. He was headlining the announcement of the new RTD Accountability Committee, a state panel that will scrutinize the Regional Transportation District’s operations, finances and other issues and make recommendations for improvements.
RTD, in a kumbaya moment of sorts, had agreed to the outside review after pushing back earlier this year against lawmakers’ attempts to pass legislation targeted at reining in the troubled agency. But Polis is nothing if not a proud Boulder resident — and Boulder residents have a longstanding gripe against RTD.
Namely, the commuter rail train they were promised in the 2004 FasTracks program.
As he discussed the importance and difficulty of reforming RTD, Polis couldn’t help himself. “I joined probably most of the people on this call in voting for FasTracks in 2004,” he said. “I was very excited that by 2017, I’d be able to take the light rail in from Boulder to Denver and back.”
RTD put the full B Line on hold years ago, though, after tax revenues began coming up woefully short to pay for the expansion program. The most recent projection to complete the $1.5 billion train line is 2050 or later.
“I’ve let RTD know many times that that’s unacceptable,” Polis said.
Pressed by reporters about whether RTD’s mounting budget woes simply make that train line unrealistic, Polis said the agency must reestablish trust with northwest metro residents.
“Well look, the train has to come — it was part of the 2004 ballot initiative,” he repeated. “So, RTD is required to deliver the train. … It’s a binding vote of the people, (though) the people can vote for something different, of course.”
He expressed hope that one outcome of the Accountability Committee would be for its members to suggest ways for RTD to put the northwest train and other waylaid projects on a more realistic timeline.
More Colorado political news
A Colorado legislative session unlike any other wrapped up Monday, with lawmakers passing major reforms but shelving others due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In the final days of the legislative session, lawmakers struck last-minute deals on tax breaks, a vaping tax measure and housing relief.
Colorado state workers now have the ability to bargain for pay and benefits under a bill approved by the legislature.
Lawmakers also gave the governor authority to grant mass-pardons for marijuana convictions.
Polis issued a new order that delays housing evictions amid the pandemic.
Denver and suburban political news
Forward this newsletter to your colleagues and friends and encourage them to subscribe.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Nuggets Mailbag: Will Nikola Jokic’s weight loss negatively affect his game?

Pose a Nuggets — or NBA — related question for the Nuggets Mailbag .
I have been reading about how Nikola Jokic is slimming down and is in great shape .
To me , his weight was an actual asset for him as they could not just push him around and he could use his body to his advantage .
With him slimming down , do you see this as a possible detriment to him ?
I actually do see it as a liability , but hopefully I am wrong .
I get the premise and have no problem with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standpoint , Jokic just can ’ t win .
At the beginning of this season , he was , fairly in my opinion , criticized for the shape he was in .
After playing his way into another All-Star year and having his potential All-NBA campaign interrupted in March , I think Jokic ’ s current shape is the product of a deliberate plan .
I was told he adhered to a strict diet over the break and save for a recent trip to Serbia , spent the majority of the suspension in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before that a little extra weight on him helps him feel comfortable in the post , which is why I ’ m sure he had input on his current form .
He wouldn ’ t have cut if he thought it would be a detriment .
Aside from the fact that Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly recently told me that he ’ s “ never seen him in better shape , ” I ’ m inclined to believe the guy that ’ s putting up practically identical numbers to last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting .
Jokic was shooting 68 % on shots inside of five feet this season — up five percent on the same shots from last season .
I don ’ t think he would risk what ’ s made him unstoppable unless he was confident it would help .
If the NBA has a playoff I think Nuggets are well positioned .
Lots of chemistry since the core of team has been together a long time .
Can we break through ?
I love phrases like “ break through ” since they don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
While I think chemistry is important , and the Nuggets are well suited in that regard , I think the teams that gel quickly and establish momentum early are going to be best suited to advance deep into the playoffs .
I can ’ t tell you how many times I was on the road this year with the team , and they cited their mental toughness in winning those 18 games .
That included ridiculous back-to-backs and the seven-man win in Utah .
I think the ability to compartmentalize , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while playing high stakes basketball , is far more important to “ break through.
” In my opinion , advancing beyond the second round would constitute that .
There is talk that the Nuggets may play without an audience present .
Comcast and other cable service providers refuse to broadcast the Nuggets games on TV .
Does this mean the Nuggets will be playing in an empty arena with very few fans watching on TV ?
Will the games only be streamed online ?
Any thoughts ?
I am curious about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and whatever else you want to call it ) and status of Altitude Sports with Comcast will have on the game coverage when the NBA resumes ?
Will this stalemate cost local people a chance to see the Nuggets play in the playoffs ?
Is there a chance for a truce for this slate of games ?
Or will it be national TV ?
Any updates/progress on this would be nice to know .
Both great questions , and the short answer is , it ’ s unclear at this point .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcast schedule , and that no doubt has to do with ongoing negotiations between its primary TV partners in TNT and ESPN/ABC .
The latter , of course , is hosting the event at Disney .
I can say that Altitude is hoping to broadcast the eight regular-season games and potentially the first-round , too .
It ’ s unclear whether they ’ d have exclusive rights or would broadcast that side-by-side with a national broadcast .
It ’ s also possible , probably even likely , that the national broadcasts won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might mean local viewers who have DirecTV could watch the Nuggets ’ final regular-season games .
As for Comcast , there is still the matter of Altitude ’ s pending lawsuit .
Imagine the goodwill it would engender if both sides could reach an agreement to deliver meaningful games at a time like this .
How many players have been participating in voluntary workouts at Pepsi Center ?
Do you know who those players are and what they have been working on ?
Jamal Murray , Will Barton , Nikola Jokic , Monte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have all been at Pepsi Center regularly working out .
Recently , I believe Mason Plumlee has as well , but he was back in Indiana for much of the break .
These workouts still fall under the category of voluntary , individual workouts .
While there , shooting , ball-handling , conditioning and weight training have all been emphasized .
Paul Millsap hasn ’ t been there , but has been diligently working out at his home gym , which has a hoop .
As for Michael Porter Jr. , Gary Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had access to a gym but aren ’ t believed to have been regulars at Pepsi .
Per the NBA , all players must return to their home markets by June 22 .
I haven ’ t been able to find any information about Bol Bol .
How is he progressing with his basketball skills and his physical health ?
Bol hasn ’ t been in Denver for the majority of the hiatus , however , videos have trickled out of some of his workouts and scrimmages .
From his effortless dunks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball-handling , Bol looks healthy and not at all hindered by the foot injury that limited his time in the G League this year .
NBA teams will be allowed to bring up to 17 players , including two-way guys , to Orlando .
Despite his health , it ’ s doubtful the Nuggets would have Bol debut under those circumstances .
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Denver Post sports writer Mike Singer and his latest Nuggets Mailbag.
Pose a Nuggets — or NBA — related question for the Nuggets Mailbag.
I have been reading about how Nikola Jokic is slimming down and is in great shape. To me, his weight was an actual asset for him as they could not just push him around and he could use his body to his advantage. With him slimming down, do you see this as a possible detriment to him? I actually do see it as a liability, but hopefully I am wrong.
— DS, Lamar
I get the premise and have no problem with the question. But from a year-over-year standpoint, Jokic just can’t win. At the beginning of this season, he was, fairly in my opinion, criticized for the shape he was in. After playing his way into another All-Star year and having his potential All-NBA campaign interrupted in March, I think Jokic’s current shape is the product of a deliberate plan. I was told he adhered to a strict diet over the break and save for a recent trip to Serbia, spent the majority of the suspension in Denver working out. Jokic has said before that a little extra weight on him helps him feel comfortable in the post, which is why I’m sure he had input on his current form. He wouldn’t have cut if he thought it would be a detriment.
Aside from the fact that Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly recently told me that he’s “never seen him in better shape,” I’m inclined to believe the guy that’s putting up practically identical numbers to last season, when he finished fourth in MVP voting. Jokic was shooting 68% on shots inside of five feet this season — up five percent on the same shots from last season. I don’t think he would risk what’s made him unstoppable unless he was confident it would help.
Nikola Jokic looking skinny👀 pic.twitter.com/E5ZEs6egK8 — Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 11, 2020
If the NBA has a playoff I think Nuggets are well positioned. Lots of chemistry since the core of team has been together a long time. Can we break through?
— Maymoe Smith, Colorado Springs
I love phrases like “break through” since they don’t box me into a corner! While I think chemistry is important, and the Nuggets are well suited in that regard, I think the teams that gel quickly and establish momentum early are going to be best suited to advance deep into the playoffs. I can’t tell you how many times I was on the road this year with the team, and they cited their mental toughness in winning those 18 games. That included ridiculous back-to-backs and the seven-man win in Utah. I think the ability to compartmentalize, in a strange environment, with no fans, while playing high stakes basketball, is far more important to “break through.” In my opinion, advancing beyond the second round would constitute that.
There is talk that the Nuggets may play without an audience present. Comcast and other cable service providers refuse to broadcast the Nuggets games on TV. Does this mean the Nuggets will be playing in an empty arena with very few fans watching on TV? Will the games only be streamed online? Any thoughts?
— Larry Waldman, Morrison
I am curious about how the Stalemate, impasse, lawsuit, (and whatever else you want to call it) and status of Altitude Sports with Comcast will have on the game coverage when the NBA resumes? Will this stalemate cost local people a chance to see the Nuggets play in the playoffs? Is there a chance for a truce for this slate of games? Or will it be national TV? Any updates/progress on this would be nice to know.
— Douglas, Denver
Both great questions, and the short answer is, it’s unclear at this point. The NBA has been tight-lipped about its broadcast schedule, and that no doubt has to do with ongoing negotiations between its primary TV partners in TNT and ESPN/ABC. The latter, of course, is hosting the event at Disney. I can say that Altitude is hoping to broadcast the eight regular-season games and potentially the first-round, too. It’s unclear whether they’d have exclusive rights or would broadcast that side-by-side with a national broadcast. It’s also possible, probably even likely, that the national broadcasts won’t carry every seeding game, which might mean local viewers who have DirecTV could watch the Nuggets’ final regular-season games.
As for Comcast, there is still the matter of Altitude’s pending lawsuit. Imagine the goodwill it would engender if both sides could reach an agreement to deliver meaningful games at a time like this.
How many players have been participating in voluntary workouts at Pepsi Center? Do you know who those players are and what they have been working on?
— Jeff, Aurora
Jamal Murray, Will Barton, Nikola Jokic, Monte Morris, Vlatko Cancar and Keita Bates-Diop have all been at Pepsi Center regularly working out. Recently, I believe Mason Plumlee has as well, but he was back in Indiana for much of the break. These workouts still fall under the category of voluntary, individual workouts. While there, shooting, ball-handling, conditioning and weight training have all been emphasized.
Paul Millsap hasn’t been there, but has been diligently working out at his home gym, which has a hoop.
As for Michael Porter Jr., Gary Harris, and Jerami Grant, all three have had access to a gym but aren’t believed to have been regulars at Pepsi. Per the NBA, all players must return to their home markets by June 22.
I haven’t been able to find any information about Bol Bol. How is he progressing with his basketball skills and his physical health?
— Bert Gonzales, Palisade
Bol hasn’t been in Denver for the majority of the hiatus, however, videos have trickled out of some of his workouts and scrimmages. From his effortless dunks to some of the fluidity in his ball-handling, Bol looks healthy and not at all hindered by the foot injury that limited his time in the G League this year.
NBA teams will be allowed to bring up to 17 players, including two-way guys, to Orlando. Despite his health, it’s doubtful the Nuggets would have Bol debut under those circumstances.
Subscribe to our Nuggets Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Ed and Christian McCaffrey surprise military father and daughter for Father’s Day

Ed and Christian McCaffrey recently gave a Father ’ s Day gift to a military dad and daughter duo .
The McCaffreys surprised the Panthers fans Jeremy and Ella , both active in the military , with a video chat through the help of USAA .
“ To me , Father ’ s Day is a special day .
I always wanted to be like my dad , ” Christian McCaffrey says in the video .
“ And I just remember going to the games and hanging out with some of his teammates and , you know , just kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So those are days I will never forget.
” Tap here to see the video .
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Denver Post sports writer Mike Singer opens up the mailbag to take questions from readers , including one curious about how Skinny Joker might fare .
Read more… Alfred Williams on alleged Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I make that up ?
” Former Broncos and CU Buffs linebacker turned radio hosts says dozens of teammates will corroborate that the Oklahoma State football coach and former Cowboys quarterback hurled a racial epithet at him in 1989 .
Read more… Kiszla : No snowflakes allowed .
Broncos Von Miller , Kareem Jackson won ’ t be last Broncos to get coronavirus .
Nobody wants grandma to die from COVID-19 .
But if big and strong Broncos linebacker Von Miller comes down with the coronavirus , do sports fans aching for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t open for another month , the pandemic is already messing with NFL teams .
Read more… + Rockies claw out win in 10 over Cardinals in MLB The Show 20 .
+ NFL GMs , coaches striving for more balance in life and work .
If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ danielboniface .

Ed and Christian McCaffrey recently gave a Father’s Day gift to a military dad and daughter duo.
The McCaffreys surprised the Panthers fans Jeremy and Ella, both active in the military, with a video chat through the help of USAA.
“To me, Father’s Day is a special day. I always wanted to be like my dad,” Christian McCaffrey says in the video. “And I just remember going to the games and hanging out with some of his teammates and, you know, just kind of having blast in the locker room. So those are days I will never forget.”
Tap here to see the video.
Dads and father figures play such a huge role in the paths we choose. Great to work with @USAA and the @USOofNC to surprise a @Marine and his daughter – who also chose to serve – for #FathersDay. Thanks to all those who guide and inspire us. #SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/0AaLP8z1ub — Christian McCaffrey (@CMC_22) June 17, 2020
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
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Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
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+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
Must-Read
Denver Post sports writer Mike Singer opens up the mailbag to take questions from readers, including one curious about how Skinny Joker might fare. Read more…
Former Broncos and CU Buffs linebacker turned radio hosts says dozens of teammates will corroborate that the Oklahoma State football coach and former Cowboys quarterback hurled a racial epithet at him in 1989. Read more…
Nobody wants grandma to die from COVID-19. But if big and strong Broncos linebacker Von Miller comes down with the coronavirus, do sports fans aching for some football really care? Although training camps don’t open for another month, the pandemic is already messing with NFL teams. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ COVID-19 makes incoming freshmen football players’ transition even more difficult.
+ John Grant Jr., Major League Lacrosse’s all-time leading scorer, re-signs with Denver Outlaws.
+ Broncos’ initial 53-man roster projection features much youth, new faces
+ Rockies claw out win in 10 over Cardinals in MLB The Show 20.
+ Scott Frost, Fred Hoiberg donating some pay to Nebraska athletics.
+ Call to cancel Tokyo Olympics enters race for Tokyo governor.
+ NFL GMs, coaches striving for more balance in life and work.
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Colorado remains on the radar of companies looking to expand during economic downturn

The U.S. economy may be in a pandemic-induced recession , but Colorado continues to see strong interest from companies looking to relocate and expand .
Case in point , the Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday awarded $ 14.8 million in incentives to four companies that could bring 1,217 jobs to the state .
A majority of those jobs would pay more than $ 125,000 a year .
Companies are looking to exit more densely populated states like California and New York for less-crowded and lower-costs markets , Michelle Hadwiger , deputy director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s reputation as a healthy place to live with lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation is giving it a boost in a period of global contagion .
“ Interest remains steady and strong .
It is perhaps increasing somewhat , ” Hadwiger said .
On the international side , Colorado is hearing from companies in Japan , Korea and Europe , especially in bioscience and manufacturing , that want to set up operations in the U.S. , Hadwiger said .
The largest incentive award the commission approved Thursday , at $ 5.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , went to Project Wade , the codename for a venture-backed Bay Area fintech company .
It is looking at either metro Denver or Portland , Ore. , for the location of its HQ2 , which will employ an estimated 543 people at an average annual wage of $ 134,472 .
Project Pentagon involves the expansion of a software-as-service company already in the state that is looking to add 403 new jobs paying an average annual wage of $ 62,295 .
The commission awarded $ 2.7 million in job growth incentive tax credits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s Strategic Fund .
The company was allowed to “ double-dip ” because it has pledged to locate 171 of those jobs in a rural part of the state , most likely the Grand Junction area .
But that award will make a big dent to the Strategic Fund , a cash pool COEDIT uses in special situations to fund new programs .
COEDIT will encumber only $ 260,000 of the award until the company provides 40 jobs and release additional amounts over a five-year period .
Essentially , Project Pentagon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan .
Project Nutmeg , the subsidiary of a large U.S. pharmaceutical firm , is looking at Colorado , Connecticut or Georgia for a new lab to develop drugs to treat cancer .
More specifically , the company , which received approval for $ 3.4 million in job growth incentive tax credits , is looking at a 70,000-square-foot laboratory costing $ 20 million in Boulder , Broomfield or Denver .
The lab would eventually employ 106 people at an average annual wage of $ 125,142 .
The smallest award , $ 2 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly-traded technology company based in the Northeast with 5,500 employees worldwide .
The company is looking at Colorado , Ohio or Maine for a new headquarters location and software engineering center that will employ 75 people at an average annual wage of $ 168,396 .
Project Hummingbird , if it chooses Colorado , would most likely land in Broomfield .

The U.S. economy may be in a pandemic-induced recession, but Colorado continues to see strong interest from companies looking to relocate and expand.
Case in point, the Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday awarded $14.8 million in incentives to four companies that could bring 1,217 jobs to the state. A majority of those jobs would pay more than $125,000 a year.
Companies are looking to exit more densely populated states like California and New York for less-crowded and lower-costs markets, Michelle Hadwiger, deputy director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development, told commissioners Thursday morning.
Colorado’s reputation as a healthy place to live with lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation is giving it a boost in a period of global contagion.
“Interest remains steady and strong. It is perhaps increasing somewhat,” Hadwiger said.
On the international side, Colorado is hearing from companies in Japan, Korea and Europe, especially in bioscience and manufacturing, that want to set up operations in the U.S., Hadwiger said.
The largest incentive award the commission approved Thursday, at $5.5 million in job growth incentive tax credits, went to Project Wade, the codename for a venture-backed Bay Area fintech company.
It is looking at either metro Denver or Portland, Ore., for the location of its HQ2, which will employ an estimated 543 people at an average annual wage of $134,472.
Project Pentagon involves the expansion of a software-as-service company already in the state that is looking to add 403 new jobs paying an average annual wage of $62,295.
The commission awarded $2.7 million in job growth incentive tax credits and another $1.1 million from the state’s Strategic Fund. The company was allowed to “double-dip” because it has pledged to locate 171 of those jobs in a rural part of the state, most likely the Grand Junction area.
But that award will make a big dent to the Strategic Fund, a cash pool COEDIT uses in special situations to fund new programs. COEDIT will encumber only $260,000 of the award until the company provides 40 jobs and release additional amounts over a five-year period. Essentially, Project Pentagon is on a pay as you go plan.
Project Nutmeg, the subsidiary of a large U.S. pharmaceutical firm, is looking at Colorado, Connecticut or Georgia for a new lab to develop drugs to treat cancer.
More specifically, the company, which received approval for $3.4 million in job growth incentive tax credits, is looking at a 70,000-square-foot laboratory costing $20 million in Boulder, Broomfield or Denver. The lab would eventually employ 106 people at an average annual wage of $125,142.
The smallest award, $2 million, went to Project Hummingbird, a publicly-traded technology company based in the Northeast with 5,500 employees worldwide. The company is looking at Colorado, Ohio or Maine for a new headquarters location and software engineering center that will employ 75 people at an average annual wage of $168,396.
Project Hummingbird, if it chooses Colorado, would most likely land in Broomfield.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Coronavirus outbreaks at Colorado nursing homes spurred emergency push to inspect all of them

While Fairacres Manor in Greeley was in full-blown coronavirus outbreak mode in late March , with its precautions and preventative measures on full tilt , state inspectors visited to zero in on infection-control practices .
The March 31 inspection was part of what became an all-hands on deck effort by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in April and May to inspect all 232 nursing homes in the state for pandemic preparedness .
What was found at Fairacres was not out of the ordinary during the state ’ s hyper-focus on infection controls .
The inspectors that afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to copies of those reports .
On four occasions , certified nursing assistants passed dinners to room-bound residents but failed to offer them a chance to wash their hands .
Additionally , inspectors noted that some staffers were not wearing eye protection in areas where additional precautions were required .
They also cited the facility for using uncovered cardboard boxes in a resident hallway for trash and used linens , instead of sealable plastic biohazard containers .
A staffer told inspectors they had run out of the plastic ones earlier , but more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
Fairacres acknowledged the findings and pledged to correct them , saying some went against training .
But it also has maintained its staff was being as vigilant as humanly possible during the unprecedented situation .
In early March , federal regulators had allowed state oversight agencies to pause most regular inspections to focus on infection-control and abuse complaints .
The health department on its own began an aggressive drive to visit all nursing homes , achieving that goal in May before shifting to other types of residential-care facilities , including assisted-living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common citations : not following guidelines on the use of personal protective equipment , or PPE , or failing to stock enough ; failures by staff to follow proper hand-washing or hygiene procedures ; missing face-coverings on residents ; and lax social-distancing practices or visitor-screening .
Randy Kuykendall , director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ’ s Health Facilities and EMS Division , called any citations on the infection-control front concerning .
But he said the average inspection found fewer violations than are typical for such visits .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I expected , ” he said .
“ I think that ’ s a tribute to the energy and the efforts that our providers are putting into it .
I think any tags , though — in this environment — are dangerous.
” The nursing-home industry pushed back against Colorado ’ s newly urgent approach to inspections .
Doug Farmer , president and CEO of the Colorado Health Care Association , lodged a complaint to Gov .
Jared Polis and state public health leaders in a May 19 letter about what he portrayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to dinging facilities for reusing some PPE proactively while new supplies were hard to find .
At the same time , he said , facility directors were receiving conflicting guidance on different matters — including PPE use and whether residents could socialize outside — by federal , state and suddenly hyper-interested local authorities .
“ You had these conflicts where there were two or three different pieces of guidance , and two of them were in conflict with each other , ” Farmer said in an interview .
The letter spurred discussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better ways to clear up such questions , he said , and the state health department clarified that its intent had not been to cite every violation possible .
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the start of June ordered states to perform infection-control inspections at all nursing homes by the end of July — regardless of whether they ’ d done so already , as Colorado had .
So CDPHE was gearing up to visit all nursing homes again , Kuykendall said earlier this month .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your inbox .

While Fairacres Manor in Greeley was in full-blown coronavirus outbreak mode in late March, with its precautions and preventative measures on full tilt, state inspectors visited to zero in on infection-control practices.
The March 31 inspection was part of what became an all-hands on deck effort by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in April and May to inspect all 232 nursing homes in the state for pandemic preparedness.
What was found at Fairacres was not out of the ordinary during the state’s hyper-focus on infection controls.
The inspectors that afternoon found a number of violations, according to copies of those reports. On four occasions, certified nursing assistants passed dinners to room-bound residents but failed to offer them a chance to wash their hands.
Additionally, inspectors noted that some staffers were not wearing eye protection in areas where additional precautions were required. They also cited the facility for using uncovered cardboard boxes in a resident hallway for trash and used linens, instead of sealable plastic biohazard containers. A staffer told inspectors they had run out of the plastic ones earlier, but more became available, so they were switched out.
Fairacres acknowledged the findings and pledged to correct them, saying some went against training. But it also has maintained its staff was being as vigilant as humanly possible during the unprecedented situation.
In early March, federal regulators had allowed state oversight agencies to pause most regular inspections to focus on infection-control and abuse complaints. The health department on its own began an aggressive drive to visit all nursing homes, achieving that goal in May before shifting to other types of residential-care facilities, including assisted-living homes.
Weekly reports summarize the most common citations: not following guidelines on the use of personal protective equipment, or PPE, or failing to stock enough; failures by staff to follow proper hand-washing or hygiene procedures; missing face-coverings on residents; and lax social-distancing practices or visitor-screening.
Randy Kuykendall, director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Health Facilities and EMS Division, called any citations on the infection-control front concerning.
But he said the average inspection found fewer violations than are typical for such visits.
“It’s a little lower than I expected,” he said. “I think that’s a tribute to the energy and the efforts that our providers are putting into it. I think any tags, though — in this environment — are dangerous.”
The nursing-home industry pushed back against Colorado’s newly urgent approach to inspections. Doug Farmer, president and CEO of the Colorado Health Care Association, lodged a complaint to Gov. Jared Polis and state public health leaders in a May 19 letter about what he portrayed as over-aggressive inspections, especially when it came to dinging facilities for reusing some PPE proactively while new supplies were hard to find.
At the same time, he said, facility directors were receiving conflicting guidance on different matters — including PPE use and whether residents could socialize outside — by federal, state and suddenly hyper-interested local authorities.
“You had these conflicts where there were two or three different pieces of guidance, and two of them were in conflict with each other,” Farmer said in an interview.
The letter spurred discussions between state government officials and providers about better ways to clear up such questions, he said, and the state health department clarified that its intent had not been to cite every violation possible.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the start of June ordered states to perform infection-control inspections at all nursing homes by the end of July — regardless of whether they’d done so already, as Colorado had.
So CDPHE was gearing up to visit all nursing homes again, Kuykendall said earlier this month.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Denver tech companies score federal contracts to help further product development

Two Denver tech businesses have landed federal funding to help them develop new products and expand their reach at a time when many businesses are in survival mode .
Greetly , which provides systems for companies to check in and track visitors , received $ 50,000 through the Small Business Innovation Research program to work with the Air Force .
The company is looking at providing more efficient and secure check-ins for contractors and deliveries at Air Force sites , said Dave Milliken , the company ’ s founder .
The 5-year-old company launched a new touch-free version of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been high as workplaces look to welcome back employees and the public with the coronavirus pandemic still in force .
An even younger company , Cipher Skin , has won a $ 1.5 million grant from the Department of Defense through the SBIR program .
The company will match the grant and work with the Air Force to explore how the military can use the Cipher Skin technology and develop it for civilian use .
Phil Bogdanovich , the company ’ s CEO and co-founder , said the Air Force is interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saturation in the blood while a person is moving , through their clothes and remotely .
“ The real benefit of a relationship with the government is the ability to test equipment in an austere environment , under cases of stress that an average individual doesn ’ t experience , ” Bogdanovich , who was in special operations with the military in Baghdad .
The company ’ s technology transmits real-time data about the human body and physical objects .
A mesh is embedded in sleeves with sensors that simultaneously registers several data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , knees or inserted in caps or helmets .
Early this year , a California energy company invested in Cipher Skin because it wants to use the technology to remotely and continuously monitor pipelines .
Bogdanovich started the company in 2017 with Shaka Bahadu , ) the chief operating officer .
They drew from Bogdanovich ’ s experiences when he was recovering from injuries .
His therapy with a personal trainer showed him that immediate feedback was vital to healing .
Milliken ’ s experiences working in the marketing world inspired him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include several federal , state and local agencies as well as businesses , including Randstad , DHL and Office Evolution .
“ I spent so many days going in and out of professional shops , small ad agencies .
I felt like those organizations spent a lot of time trying to impress me as a client with really modern offices , great decor , ” Milliken said .
“ But I saw a gap in reception .
There would either be no receptionist or a junior account person maybe waiting for me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in showcasing themselves as modern and being efficient.
” Milliken , armed with technological know-how and background , worked with previous partners and vendors on filling that gap .
He said he got great feedback on the interactive kiosk he proposed .
People can sign in , alert the people they ’ re visiting , have ID photos taken , ID badges printed and sign any forms they need to sign .
Greetly ’ s new touchless technology arrives as the coronavirus pandemic has made people wary of exposure to the infection in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to use their phone to scan a QR code or text a code that enables the same check-in process .
In the COVID-19 era , forms that visitors have to fill out might include questions about whether they have any symptoms of the illness .
“ We were wondering , like everyone else , what the future of the organization looked like and what was that going to mean for employees and workplaces , ” Milliken said .
So , the Greetly staff “ did several deep dives as to how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he added .
“ We came up with this concept of visitors checking themselves in in a touchless manner using their phone rather than a shared kiosk , ” Milliken said .

Two Denver tech businesses have landed federal funding to help them develop new products and expand their reach at a time when many businesses are in survival mode.
Greetly, which provides systems for companies to check in and track visitors, received $50,000 through the Small Business Innovation Research program to work with the Air Force. The company is looking at providing more efficient and secure check-ins for contractors and deliveries at Air Force sites, said Dave Milliken,the company’s founder.
The 5-year-old company launched a new touch-free version of its visitor-management system Thursday. Milliken said interest has been high as workplaces look to welcome back employees and the public with the coronavirus pandemic still in force.
An even younger company, Cipher Skin, has won a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Defense through the SBIR program. The company will match the grant and work with the Air Force to explore how the military can use the Cipher Skin technology and develop it for civilian use.
Phil Bogdanovich, the company’s CEO and co-founder, said the Air Force is interested in technology that can measure the oxygen saturation in the blood while a person is moving, through their clothes and remotely.
“The real benefit of a relationship with the government is the ability to test equipment in an austere environment, under cases of stress that an average individual doesn’t experience,” Bogdanovich, who was in special operations with the military in Baghdad.
The company’s technology transmits real-time data about the human body and physical objects. A mesh is embedded in sleeves with sensors that simultaneously registers several data points and can be applied to elbows, knees or inserted in caps or helmets.
Early this year, a California energy company invested in Cipher Skin because it wants to use the technology to remotely and continuously monitor pipelines.
Bogdanovich started the company in 2017 with Shaka Bahadu, )the chief operating officer. They drew from Bogdanovich’s experiences when he was recovering from injuries. His therapy with a personal trainer showed him that immediate feedback was vital to healing.
Milliken’s experiences working in the marketing world inspired him to develop the Greetly system, whose clients include several federal, state and local agencies as well as businesses, including Randstad, DHL and Office Evolution.
“I spent so many days going in and out of professional shops, small ad agencies. I felt like those organizations spent a lot of time trying to impress me as a client with really modern offices, great decor,” Milliken said. “But I saw a gap in reception. There would either be no receptionist or a junior account person maybe waiting for me. I just felt that was a gap in showcasing themselves as modern and being efficient.”
Milliken, armed with technological know-how and background, worked with previous partners and vendors on filling that gap. He said he got great feedback on the interactive kiosk he proposed. People can sign in, alert the people they’re visiting, have ID photos taken, ID badges printed and sign any forms they need to sign.
Greetly’s new touchless technology arrives as the coronavirus pandemic has made people wary of exposure to the infection in public places. The new system allows people to use their phone to scan a QR code or text a code that enables the same check-in process. In the COVID-19 era, forms that visitors have to fill out might include questions about whether they have any symptoms of the illness.
“We were wondering, like everyone else, what the future of the organization looked like and what was that going to mean for employees and workplaces,” Milliken said.
So, the Greetly staff “did several deep dives as to how the product might evolve due to COVID,” he added.
“We came up with this concept of visitors checking themselves in in a touchless manner using their phone rather than a shared kiosk,” Milliken said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-20--Colorado high school football players hopeful amid fall season in flux: “It’s like stealing part of

Colorado high school football players hopeful amid fall season in flux: “It’s like stealing part of you away”

Jake Rubley needed only three words to sum up how he and his teammates felt when they saw high school football might be delayed next fall .
“ We were heartbroken , ” he said .
On June 3 , the Colorado High School Activities Association ’ s Resocialization Task Force revealed preliminary recommendations for the return of high school athletics this fall .
It labeled sports in three categories : lower risk , moderate risk and higher risk .
The task force recommended those in the “ lower risk ” designation could begin on schedule in the fall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not move forward yet .
Football was in the higher risk category .
A senior-to-be quarterback at Highlands Ranch High School , Rubley knew there was a chance his final season of prep football might be delayed , due to the coronavirus pandemic .
But he was still shocked when he saw the recommendations on social media .
“ Senior season is supposed to be the most fun time of your life , ” he said .
“ It just hit different because you work all your life to get to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t going to get recruited , and it just kind of — it ’ s like stealing part of you away from your body.
” CHSAA seemed to reverse course June 6 , however , when Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green tweeted , “ CHSAA staff will begin constructing safety and implementation guidelines to resume ‘ ALL ’ athletics and activities including football beginning this fall.
” But like everything else these days , nothing is for certain .
Wide receiver Chase Penry , heading into his senior year at Cherry Creek High School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the field .
“ I definitely understand there ’ s a lot of uncertainty right now with COVID , ” he said .
“ It ’ s definitely a hard time , especially for them to try and get us back safely.
” After shutting down athletics and activities entirely in the spring , CHSAA left it up to the school districts to decide when to allow students to return for voluntary in-person workouts after June 1 .
At Fairview High School , coach Tom McCartney ’ s team held its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings and virtual workouts .
Cherry Creek School District is allowing its athletes to do the same next week , while other districts may start in July .
“ Not being able to see them in person has been very hard , ” McCartney said of the this spring .
“ But we still had our program , whether that was through our school when we were in school , or that was through our summer program.
” That sentiment was echoed by Pomona High School head coach Jay Madden , who said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motivate themselves while in quarantine .
The isolation also presented a chance for the team to bond virtually , with Pomona players sending each other videos of themselves working out to inspire teammates to do the same .
Workouts aren ’ t the only part of high school football that has been impacted , though .
For athletes who want to play football at the next level , senior year offers one last chance to put highlights on tape .
But so far , COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of camps and recruiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on valuable face time that may have provided opportunities Rubley , who committed to Kansas State in January , said he ’ s seen area players choose schools that they ’ ve only seen through virtual tours or brochures .
“ This should be their time to get offered and go on campus , ” he said .
“ They ’ re going to have to commit to a school without even seeing the campus , not taking their official visits , not being around the players , the program .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictures on Google.
” While CHSAA hasn ’ t officially stated football will return on its scheduled Aug. 27 kickoff date , players and coaches are focusing on the prospect of playing in the fall .
An update provided by CHSAA on Friday stated that recent guidelines from Gov .
Jared Polis ’ office have aligned with the organization ’ s goal to resume activities in the fall .
After watching his friends in the class above him miss out on graduation , prom and their final semesters of high school , Penry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not happen at all .
Now he ’ s just happy to be returning to the field .
“ I had to mentally prepare myself because we don ’ t know how long ( COVID ) ’ s gon na be around , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t know if there ’ s gon na be more spikes or anything like that .
I ’ m definitely prepared , but it seems like we ’ re getting back to our normal lives which is a great sign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this fall .
”

Jake Rubley needed only three words to sum up how he and his teammates felt when they saw high school football might be delayed next fall.
“We were heartbroken,” he said.
On June 3, the Colorado High School Activities Association’s Resocialization Task Force revealed preliminary recommendations for the return of high school athletics this fall. It labeled sports in three categories: lower risk, moderate risk and higher risk. The task force recommended those in the “lower risk” designation could begin on schedule in the fall, but said activities in the other two could not move forward yet. Football was in the higher risk category.
A senior-to-be quarterback at Highlands Ranch High School, Rubley knew there was a chance his final season of prep football might be delayed, due to the coronavirus pandemic. But he was still shocked when he saw the recommendations on social media.
“Senior season is supposed to be the most fun time of your life,” he said. “It just hit different because you work all your life to get to this point, and your other buddies aren’t going to get recruited, and it just kind of — it’s like stealing part of you away from your body.”
CHSAA seemed to reverse course June 6, however, when Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green tweeted, “CHSAA staff will begin constructing safety and implementation guidelines to resume ‘ALL’ athletics and activities including football beginning this fall.”
But like everything else these days, nothing is for certain.
Wide receiver Chase Penry, heading into his senior year at Cherry Creek High School, recognizes the difficulties of getting back on the field.
“I definitely understand there’s a lot of uncertainty right now with COVID,” he said. “It’s definitely a hard time, especially for them to try and get us back safely.”
After shutting down athletics and activities entirely in the spring, CHSAA left it up to the school districts to decide when to allow students to return for voluntary in-person workouts after June 1.
At Fairview High School, coach Tom McCartney’s team held its first in-person workouts Monday after months of zoom meetings and virtual workouts. Cherry Creek School District is allowing its athletes to do the same next week, while other districts may start in July.
“Not being able to see them in person has been very hard,” McCartney said of the this spring. “But we still had our program, whether that was through our school when we were in school, or that was through our summer program.”
That sentiment was echoed by Pomona High School head coach Jay Madden, who said his players had to learn how to motivate themselves while in quarantine. The isolation also presented a chance for the team to bond virtually, with Pomona players sending each other videos of themselves working out to inspire teammates to do the same.
Workouts aren’t the only part of high school football that has been impacted, though. For athletes who want to play football at the next level, senior year offers one last chance to put highlights on tape. But so far, COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of camps and recruiting trips, and several players have lost out on valuable face time that may have provided opportunities
Rubley, who committed to Kansas State in January, said he’s seen area players choose schools that they’ve only seen through virtual tours or brochures.
“This should be their time to get offered and go on campus,” he said. “They’re going to have to commit to a school without even seeing the campus, not taking their official visits, not being around the players, the program. All they’re doing is looking at pictures on Google.”
While CHSAA hasn’t officially stated football will return on its scheduled Aug. 27 kickoff date, players and coaches are focusing on the prospect of playing in the fall. An update provided by CHSAA on Friday stated that recent guidelines from Gov. Jared Polis’ office have aligned with the organization’s goal to resume activities in the fall.
After watching his friends in the class above him miss out on graduation, prom and their final semesters of high school, Penry thought his final season of prep football might not happen at all. Now he’s just happy to be returning to the field.
“I had to mentally prepare myself because we don’t know how long (COVID)’s gonna be around,” he said. “We don’t know if there’s gonna be more spikes or anything like that. I’m definitely prepared, but it seems like we’re getting back to our normal lives which is a great sign, and I’m really looking forward to this fall.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Kafer: Breaking the cycle of prejudice

Kafer: Breaking the cycle of prejudice

“ It ’ s interesting , ” an acquaintance remarked , “ you ’ re religious but you have a sophisticated mind.
” What he meant as a compliment revealed a substantial bias against a large group of people .
I took the compliment with a smile but thought “ you need to get out more.
” I ’ m convinced we all do .
Part of what makes prejudice so hard to eradicate is that false perceptions are self-reinforcing .
If preachy and not-too-smart is one ’ s perception of Christians , for example , every Ned Flanders-type will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every keen mind encountered will be presumed to be unencumbered by faith .
The human mind is an extraordinary learning machine .
Unfortunately , it has a hard time unlearning errors in perception because of built-in confirmation bias .
We interpret new experiences and information so that it confirms what we already believe to be true .
If one is raised with antipathy toward people whose ethnicity , religion , or nationality differs from one ’ s own or has had other such formative experiences , one will continually find evidence for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become self-perpetuating .
So what ’ s the solution ?
Can the cycle of prejudice be broken ?
One of my favorite interviews on National Public Radio was of a neo-Nazi who abandoned his hateful views and now works to free people from racism .
Christian Picciolini had owned a music store where he sold albums by skinhead bands and other music .
Much to his surprise , a diverse range of customers came by the store to buy the other music .
They hung out and talked about albums .
These conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously reviled .
The cognitive dissonance he felt between his ideology and his affections could no longer be ignored .
He renounced his racist beliefs , closed the store , and started a nonprofit to help others break the cycle .
The interview caused a bit of cognitive dissonance in my own mind .
Shaming those who are guilty of racism and other forms of prejudice feels good .
It feels righteous .
We all would like to believe that a good public shaming will cause a change of heart .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not what changed Picciolini .
It ’ s not what changed me .
A few years after 9/11 , I traveled to the Middle East .
New friends dispelled some negative feelings I had toward Muslims and Arabs .
A friend also gently encouraged me to rethink my bias against Palestinians .
Negative perceptions from various sources had tainted my views of some five million people I ’ d never met .
Had he shamed me for my wrong perceptions , I ’ m not sure I would have been open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-defense not contemplation .
Rather , he invited me to rethink unexamined assumptions .
Racism and other types of bigotry are abhorrent and must be repudiated in no uncertain terms as immoral and antithetical to our national creed .
Peaceful protests can play a role in encouraging police departments to dismiss racist and potentially violent officers .
Protests are effective at communicating a community-wide opposition to racism .
I ’ m not sure they are as effective at encouraging self-reflection about prejudice .
Social media arguments are even less likely to induce a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do we engage with people who harbor prejudice in a way that encourages self-reflection and a genuine change of heart ?
How do we invite an elderly aunt or old friend who holds such beliefs to reexamine ?
Can we create a space for redemption ?
Am I naïve to think that more positive face-to-face interactions will help break that pernicious cycle ?
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist .
Follow her on Twitter : @ kristakafer To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to submit by email or mail .

“It’s interesting,” an acquaintance remarked, “you’re religious but you have a sophisticated mind.” What he meant as a compliment revealed a substantial bias against a large group of people. I took the compliment with a smile but thought “you need to get out more.”
I’m convinced we all do.
Part of what makes prejudice so hard to eradicate is that false perceptions are self-reinforcing. If preachy and not-too-smart is one’s perception of Christians, for example, every Ned Flanders-type will make an impression on the memory. Every keen mind encountered will be presumed to be unencumbered by faith.
The human mind is an extraordinary learning machine. Unfortunately, it has a hard time unlearning errors in perception because of built-in confirmation bias. We interpret new experiences and information so that it confirms what we already believe to be true. If one is raised with antipathy toward people whose ethnicity, religion, or nationality differs from one’s own or has had other such formative experiences, one will continually find evidence for that original false perception. Prejudicial beliefs thus become self-perpetuating.
So what’s the solution? Can the cycle of prejudice be broken?
One of my favorite interviews on National Public Radio was of a neo-Nazi who abandoned his hateful views and now works to free people from racism. Christian Picciolini had owned a music store where he sold albums by skinhead bands and other music. Much to his surprise, a diverse range of customers came by the store to buy the other music. They hung out and talked about albums. These conversations led to friendships with people Picciolini had previously reviled. The cognitive dissonance he felt between his ideology and his affections could no longer be ignored. He renounced his racist beliefs, closed the store, and started a nonprofit to help others break the cycle.
The interview caused a bit of cognitive dissonance in my own mind. Shaming those who are guilty of racism and other forms of prejudice feels good. It feels righteous. We all would like to believe that a good public shaming will cause a change of heart. I’m not sure it does. It’s not what changed Picciolini.
It’s not what changed me. A few years after 9/11, I traveled to the Middle East. New friends dispelled some negative feelings I had toward Muslims and Arabs. A friend also gently encouraged me to rethink my bias against Palestinians. Negative perceptions from various sources had tainted my views of some five million people I’d never met. Had he shamed me for my wrong perceptions, I’m not sure I would have been open to change since shame tends to trigger self-defense not contemplation. Rather, he invited me to rethink unexamined assumptions.
Racism and other types of bigotry are abhorrent and must be repudiated in no uncertain terms as immoral and antithetical to our national creed. Peaceful protests can play a role in encouraging police departments to dismiss racist and potentially violent officers. Protests are effective at communicating a community-wide opposition to racism. I’m not sure they are as effective at encouraging self-reflection about prejudice. Social media arguments are even less likely to induce a contemplative frame of mind.
So how do we engage with people who harbor prejudice in a way that encourages self-reflection and a genuine change of heart? How do we invite an elderly aunt or old friend who holds such beliefs to reexamine? Can we create a space for redemption? Am I naïve to think that more positive face-to-face interactions will help break that pernicious cycle?
Krista L. Kafer is a weekly Denver Post columnist. Follow her on Twitter: @kristakafer
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-06-19--Denver Art Museum sets reopening date, new safety protocols

Following an unprecedented , months-long closure , the Denver Art Museum will reopen its doors to the public on June 26 .
The move follows a number of other major arts and culture nonprofits opening this week — or the next — including History Colorado , the Denver Museum of Nature & Science , and Butterfly Pavilion .
All are taking advantage of loosening coronavirus restrictions while promising stringent new health and safety protocols .
In a Friday afternoon press statement , Denver Art Museum officials promised “ a nearly contactless experience for visitors , ” starting with a members-only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening will be the first time visitors can see the exhibition “ Natural Forces : Winslow Homer and Frederic Remington , ” which will remain on view through Sept. 7 .
“ Additionally , the museum will open the exhibition “ Norman Rockwell : Imagining Freedom ” on June 26 , and it will be on view through Sept. 7 , officials said .
“ A revised timeline for unveiling the newly renovated Martin Building and new Sie Welcome Center will be announced at a later date.
” While the museum hopes new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ Treasures of British Art ” are enough to bring back casual fans , its overall plans have been dealt a major blow .
Just before the coronavirus pandemic hit , the museum was on track to give the public a look at its years-long , multimillion-dollar renovation and construction project on June 6 .
That obviously didn ’ t happen .
But finishing touches on the three floors of renovated and new art galleries , classrooms , a restaurant and cafe , and glass-walled welcome center continue as part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what you need to know about returning , according to museum staffers : • Advance purchase of timed and dated tickets online is required .
Call 720-913-0130 or visit denverartmuseum.org to purchase .
• Masks must be worn when entering and visiting the museum , following the city of Denver ’ s public mask requirement .
• Entry will be through the main Hamilton Building entrance , and all visitors will exit through the museum ’ s studio doors to ensure entry and exit is managed with maximum social distancing between groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Callahan Café will be closed initially , and limited shop items will be available for purchase upon exit through the studio .
• Hands-on artmaking spaces and activities will not be offered due to new sanitation safety procedures .
• Contactless and motion-activated hand sanitizer stations will continue to be offered throughout the museum , located at the entrances and exits of spaces and near bathrooms .
• A maximum of 100 people will be allowed into the museum per hour with no more than 350 people within the museum at one time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented in the galleries and elevators .
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter , In The Know , to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox .

Following an unprecedented, months-long closure, the Denver Art Museum will reopen its doors to the public on June 26.
The move follows a number of other major arts and culture nonprofits opening this week — or the next — including History Colorado, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and Butterfly Pavilion. All are taking advantage of loosening coronavirus restrictions while promising stringent new health and safety protocols.
In a Friday afternoon press statement, Denver Art Museum officials promised “a nearly contactless experience for visitors,” starting with a members-only test run on June 25. The reopening will be the first time visitors can see the exhibition “Natural Forces: Winslow Homer and Frederic Remington,” which will remain on view through Sept. 7.
“Additionally, the museum will open the exhibition “Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom” on June 26, and it will be on view through Sept. 7, officials said. “A revised timeline for unveiling the newly renovated Martin Building and new Sie Welcome Center will be announced at a later date.”
While the museum hopes new experiences like “The Light Show” and “Treasures of British Art” are enough to bring back casual fans, its overall plans have been dealt a major blow. Just before the coronavirus pandemic hit, the museum was on track to give the public a look at its years-long, multimillion-dollar renovation and construction project on June 6.
That obviously didn’t happen. But finishing touches on the three floors of renovated and new art galleries, classrooms, a restaurant and cafe, and glass-walled welcome center continue as part of the $150 million project.
Here’s what you need to know about returning, according to museum staffers:
Advance purchase of timed and dated tickets online is required. Call 720-913-0130 or visit denverartmuseum.org to purchase.
Masks must be worn when entering and visiting the museum, following the city of Denver’s public mask requirement.
Entry will be through the main Hamilton Building entrance, and all visitors will exit through the museum’s studio doors to ensure entry and exit is managed with maximum social distancing between groups.
The Hamilton Building’s Callahan Café will be closed initially, and limited shop items will be available for purchase upon exit through the studio.
Hands-on artmaking spaces and activities will not be offered due to new sanitation safety procedures.
Contactless and motion-activated hand sanitizer stations will continue to be offered throughout the museum, located at the entrances and exits of spaces and near bathrooms.
A maximum of 100 people will be allowed into the museum per hour with no more than 350 people within the museum at one time, and social distancing procedures will be implemented in the galleries and elevators.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.