thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Guest commentary: Join the fight against racism and every other form of hate

As two men with different backgrounds , one black and Christian and the other white and Jewish , we are united in our grief over the death of George Floyd , who was killed because of the color of his skin .
We have come together before .
When there was a rash of violent incidents against Jews last year , we publicly spoke out against antisemitism .
Today , we come together to speak out against the systems of engrained oppression that ended Floyd ’ s life : racism and white supremacy .
Floyd ’ s death lays bare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of struggle for liberation , white supremacy still grips this land .
Since African Americans were first brought to America in chains in 1619 , racism — like antisemitism and other “ isms ” — has been enduring .
It did not go away with the ratification of the 13th Amendment any more than antisemitism went away when Moses freed the Hebrew slaves .
Racism has outlasted the end of Jim Crow , integration of the military and schools , the fair housing and civil rights acts , and the election of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe in the rule of law , we demand justice for Floyd .
We welcome the elevation of the charge against the officer who kneeled on Floyd ’ s neck to second-degree murder and that the other officers who did nothing while Floyd begged for his life are finally being charged with aiding and abetting murder .
As much as we want justice for Floyd , we want justice for all people who have been targeted by racism .
We know that what happened to Floyd is far from isolated .
His plea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a horrible echo of the plea made by Eric Garner six years ago .
Floyd ’ s death is only one among a series of recent deaths , including the killing of Ahmaud Arbery while jogging in Georgia and EMT Breonna Taylor , who was killed in her apartment in Kentucky .
This past week we saw how terrible it is when race is weaponized .
A white woman walking her dog in New York called police after Christian Cooper , a black man , asked her to leash her dog .
Harkening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leveled at Emmitt Till , the woman told Cooper , “ I ’ m going to tell them there ’ s an African-American man threatening my life.
” No one should stand idly by when they see the double-standard-policing that has taken place in this country .
Floyd was killed by a police officer for allegedly using a counterfeit $ 20 bill , while dozens of white , heavily armed protestors entered the Michigan State Capitol to threaten and intimidate legislators with little repercussion from law enforcement .
We abhor violence and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and turned them into violent nightmares .
But we find the words of Martin Luther King , Jr. instructive when he recognized that “ a riot is the language of the unheard.
” Like King , we can not condemn the riots without also condemning “ the contingent , intolerable conditions that exist in our society.
” We are guided by the words of Genesis , which instruct us that we are all created in God ’ s image .
As a result , we call for a true reckoning on racism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must not only acknowledge , but also dismantle , our implicit and explicit biases .
And those of us who have been the beneficiaries of white privilege must use that privilege to breakdown systemic racism .
The two of us recognize that hate breeds hate .
So , we call on you to join us in speaking out and actively engaging in the fight against racism , but not just racism .
Use your voice and efforts to also condemn and fight antisemitism , xenophobia , Islamophobia , anti-LGBTQ and other forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have allies , you need to be an ally .
Bishop Jerry Demmer is the president of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance .
Scott Levin is the director of the Anti-Defamation League , Mountain States Region

As two men with different backgrounds, one black and Christian and the other white and Jewish, we are united in our grief over the death of George Floyd, who was killed because of the color of his skin. We have come together before. When there was a rash of violent incidents against Jews last year, we publicly spoke out against anti-Semitism. Today, we come together to speak out against the systems of ingrained oppression that ended Floyd’s life: racism and white supremacy.
Floyd’s death lays bare the fact that despite hundreds of years of struggle for liberation, white supremacy still grips this land. Since African Americans were first brought to America in chains in 1619, racism — like anti-Semitism and other “isms” — has been enduring. It did not go away with the ratification of the 13th Amendment any more than anti-Semitism went away when Moses freed the Hebrew slaves. Racism has outlasted the end of Jim Crow, integration of the military and schools, the fair housing and civil rights acts, and the election of a black president.
Like all people who believe in the rule of law, we demand justice for Floyd. We welcome the elevation of the charge against the officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck to second-degree murder and that the other officers who did nothing while Floyd begged for his life are finally being charged with aiding and abetting murder.
As much as we want justice for Floyd, we want justice for all people who have been targeted by racism. We know that what happened to Floyd is far from isolated. His plea to police to let him breathe is a horrible echo of the plea made by Eric Garner six years ago. Floyd’s death is only one among a series of recent deaths, including the killing of Ahmaud Arbery while jogging in Georgia and EMT Breonna Taylor, who was killed in her apartment in Kentucky. This past week we saw how terrible it is when race is weaponized. A white woman walking her dog in New York called police after Christian Cooper, a black man, asked her to leash her dog. Harkening back to the racist and false accusations leveled at Emmett Till, the woman told Cooper, “I’m going to tell them there’s an African-American man threatening my life.”
No one should stand idly by when they see the double-standard-policing that has taken place in this country. Floyd was killed by a police officer for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill, while dozens of white, heavily armed protestors entered the Michigan State Capitol to threaten and intimidate legislators with little repercussion from law enforcement.
We abhor violence and the provocateurs that have hijacked peaceful daytime protests and turned them into violent nightmares. But we find the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. instructive when he recognized that “a riot is the language of the unheard.” Like King, we cannot condemn the riots without also condemning “the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society.”
We are guided by the words of Genesis, which instruct us that we are all created in God’s image. As a result, we call for a true reckoning on racism in our country. To do so, we must not only acknowledge, but also dismantle, our implicit and explicit biases. And those of us who have been the beneficiaries of white privilege must use that privilege to breakdown systemic racism.
The two of us recognize that hate breeds hate. So, we call on you to join us in speaking out and actively engaging in the fight against racism, but not just racism. Use your voice and efforts to also condemn and fight anti-Semitism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-LGBTQ and other forms of hate. We know that to have allies, you need to be an ally.
Bishop Jerry Demmer is the president of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance. Scott Levin is the director of the Anti-Defamation League, Mountain States Region


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Denver weather: Temperatures to climb into the 90s on Friday

Get ready for some heat .
The Denver weather forecast calls for temperatures to climb to 94 degrees in the @ @ @ @ @ there is a slight chance for thunderstorms .
The National Weather Service pegged the chance @ @ @ @ @ about 10 % , with the most likely time for stormy weather coming between 3 @ @ @ @ @ Winds are expected to be calm during the morning , but could pick up to @ @ @ @ @ the afternoon , with gusts up to 15 mph , forecasters said .
Overnight , @ @ @ @ @ to a low of 64 degrees .
More hot temperatures are on tap this weekend @ @ @ @ @ , with highs in the 90s on Saturday and Sunday , and a slight chance @ @ @ @ @ .
Saturday is expected to be windy , with 20 to 26 mph winds and @ @ @ @ @ , forecasters said .

Get ready for some heat.
The Denver weather forecast calls for temperatures to climb to 94 degrees in the city on Friday, but there is a slight chance for thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service pegged the chance for showers and thunderstorms at about 10%, with the most likely time for stormy weather coming between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Winds are expected to be calm during the morning, but could pick up to 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon, with gusts up to 15 mph, forecasters said.
Overnight, temperatures are expected to dip to a low of 64 degrees.
More hot temperatures are on tap this weekend, the weather service said, with highs in the 90s on Saturday and Sunday, and a slight chance of afternoon storms each day. Saturday is expected to be windy, with 20 to 26 mph winds and gusts up to 37 mph, forecasters said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--The Spot: Colorado R’s mostly quiet on Trump’s power move, and state Senate leader speaks up

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 .
In a year of bizarre moments , the strangest yet may have occurred late Monday afternoon , when the president of the United States raised his voice over the sound of distant flash bangs to announce the military would be deployed “ to dominate the streets ” — the streets of this country .
Minutes later , members of the U.S. military did dominate the streets of Washington , D.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to walk to historic St. John ’ s Church for a photo opportunity .
Condemnations from Colorado Democrats came swift and strong , led by a military veteran .
“ I saw real battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan , ” said Rep. Jason Crow , an Aurora Democrat .
“ I saw what happens when the military is used against protesters .
And I ’ ve never wanted to see either of those things at home .
These are not the actions of a rational , fit , democratic president .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t respect the core values of our nation.
” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the president ’ s order “ is illegal , an abuse of power , ” and threatened a lawsuit to stop it .
Gov .
Jared Polis compared it to something that would occur in communist China , at Tiananmen Square .
Colorado Republicans in Congress have been less willing to criticize the president ’ s directive .
“ Incredibly powerful moment as @ realDonaldTrump walked to St. John ’ s Church , where every past president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our country , ” Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado Springs tweeted .
We must come together as a country , and I thank @ POTUS for leading the effort to protect law and order.
” Rep. Ken Buck , a Windsor Republican and self-described civil libertarian , did not respond to a request for comment this week .
Neither did Rep. Scott Tipton , a Cortez Republican .
Sen. Cory Gardner ’ s spokeswoman , when asked if Gardner supports using the military to quell protests , emailed remarks the senator made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for “ real change ” in race relations but did not directly answer the question about military force .
“ We have to stop the violence and the violence needs to end , ” Gardner said of riots .
“ Mayors , governors and the president all need to work together on this.
” Wednesday , Sen. Michael Bennet , a Denver Democrat , sent a letter to the defense secretary to ask if troops will be deployed on American streets and urge that they not be : “ The military should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit these expressions for liberty and justice.
” Later that morning , the defense secretary said he opposes using the military to quell protests .
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 .
While protesters have demonstrated against the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in recent days , Colorado lawmakers inside the building have been assembling a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bills include rent and mortgage assistance , expanded unemployment benefits , and small business loans and grants .
Leroy Garcia , the Colorado Senate president from Pueblo , is having a moment of real clarity , it would seem .
He ’ s a fairly passive figure at the Capitol , despite his position of substantial power .
I wrote last session about his reluctance to throw his weight around , and how some view him as almost invisible .
Garcia has been anything but silent since last Thursday , when protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Capitol .
Garcia was stuck inside the building as demonstrators and riot police flooded the area .
His pickup truck was smashed , probably beyond repair .
He had to be escorted out of the building by State Patrol officers .
But he showed no bitterness about his car .
He quickly came out with a statement that included the line , “ Trucks can be replaced , but human lives can ’ t. ” That statement alone was fairly radical , in comparison to how some other Colorado politicians were talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis expressed dismay last week about property damage and violence from rallygoers , and both supported bringing in the National Guard to assist Denver law enforcement with dispersing protesters .
Garcia , who served in the Marines , followed up by warning against the “ militarization ” of Colorado .
He did this the night after SWAT trucks and riot cops gassed the streets around the Capitol , firing projectiles at protesters and , yes , journalists .
“ There ’ s a reason I put out a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone .
He was trying to send a clear message to the mayor and governor that violence was not the answer .
He evidently had a point .
After four nights of overwhelming force from police , the last three have been almost entirely peaceful , with cops passively watching demonstrations from afar and using relatively little weaponry .
That approach has coincided with a lack of unrest from protesters .
It ’ s been days since I ’ ve seen a rock thrown or anyone wielding a can of spray paint .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s taking $ 250 he received in 2018 from the state ’ s largest police union and donating it to a bail fund .
That , too , is a fairly radical move ; I can tell you with absolute certainty , having covered these issues at the Capitol for a while now , that many politicians fear the police unions .
The Senate president also is a prime sponsor of a major police reform bill that debuts this afternoon at the committee level .
Hancock has talked about “ getting to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Garcia and state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver are rolling up their sleeves .
• What we know so far about Colorado ’ s police reform bill .
• It won ’ t be easy , but Colorado is going to pass a balanced and very skinny budget .
• Can the LGBTQ+ “ panic defense ” bill come back from the dead ?
Ballots for the June 30 primary will be mailed in four days and the airwaves are slowly filling with ads from congressional candidates .
On Wednesday , U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ad .
The day before , Sen. Cory Gardner dropped his second .
Two days before that , John Hickenlooper debuted one .
One Nation , a dark money group that boosts Senate Republicans , announced Tuesday it will soon spend $ 2.6 million on TV and radio ads in Colorado .
The National Republican Senatorial Committee says it will be on-air here by July , and you can expect the NRSC to go negative .
There are three federal contests to watch June 30 .
While the Senate contest nabs most headlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candidate in the massive 3rd congressional district of western and southern Colorado .
Lauren Boebert , a Republican challenging GOP Rep. Scott Tipton , released a radio ad Monday .
In the 60-second spot , she calls herself a fighter and suggests Tipton is anything but .
She followed that up with an attacking TV ad Wednesday .
On the Democratic side , businessman and first-time candidate James Iacino released his first TV ad last week , introducing himself to voters and discussing his business experience .
Iacino will compete against Diane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airwaves Saturday .
One race that no one is watching is in the 4th District , where Republican Rep. Ken Buck should have no problem winning re-election .
( He did so by 21 points in 2018 . )
His Democratic opponent , Ike McCorkle , released a TV ad Monday .
Neither candidate has a June 30 primary challenger .
Endorsements : Romanoff was endorsed Tuesday by Ady Barkan , the influential progressive activist .
Iacino was endorsed this week by Dan Baer , a former Obama-era ambassador and former U.S. Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate between Hickenlooper and Romanoff on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m .
The next night , CBS4 and the Colorado Sun will host a debate between the two .
Look for an announcement soon on a debate involving The Denver Post .
• E & E looks at the politics of Gardner ’ s Great American Outdoors Act , and what it means for his re-election .
• The Bureau of Land Management is struggling to fill top positions after relocating its headquarters to Colorado , according to an analysis by The Hill .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Colorado Politics about her decision to endorse Hickenlooper and the odds she runs for office again .
One way or the other , the role of police in Denver — if not the rest of the state — appears likely for a hard turn .
Denver City Council members and other city officials have watched in the past week as cops arrested hundreds of protesters and used tear gas , pepper balls and foam bullets on them .
Now some city officials — like statehouse Democrats — are looking to limit police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accountable for the damage they ’ ve caused .
One mayoral appointee flat-out promised at Wednesday night ’ s protest that cops will be fired .
Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca tweeted her support for a Seattle councilwoman ’ s proposal to ban police use of chemical weapons like tear gas and pepper spray , rubber bullets and other projectiles , water cannons and more .
That proposal would also ban the purchase of those weapons .
CdeBaca said in her tweet that she ’ ll propose similar legislation in Denver .
But the specifics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s unclear if the rest of the council will support the move .
She ’ s got a chance , though .
Several of her colleagues already support her call for an investigation into the Denver Police Department after officers injured bystanders , protesters and journalists .
They ’ ve also called for Police Chief Paul Pazen and Public Safety Director Murphy Robinson to speak to recent practices before the council ’ s Safety Committee .
In addition , Councilman Chris Hinds and CdeBaca said they support a sweeping bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for more immediate and drastic changes .
Kwon Atlas , an aide to Mayor Michael Hancock , told a crowd of protesters Wednesday that “ cops are going to start getting fired.
” While the comments were well received by the crowd , some on social media anticipated that Atlas ’ job could be in jeopardy .
The city ’ s public safety director publicly rebuked Atlas , tweeting : “ It is not the job of the mayor ’ s aides nor do they have the authority to decide who gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Indeed , officers have the protection of unions and a right of repeal if fired or otherwise disciplined .
The firing of a police officer is a much more involved process than , say , the firing of a mayoral appointee .
• Denver Mayor Michael Hancock ’ s office sought to pull back his comments made last week during a television interview that Denver police officers had murdered three people , saying he misspoke .
• Denver City Council members are calling for an investigation into the city ’ s police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and journalists in recent days as thousands gathered to call for racial justice and systemic changes in policing throughout the country .
• Around Denver , other owners of food businesses are supporting the city ’ s protests , Black Lives Matter and many more organizing efforts .
Forward this newsletter to your colleagues 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.
In a year of bizarre moments, the strangest yet may have occurred late Monday afternoon, when the president of the United States raised his voice over the sound of distant flash bangs to announce the military would be deployed “to dominate the streets” — the streets of this country.
Minutes later, members of the U.S. military did dominate the streets of Washington, D.C., forcing out protesters and allowing Trump to walk to historic St. John’s Church for a photo opportunity. Condemnations from Colorado Democrats came swift and strong, led by a military veteran.
“I saw real battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Rep. Jason Crow, an Aurora Democrat. “I saw what happens when the military is used against protesters. And I’ve never wanted to see either of those things at home. These are not the actions of a rational, fit, democratic president. They are the actions of a man who doesn’t respect the core values of our nation.”
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the president’s order “is illegal, an abuse of power,” and threatened a lawsuit to stop it. Gov. Jared Polis compared it to something that would occur in communist China, at Tiananmen Square.
Colorado Republicans in Congress have been less willing to criticize the president’s directive.
“Incredibly powerful moment as @realDonaldTrump walked to St. John’s Church, where every past president since Madison has prayed for the wellbeing of our country,” Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado Springs tweeted. We must come together as a country, and I thank @POTUS for leading the effort to protect law and order.”
Rep. Ken Buck, a Windsor Republican and self-described civil libertarian, did not respond to a request for comment this week. Neither did Rep. Scott Tipton, a Cortez Republican.
Sen. Cory Gardner’s spokeswoman, when asked if Gardner supports using the military to quell protests, emailed remarks the senator made to Capitol Hill reporters in which he called for “real change” in race relations but did not directly answer the question about military force.
“We have to stop the violence and the violence needs to end,” Gardner said of riots. “Mayors, governors and the president all need to work together on this.”
Wednesday, Sen. Michael Bennet, a Denver Democrat, sent a letter to the defense secretary to ask if troops will be deployed on American streets and urge that they not be: “The military should never be weaponized by the president to limit these expressions for liberty and justice.” Later that morning, the defense secretary said he opposes using the military to quell protests.
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
While protesters have demonstrated against the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in recent days, Colorado lawmakers inside the building have been assembling a broad package of coronavirus relief legislation. The bills include rent and mortgage assistance, expanded unemployment benefits, and small business loans and grants.
Capitol Diary • By Alex Burness
Leroy Garcia’s anti-racist stand
Leroy Garcia, the Colorado Senate president from Pueblo, is having a moment of real clarity, it would seem.
He’s a fairly passive figure at the Capitol, despite his position of substantial power. I wrote last session about his reluctance to throw his weight around, and how some view him as almost invisible.
Garcia has been anything but silent since last Thursday, when protests, still ongoing, broke out at the Capitol. Garcia was stuck inside the building as demonstrators and riot police flooded the area. His pickup truck was smashed, probably beyond repair. He had to be escorted out of the building by State Patrol officers.
But he showed no bitterness about his car. He quickly came out with a statement that included the line, “Trucks can be replaced, but human lives can’t.”
That statement alone was fairly radical, in comparison to how some other Colorado politicians were talking. Both Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis expressed dismay last week about property damage and violence from rallygoers, and both supported bringing in the National Guard to assist Denver law enforcement with dispersing protesters.
Garcia, who served in the Marines, followed up by warning against the “militarization” of Colorado. He did this the night after SWAT trucks and riot cops gassed the streets around the Capitol, firing projectiles at protesters and, yes, journalists.
“There’s a reason I put out a statement,” Garcia told me afterward by phone. He was trying to send a clear message to the mayor and governor that violence was not the answer.
He evidently had a point. After four nights of overwhelming force from police, the last three have been almost entirely peaceful, with cops passively watching demonstrations from afar and using relatively little weaponry. That approach has coincided with a lack of unrest from protesters. It’s been days since I’ve seen a rock thrown or anyone wielding a can of spray paint.
Garcia announced Wednesday night that he’s taking $250 he received in 2018 from the state’s largest police union and donating it to a bail fund. That, too, is a fairly radical move; I can tell you with absolute certainty, having covered these issues at the Capitol for a while now, that many politicians fear the police unions.
The Senate president also is a prime sponsor of a major police reform bill that debuts this afternoon at the committee level. Hancock has talked about “getting to work” on race and criminal justice issues. Garcia and state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver are rolling up their sleeves.
More Colorado political news
#COSen 2020 • By Justin Wingerter
Ad season
Ballots for the June 30 primary will be mailed in four days and the airwaves are slowly filling with ads from congressional candidates.
On Wednesday, U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff released his first ad. The day before, Sen. Cory Gardner dropped his second. Two days before that, John Hickenlooper debuted one.
One Nation, a dark money group that boosts Senate Republicans, announced Tuesday it will soon spend $2.6 million on TV and radio ads in Colorado. The National Republican Senatorial Committee says it will be on-air here by July, and you can expect the NRSC to go negative.
There are three federal contests to watch June 30. While the Senate contest nabs most headlines, both Democrats and Republicans must choose a candidate in the massive 3rd congressional district of western and southern Colorado.
Lauren Boebert, a Republican challenging GOP Rep. Scott Tipton, released a radio ad Monday. In the 60-second spot, she calls herself a fighter and suggests Tipton is anything but. She followed that up with an attacking TV ad Wednesday.
On the Democratic side, businessman and first-time candidate James Iacino released his first TV ad last week, introducing himself to voters and discussing his business experience. Iacino will compete against Diane Mitsch Bush, who will hit TV airwaves Saturday.
One race that no one is watching is in the 4th District, where Republican Rep. Ken Buck should have no problem winning re-election. (He did so by 21 points in 2018.) His Democratic opponent, Ike McCorkle, released a TV ad Monday. Neither candidate has a June 30 primary challenger.
Endorsements: Romanoff was endorsed Tuesday by Ady Barkan, the influential progressive activist.
Iacino was endorsed this week by Dan Baer, a former Obama-era ambassador and former U.S. Senate candidate.
More federal politics
9News will host a debate between Hickenlooper and Romanoff on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The next night, CBS4 and the Colorado Sun will host a debate between the two. Look for an announcement soon on a debate involving The Denver Post.
E&E looks at the politics of Gardner’s Great American Outdoors Act, and what it means for his re-election.
The Bureau of Land Management is struggling to fill top positions after relocating its headquarters to Colorado, according to an analysis by The Hill.
Former Senate candidate Trish Zornio talked to Colorado Politics about her decision to endorse Hickenlooper and the odds she runs for office again.
Mile High Politics • By Conrad Swanson
Pushback on the police, city edition
One way or the other, the role of police in Denver — if not the rest of the state — appears likely for a hard turn.
Denver City Council members and other city officials have watched in the past week as cops arrested hundreds of protesters and used tear gas, pepper balls and foam bullets on them.
Now some city officials — like statehouse Democrats — are looking to limit police use of force and hold officers more accountable for the damage they’ve caused. One mayoral appointee flat-out promised at Wednesday night’s protest that cops will be fired.
Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca tweeted her support for a Seattle councilwoman’s proposal to ban police use of chemical weapons like tear gas and pepper spray, rubber bullets and other projectiles, water cannons and more. That proposal would also ban the purchase of those weapons.
CdeBaca said in her tweet that she’ll propose similar legislation in Denver. But the specifics for her proposal are awhle off, and it’s unclear if the rest of the council will support the move.
She’s got a chance, though. Several of her colleagues already support her call for an investigation into the Denver Police Department after officers injured bystanders, protesters and journalists. They’ve also called for Police Chief Paul Pazen and Public Safety Director Murphy Robinson to speak to recent practices before the council’s Safety Committee.
In addition, Councilman Chris Hinds and CdeBaca said they support a sweeping bill introduced by state legislators Wednesday.
Others called for more immediate and drastic changes. Kwon Atlas, an aide to Mayor Michael Hancock, told a crowd of protesters Wednesday that “cops are going to start getting fired.”
While the comments were well received by the crowd, some on social media anticipated that Atlas’ job could be in jeopardy.
The city’s public safety director publicly rebuked Atlas, tweeting: “It is not the job of the mayor’s aides nor do they have the authority to decide who gets disciplined in the department of public safety.”
Indeed, officers have the protection of unions and a right of repeal if fired or otherwise disciplined. The firing of a police officer is a much more involved process than, say, the firing of a mayoral appointee.
Atlas remained employed Thursday, a city spokesperson said.
More Denver and suburban political news
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s office sought to pull back his comments made last week during a television interview that Denver police officers had murdered three people, saying he misspoke.
Denver City Council members are calling for an investigation into the city’s police department after officers injured bystanders, protesters and journalists in recent days as thousands gathered to call for racial justice and systemic changes in policing throughout the country.
Around Denver, other owners of food businesses are supporting the city’s protests, Black Lives Matter and many more organizing efforts.
Forward this newsletter to your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Alcohol delivery and takeout could become the new norm for Colorado bars and restaurants

Over the past few months in Colorado , drinkers have been unpacking bottles of wine from their restaurant to-go bags , or carrying out plastic cups filled with margaritas alongside their tacos , or getting Old Fashioneds delivered right to their doorsteps with dinner .
As one of the rare , crowd-pleasing effects of the age of coronavirus and quarantine , to-go alcohol also has helped to keep restaurants and bars afloat during the 10-week shutdown .
Around 87 % of Colorado restaurants report making revenue from it , the Colorado Restaurant Association says .
But even as restaurants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are considering extending the takeout alcohol provision for another two years , at least .
Senate Bill 20-213 was introduced in the Colorado General Assembly this week , and would allow alcohol takeout and delivery to continue through July 2022 .
At that point , the legislation would automatically be repealed , so that lawmakers and the public could decide if alcohol to-go should become the law indefinitely .
“ This is changing the law , but it ’ s doing so temporarily , ” said Mike Laszlo , a Colorado-based liquor attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laszlo emphasized that the bill would just continue Gov .
Jared Polis ’ order and then “ repeal itself ” at around the two-year mark .
Until then , it would allow restaurants , bars , breweries , distillery pubs and other businesses with various liquor licenses to sell their alcohol for takeout and delivery , as they have been doing since March .
RELATED : Colorado restaurants can now deliver alcohol along with to-go food Businesses would be restricted by their to-go container sizes ( 750ml for wine and spirits and 72 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they would also have to keep their gross revenue from food and alcohol takeout and delivery to a maximum 50 % of total sales revenue .
Laszlo added that restaurants already need to maintain 25 % of their sales from food , “ so if they did become ( more like ) retail liquor stores , ” he said , “ they could only sell so much .
So that ’ s important to know ; there are limitations.
” Chad Michael George , president of the nonprofit EatDenver and board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he sees this law benefitting a lot of small businesses that have been struggling for the past 2½ months .
“ Things aren ’ t going to be the same for a long time , ” he said of restaurant and bar culture , “ and every little drop we can contribute to helping restaurants survive is worth fighting for .
… Here ’ s one thing that we can do that can make an immediate impact.
” But the law also would inevitably impact liquor stores , which have seen increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have a problem with the restaurants ( offering alcohol takeout and delivery ) , but if it ’ s a permanent thing , I would not be happy with it , ” said Duey Kratzer , who owns Mondo Vino , a 21-year-old wine shop in Denver ’ s Highland neighborhood .
Kratzer said his sales have been “ like Christmas every day , ” but he ’ s also lost income from around 200 canceled weddings that he would have supplied wine to this season .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I have no idea what our future is going to be , ” he said , adding , “ I feel so bad for the restaurants because they ’ re just completely hosed .
… The hard part is that most people who would want to support their local beloved restaurant don ’ t want to spend those prices on wine.
” While restaurants have gotten creative — discounting wines on certain weekdays , creating packs of rosés or other popular styles and pulling hard-to-find bottles out of their cellars — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lies more in their novel presentation and convenience .
Only in places like New Orleans , for example , could you previously walk out of a store carrying a boozy to-go drink .
And the logic holds : If you ’ re already spending money on to-go food , drinks prepared by a professional bartender or else paired by a sommelier can be an obvious bonus .
If the shutdown has shown anything of restaurants and bars , it ’ s that their owners are sure to get even more creative given any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend for the first time in 10 weeks , Run for the Roses owner Steven Waters this week was installing a “ trap door ” of sorts to continue offering alcohol takeout in a way that befits his below-ground bar business .
From the street level , customers will be able to approach the small , almost imperceptible vestibule , letting the bar know of their arrival .
Then , from a hatch in the basement , a bartender can send the fresh-made drink out .
It ’ s a system that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without coronavirus as a backdrop .
And possibilities like this could be endless .
“ If these capacity restrictions are with us for a long time , and even if they ’ re not but people are just not going out like they used to , ( bars and restaurants ) could really take advantage of this opportunity to create a lot of cool programming around it , ” George with EatDenver and the Bartenders Guild said .
“ I want people to let their legislators know that they support this and see @ @ @ @

Over the past few months in Colorado, drinkers have been unpacking bottles of wine from their restaurant to-go bags, or carrying out plastic cups filled with margaritas alongside their tacos, or getting Old Fashioneds delivered right to their doorsteps with dinner.
As one of the rare, crowd-pleasing effects of the age of coronavirus and quarantine, to-go alcohol also has helped to keep restaurants and bars afloat during the 10-week shutdown. Around 87% of Colorado restaurants report making revenue from it, the Colorado Restaurant Association says.
But even as restaurants and bars begin to reopen, state lawmakers are considering extending the takeout alcohol provision for another two years, at least. Senate Bill 20-213 was introduced in the Colorado General Assembly this week, and would allow alcohol takeout and delivery to continue through July 2022.
At that point, the legislation would automatically be repealed, so that lawmakers and the public could decide if alcohol to-go should become the law indefinitely.
“This is changing the law, but it’s doing so temporarily,” said Mike Laszlo, a Colorado-based liquor attorney who represents restaurant and bar clients. Laszlo emphasized that the bill would just continue Gov. Jared Polis’ order and then “repeal itself” at around the two-year mark.
Until then, it would allow restaurants, bars, breweries, distillery pubs and other businesses with various liquor licenses to sell their alcohol for takeout and delivery, as they have been doing since March.
RELATED: Colorado restaurants can now deliver alcohol along with to-go food
Businesses would be restricted by their to-go container sizes (750ml for wine and spirits and 72 fluid ounces for beer and ciders), and they would also have to keep their gross revenue from food and alcohol takeout and delivery to a maximum 50% of total sales revenue.
Laszlo added that restaurants already need to maintain 25% of their sales from food, “so if they did become (more like) retail liquor stores,” he said, “they could only sell so much. So that’s important to know; there are limitations.”
Chad Michael George, president of the nonprofit EatDenver and board member of the Colorado Bartenders Guild, said he sees this law benefitting a lot of small businesses that have been struggling for the past 2½ months.
“Things aren’t going to be the same for a long time,” he said of restaurant and bar culture, “and every little drop we can contribute to helping restaurants survive is worth fighting for. … Here’s one thing that we can do that can make an immediate impact.”
But the law also would inevitably impact liquor stores, which have seen increased sales during the pandemic.
“I don’t have a problem with the restaurants (offering alcohol takeout and delivery), but if it’s a permanent thing, I would not be happy with it,” said Duey Kratzer, who owns Mondo Vino, a 21-year-old wine shop in Denver’s Highland neighborhood.
Kratzer said his sales have been “like Christmas every day,” but he’s also lost income from around 200 canceled weddings that he would have supplied wine to this season.
“We’re just not a normal liquor store, so I have no idea what our future is going to be,” he said, adding, “I feel so bad for the restaurants because they’re just completely hosed. … The hard part is that most people who would want to support their local beloved restaurant don’t want to spend those prices on wine.”
While restaurants have gotten creative — discounting wines on certain weekdays, creating packs of rosés or other popular styles and pulling hard-to-find bottles out of their cellars — the appeal of buying alcohol from them lies more in their novel presentation and convenience.
Only in places like New Orleans, for example, could you previously walk out of a store carrying a boozy to-go drink. And the logic holds: If you’re already spending money on to-go food, drinks prepared by a professional bartender or else paired by a sommelier can be an obvious bonus.
If the shutdown has shown anything of restaurants and bars, it’s that their owners are sure to get even more creative given any loosened restrictions.
Preparing to open over the weekend for the first time in 10 weeks, Run for the Roses owner Steven Waters this week was installing a “trap door” of sorts to continue offering alcohol takeout in a way that befits his below-ground bar business.
From the street level, customers will be able to approach the small, almost imperceptible vestibule, letting the bar know of their arrival. Then, from a hatch in the basement, a bartender can send the fresh-made drink out. It’s a system that probably wouldn’t have been created without coronavirus as a backdrop. And possibilities like this could be endless.
“If these capacity restrictions are with us for a long time, and even if they’re not but people are just not going out like they used to, (bars and restaurants) could really take advantage of this opportunity to create a lot of cool programming around it,” George with EatDenver and the Bartenders Guild said.
“I want people to let their legislators know that they support this and see what happens.”


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Rockies Insider: Colorado shouldn’t have released Roberto Ramos, who is now raking in Korea

As Roberto Ramos tears up the Korea Baseball Organization , one has to wonder if the Rockies are kicking themselves for releasing the first baseman .
I certainly would be if I was in the Colorado front office .
Yes , the KBO isn ’ t the majors , and it ’ s not quite as good as Japan ’ s Nippon Professional Baseball .
But Ramos is making the pitching there look like child ’ s play .
The 25-year-old , who signed with the LG Twins for a $ 300,000 salary , leads the KBO with 10 home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s slashing .363/.433/.747 with a ridiculous 1.180 OPS .
Anyone who kept tabs on Ramos the past two seasons in the minor leagues probably foresaw an offensive outburst coming when he signed with the Twins .
He was an all-star in Class-A Advanced Lancaster in 2018 and repeated that feat with Triple-A Albuquerque last season , slashing .309/.400/.580 with 30 homers and 105 RBIs .
The knock on Ramos is that he ’ s a “ Quad-A ” hitter , with a high strikeout rate that would detrimental to him making it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two seasons Ramos launched 62 home runs but also struck out at a 29 % clip .
Hindsight is always 20/20 — especially amid a global pandemic — but with the universal DH likely coming to the National League this season , Ramos would ’ ve been an ideal candidate to be one of Colorado ’ s big bats off the bench .
Expanded rosters also would ’ ve helped Ramos ’ case to make the roster .
And , had the Rockies retained his rights , at least the organization would ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ramos , a 16th-round pick in 2014 out of junior college , could turn out to be a serviceable major league player .
Or , maybe even a powerful , capable replacement at first base for Daniel Murphy ; maybe , just maybe , he was the diamond-in-the-rough answer to what Colorado has been lacking at the position since Todd Helton retired .
Instead , Rockies fans will have to watch highlight clips from the KBO , and wonder what might have been .
Like what you ’ re reading ?
Share this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s easy to sign up for the Rockies Insider here .
NEW 💥 If you enjoy The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage , we have a new subscription offer for you !
Try the first month for just 99¢ Newman : If MLB does proceed with a 50-game season , it will come with an asterisk The one thing a 50-game schedule wouldn ’ t be ?
Anything close to an accurate depiction of a true , grind-it-out MLB season .
Read more… Keeler : If Rockies and MLB don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll lose the best fans in the world — forever MLB owners are crying poor , which is hooey .
The MLB Players Association doesn ’ t want to give an inch , lest those same owners take a mile once the CBA expires in 2021 .
Read more… Rockies release slew of minor leaguers amid pandemic , forcing many players to face a new , non-baseball reality With the 2020 minor league season likely to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic , the Rockies have joined the majority of major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farm system .
Read more… + Emerson Hancock to the Rockies ?
ESPN ’ s MLB mock draft has pitcher heading to Colorado .
+ MLB players reaffirm pay stance , no deal with teams in sight + Rockies ’ Scott Oberg and David Dahl confident in their safety despite compromised immune systems + Former MLB star Dale Murphy says son was “ shot in the eye with a rubber bullet ” during protest in Denver + Roy Halladay ’ s father takes issue with portrayal of son in ESPN ’ s reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ + Want to chat about the Rockies ?
Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook .
Lessons from 1994 baseball strike : How the past looms over MLB as it tries to salvage 2020 season In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 104,000 Americans , MLB and its players are struggling to find a road to salvage the 2020 season .
Blocking that path are gigantic issues about money and power — the same ones that brought baseball to its knees 25 years ago .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of blame to go around , but baseball is in real danger of alienating fans It ’ s no secret that a lot of kids today think that baseball is a slow-moving , boring game .
But it ’ s a game with nuances and beauty that can be nurtured and appreciated .
A trip to the ballpark on a summer evening can make converts out of even the most restless kid .
But what happens if there is no baseball in 2020 ?
What if a future labor war wipes out another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can kiss a generation of fans goodbye .
Read more… If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at jbailey @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ beetbailey .

As Roberto Ramos tears up the Korea Baseball Organization, one has to wonder if the Rockies are kicking themselves for releasing the first baseman.
I certainly would be if I was in the Colorado front office. Yes, the KBO isn’t the majors, and it’s not quite as good as Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. But Ramos is making the pitching there look like child’s play. The 25-year-old, who signed with the LG Twins for a $300,000 salary, leads the KBO with 10 home runs through 26 games. He’s slashing .363/.433/.747 with a ridiculous 1.180 OPS.
Anyone who kept tabs on Ramos the past two seasons in the minor leagues probably foresaw an offensive outburst coming when he signed with the Twins. He was an all-star in Class-A Advanced Lancaster in 2018 and repeated that feat with Triple-A Albuquerque last season, slashing .309/.400/.580 with 30 homers and 105 RBIs.
The knock on Ramos is that he’s a “Quad-A” hitter, with a high strikeout rate that would detrimental to him making it in the big leagues. Over the past two seasons Ramos launched 62 home runs but also struck out at a 29% clip.
Hindsight is always 20/20 — especially amid a global pandemic — but with the universal DH likely coming to the National League this season, Ramos would’ve been an ideal candidate to be one of Colorado’s big bats off the bench. Expanded rosters also would’ve helped Ramos’ case to make the roster.
And, had the Rockies retained his rights, at least the organization would’ve finally gotten a feel for whether Ramos, a 16th-round pick in 2014 out of junior college, could turn out to be a serviceable major league player. Or, maybe even a powerful, capable replacement at first base for Daniel Murphy; maybe, just maybe, he was the diamond-in-the-rough answer to what Colorado has been lacking at the position since Todd Helton retired.
Instead, Rockies fans will have to watch highlight clips from the KBO, and wonder what might have been.
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
Like what you’re reading? Share this with a friend and tell them it’s easy to sign up for the Rockies Insider here.
NEW 💥 If you enjoy The Denver Post’s sports coverage, we have a new subscription offer for you! Try the first month for just 99¢
Must-Read
The one thing a 50-game schedule wouldn’t be? Anything close to an accurate depiction of a true, grind-it-out MLB season. Read more…
MLB owners are crying poor, which is hooey. The MLB Players Association doesn’t want to give an inch, lest those same owners take a mile once the CBA expires in 2021. Read more…
With the 2020 minor league season likely to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Rockies have joined the majority of major league teams by releasing players throughout their farm system. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Emerson Hancock to the Rockies? ESPN’s MLB mock draft has pitcher heading to Colorado.
+ MLB players reaffirm pay stance, no deal with teams in sight
+ MLB rejects 114-game schedule, threatens plan of about 50
+ Rockies’ Scott Oberg and David Dahl confident in their safety despite compromised immune systems
+ Former MLB star Dale Murphy says son was “shot in the eye with a rubber bullet” during protest in Denver
+ Roy Halladay’s father takes issue with portrayal of son in ESPN’s reporting: “They missed the story”
+ Want to chat about the Rockies? Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook.
By The Numbers
1994
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 104,000 Americans, MLB and its players are struggling to find a road to salvage the 2020 season. Blocking that path are gigantic issues about money and power — the same ones that brought baseball to its knees 25 years ago. Read more…
Parting Shot
It’s no secret that a lot of kids today think that baseball is a slow-moving, boring game. But it’s a game with nuances and beauty that can be nurtured and appreciated. A trip to the ballpark on a summer evening can make converts out of even the most restless kid.
But what happens if there is no baseball in 2020? What if a future labor war wipes out another season or another World Series? Baseball can kiss a generation of fans goodbye. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.com or tweet me @beetbailey.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Golfers in Aurora have been waiting for today, practice areas are back open

Golfers around Colorado have enjoyed getting back to playing this spring , some courses however had their practice areas closed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The days of breakfast balls and finally getting loose by the fourth hole are over as the City of Aurora announced that practice areas for its five courses are now back open for business .
With the news of openings comes a few changes as there will be a 40-minute time limit on driving ranges and golfers must use their own balls on the practice chipping areas .
With the closure of practice facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get practice areas in pristine condition .
Today is a great day for avid golfers , we ’ re talking about practice… not a game , but the return of practice facilities .
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette , tell a friend it ’ s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup .
If you have any questions or suggestions , hit me up on Twitter @ joenguyen or by email .
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers !
Subscribe to The Denver Post ’ s sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month and only $ 6.99/month thereafter .
Cancel anytime .
+ Broncos Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Ryan O ’ Halloran here .
+ Nuggets Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Singer here .
+ Avs Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Mike Chambers here .
+ Rockies Mailbag : Have a question about the team ?
Ask Patrick Saunders here .

Golfers around Colorado have enjoyed getting back to playing this spring, some courses however had their practice areas closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The days of breakfast balls and finally getting loose by the fourth hole are over as the City of Aurora announced that practice areas for its five courses are now back open for business.
With the news of openings comes a few changes as there will be a 40-minute time limit on driving ranges and golfers must use their own balls on the practice chipping areas.
With the closure of practice facilities, course superintendents had the opportunity to get practice areas in pristine condition.
Today is a great day for avid golfers, we’re talking about practice… not a game, but the return of practice facilities.
With the practice area finally opening back up tomorrow it’s time to show it off. @GrantJavernick and I cleaned it up, pamperd an old target green back to life, mowed in a lower rough height fairway and new target poles. Going to hurt seeing that first divot taken. pic.twitter.com/bFzX5alGF3 — Kevin Kallas (@CubbieKK) June 4, 2020
— Jeff Bailey, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--DA won’t reinvestigate 3 deaths at the hands of Denver law enforcement

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said she won ’ t launch new investigations into the deaths of Marvin Booker , Jessica Hernandez and Michael Marshall at the hands of Denver law enforcement .
Not because she can ’ t reopen the cases , as previously stated , but because she won ’ t .
All three cases — referred to as “ murders ” by Mayor Michael Hancock recently amid tensions over George Floyd ’ s death — began with the previous district attorney , Mitch Morrissey .
“ My predecessor decided a lot of cases , and I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases unless there is something that comes to light that would lead me to believe there was new evidence or it wasn ’ t investigated adequately , ” McCann said .
She took office in 2017 and noted that since then she has filed cases against two Denver police officers , a deputy and a Lakewood police officer .
The city paid settlements to the families in all three of the older cases , but no one was charged criminally .
To reopen them , McCann said , she would need evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it to believe a jury could convict .
That evidence isn ’ t there , she said .
But as the nation — including Denver — enters its second week of massive protests for changes within a racist justice system , McCann ’ s reluctance to revisit controversial cases in Denver ’ s history doesn ’ t sit well with others .
“ Because of the climate and because of the disconcertedness of the community , she has a responsibility to bring closure to that community regarding Marvin Booker ’ s murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil trial already concluded gross misconduct by deputies in Booker ’ s death , said Gail Booker , Spencer ’ s wife .
Even so , the family was never afforded the possibility of a criminal trial .
“ It was a coverup from day one , ” Gail Booker said .
Jail deputies killed Booker , a homeless street preacher , in 2010 after they restrained and shocked him with a Taser .
Jurors in a 2014 federal civil rights trial found deputies liable for his death and the city paid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For Denver ’ s law enforcement to move forward with the trust and understanding of residents , city leaders must go back and correct past injustices , Spencer Booker said .
Without that , the city is bound to see more wrongs , likely from the same officers .
Indeed , at least two deputies involved with Booker ’ s death have made headlines in other cases .
Deputy Faun Gomez , who initiated contact with Booker just before his death , was also named in a lawsuit stemming from the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in custody after deputies failed to notice her deteriorating condition after an alcohol-related car crash in 2006 .
And Colorado State Patrol troopers cited Deputy James Grimes — who grabbed Booker by the neck during the fatal struggle — with reckless driving , reckless endangerment and speeding after he was clocked driving a van full of prisoners on Interstate 25 at more than 90 mph .
Not only should McCann reopen the Booker case , but she should also launch a new investigation into Michael Marshall ’ s death , said Mari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Booker and Marshall cases .
Jail deputies also killed Marshall after pinning his face to the floor and applying pressure to his body for more than 10 minutes , even after he fell limp and vomited .
The city paid $ 4.6 million to Marshall ’ s family .
Denver police shot and killed Hernandez , 17 , after she was found in a stolen car and tried to flee .
Officers opened fire , killing Hernandez , who was unarmed .
The city paid the Hernandez family a $ 1 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s own mayor has conceded that Denver ’ s law enforcement officers murdered three members of the community , ” Newman said .
“ Then it is absolutely the responsibility of the elected district attorney to prosecute those murders.
” Theresa Marchetta , a spokesperson for Hancock later recanted the mayor ’ s comments about murder , saying he misspoke .
She said Thursday that Hancock does not believe the Booker , Hernandez and Marshall cases should be reopened .

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said she won’t launch new investigations into the deaths of Marvin Booker, Jessica Hernandez and Michael Marshall at the hands of Denver law enforcement.
Not because she can’t reopen the cases, as previously stated, but because she won’t. All three cases — referred to as “murders” by Mayor Michael Hancock recently amid tensions over George Floyd’s death — began with the previous district attorney, Mitch Morrissey.
“My predecessor decided a lot of cases, and I don’t go back and re-evaluate those cases unless there is something that comes to light that would lead me to believe there was new evidence or it wasn’t investigated adequately,” McCann said.
She took office in 2017 and noted that since then she has filed cases against two Denver police officers, a deputy and a Lakewood police officer.
The city paid settlements to the families in all three of the older cases, but no one was charged criminally. To reopen them, McCann said, she would need evidence that a crime was committed — and enough of it to believe a jury could convict. That evidence isn’t there, she said.
But as the nation — including Denver — enters its second week of massive protests for changes within a racist justice system, McCann’s reluctance to revisit controversial cases in Denver’s history doesn’t sit well with others.
McCann’s answer is unacceptable to Spencer Booker, Marvin Booker’s brother.
“Because of the climate and because of the disconcertedness of the community, she has a responsibility to bring closure to that community regarding Marvin Booker’s murder,” Spencer Booker said.
A civil trial already concluded gross misconduct by deputies in Booker’s death, said Gail Booker, Spencer’s wife. Even so, the family was never afforded the possibility of a criminal trial.
“It was a coverup from day one,” Gail Booker said.
Jail deputies killed Booker, a homeless street preacher, in 2010 after they restrained and shocked him with a Taser. Jurors in a 2014 federal civil rights trial found deputies liable for his death and the city paid the family a $6 million settlement.
For Denver’s law enforcement to move forward with the trust and understanding of residents, city leaders must go back and correct past injustices, Spencer Booker said. Without that, the city is bound to see more wrongs, likely from the same officers.
Indeed, at least two deputies involved with Booker’s death have made headlines in other cases. Deputy Faun Gomez, who initiated contact with Booker just before his death, was also named in a lawsuit stemming from the death of former jail inmate Emily Rice, who died in custody after deputies failed to notice her deteriorating condition after an alcohol-related car crash in 2006.
The city paid $3 million to Rice’s family.
And Colorado State Patrol troopers cited Deputy James Grimes — who grabbed Booker by the neck during the fatal struggle — with reckless driving, reckless endangerment and speeding after he was clocked driving a van full of prisoners on Interstate 25 at more than 90 mph.
Not only should McCann reopen the Booker case, but she should also launch a new investigation into Michael Marshall’s death, said Mari Newman, the attorney who handled both the Booker and Marshall cases.
Jail deputies also killed Marshall after pinning his face to the floor and applying pressure to his body for more than 10 minutes, even after he fell limp and vomited. The city paid $4.6 million to Marshall’s family.
Denver police shot and killed Hernandez, 17, after she was found in a stolen car and tried to flee. Officers opened fire, killing Hernandez, who was unarmed. The city paid the Hernandez family a $1 million settlement.
“Even the city’s own mayor has conceded that Denver’s law enforcement officers murdered three members of the community,” Newman said. “Then it is absolutely the responsibility of the elected district attorney to prosecute those murders.”
Theresa Marchetta, a spokesperson for Hancock later recanted the mayor’s comments about murder, saying he misspoke. She said Thursday that Hancock does not believe the Booker, Hernandez and Marshall cases should be reopened.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Colorado Democrats to move forward with vaccine bill

When Colorado Rep. Kyle Mullica returned to the Capitol to resume this year ’ s legislative session , officers approached him about a 911 call they received .
Someone had called to report him , saying he should be quarantined after treating patients with COVID-19 at the Cook County Jail in Chicago .
“ Nothing came from it because nothing should come from it , ” the Democrat from Northglenn said .
But the incident shows just how contentious — and personal — Colorado ’ s fight over a vaccine bill has gotten .
Mullica is one of the sponsors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s vaccination rates — the lowest in the nation — by making it harder for people to claim non-medical exemptions .
The bill was making its way through the legislature — and had passed through the Senate — before the session was suspended due to the novel coronavirus pandemic .
When lawmakers returned with a goal of finishing their work as quickly as possible , it wasn ’ t clear whether the bill with vocal opposition would still get a vote .
This week , leadership agreed to add the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s scheduled to be heard Sunday at noon by the Health and Insurance Committee .
The Colorado Health Choice Alliance , a group of parents opposed to restrictions on vaccine exemptions , emailed supporters after Mullica ’ s return , writing , “ Why did Representative Mullica return directly home before quarantining himself in Chicago ?
Could he have exposed others to this disease on his travels home ?
Is it safe for him to return to the legislature on Tuesday , less than a week after returning home ?
” But Mullica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from moving forward with a bill that is good for the community and is backed by science as well as a majority of Coloradans .
“ It ’ s disappointing , ” he said .
“ I think we should be better than that and debate the merits of the bill.
” Supporters and opponents of the bill will get to do just that on Sunday .
The committee is accepting written and in-person testimony , though social distancing guidelines will be implemented in the hearing room .
Testimony may also be limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WE NEED THOUSANDS of people !
!
” the Colorado Health Choice Alliance posted to its Facebook page Wednesday .

When Colorado Rep. Kyle Mullica returned to the Capitol to resume this year’s legislative session, officers approached him about a 911 call they received.
Someone had called to report him, saying he should be quarantined after treating patients with COVID-19 at the Cook County Jail in Chicago.
The incident shows just how contentious — and personal — Colorado’s fight over a vaccine bill has gotten. Mullica, an emergency room nurse by occupation, is one of the sponsors Senate Bill 163. The bill aims to increase Colorado’s vaccination rates — the lowest in the nation — by making it harder for people to claim nonmedical exemptions.
The bill is scheduled to get a House hearing Sunday at noon, but the chamber’s Republicans, who mostly oppose it, began engaging in stall tactics Friday to slow down the vaccine bill and other legislation they oppose.
When lawmakers returned May 26 with a goal of finishing their work as quickly as possible, Democrats said they would focus on bills that had little opposition or cost. That led to doubts about whether the vaccine bill, which passed the Senate before the recess, would survive, but this week Democratic leadership added it to the calendar.
“So far, friendly and free has been a lie, so we thought we’d finish the job and slow things down a little,” the House Republican caucus tweeted Friday.
Republican lawmakers asked for bills to be read at length and sought frivolous amendments such as renaming a bill after the Tom Selleck show “Magnum, P.I.,” among other tactics.
“If you thought we’d roll over and give in, you were wrong,” the GOP said in another tweet.
House Democrats also had their say on Twitter, tweeting Friday: “Democrats are governing responsibly in the middle of a pandemic and all the GOP can do is waste the people’s time.”
The vaccine bill, Mullica said, is good for the community given Colorado’s lowest-in-the-nation vaccination rates, and is backed by medical professionals as well as a majority of Coloradans.
“It’s disappointing,” he said. “I think we should be better than that and debate the merits of the bill.”
Supporters and opponents of the bill will have the opportunity to do that Sunday.
“PLEASE SHOW UP!! WE NEED THOUSANDS of people!!” the Colorado Health Choice Alliance posted to its Facebook page Thursday.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Denver police investigate overnight shooting in Montbello; 4 injured

Denver police are investigating an overnight shooting in Montbello that left four people injured .
Police said they were investigating @ @ @ @ @ Wheeling Street , according to a tweet posted on the department ’ s official Twitter @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
There were no updates on the extent of the injuries .
Police did @ @ @ @ @ a possible suspect .

Denver police are investigating an overnight shooting in Montbello that left four people injured.
Police said they were investigating in the 4900 block of Wheeling Street, according to a tweet posted on the department’s official Twitter account at 1:52 a.m. on Friday.
There were no updates on the extent of the injuries. Police did not release any information on a possible suspect.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Ask Amy: Housemate angles for a change

Ask Amy: Housemate angles for a change

Dear Amy : I am one of three friends living in a house together for the past three years .
We are all in our early-30s .
My boyfriend owns the house , he and I share a bedroom , and our third roommate , “ Dusty , ” is a friend who lived there with my boyfriend before we started dating .
In the time we ’ ve lived together , I ’ ve made great strides .
My boyfriend and I have gotten serious about our careers , stopped partying , and put a lot of time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , upgrading , and improving the house we share .
We ’ ve never discussed sharing household tasks with Dusty ; we do everything , and we pay for all the improvements .
Dusty pretty much just drinks beer , smokes , and plays video games all day long .
He reeks of smoke and has poor hygiene .
He rarely cleans or contributes when we do home projects .
He works as little as possible .
I ’ ve come to really resent his presence , and when my friends come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way he lives .
Despite all my efforts to make our house a home , I ’ m more unhappy here than ever .
I feel like I ’ m living with a teenager , constantly trying to erase the evidence of his slovenly lifestyle .
I really want him to move out , but I know he never would unless we explicitly asked him to .
My boyfriend doesn ’ t seem to mind Dusty ’ s sloppiness at all .
They still have a great relationship .
They enjoy spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housemate to make the financial picture work , and because Dusty was there before me , I feel guilty about wanting to replace him with someone more mature .
I know the next step is to discuss my feelings with my boyfriend , but I don ’ t want to come off as controlling , or inconsiderate of their friendship .
How can I broach the subject fairly ?
Dear Claustrophobic : The way not to come off as controlling is to not be controlling .
This means that you would understand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that this domestic situation existed before you arrived , and that two out of the three of you don ’ t seem to mind the conditions in the home .
However , perhaps you should just cop to caring and to wanting more control over the atmosphere where you live ( you have that right ) .
Tell your boyfriend that you no longer want to live with “ Dusty , ” and initiate a conversation about possible solutions , including the possibility that YOU might move out .
Your boyfriend may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short , I ’ m suggesting that you tap into your inner Yoko and risk breaking up the band , accepting the uncertainty of the consequences .
Dear Amy : COVID-19 is consuming every second of our news cycle .
For years , your column was a respite for me from the news of the day .
However , recently they are all about issues people are having with the virus .
Are letters concerning COVID-19 the only ones you are getting ?
I understand the concerns and fears , but life goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dying , but not of COVID-19 .
Others are having issues with their children , siblings , spouses , parents , employment , the neighbors , money , etc.
, that have nothing at all to do with the pandemic , although I agree the virus doesn ’ t make life easier for anyone .
I would like to have my morning coffee and be able to enjoy at least one column , article , or op-ed that isn ’ t about COVID-19 , sheltering in place , openings , closings , vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear COVID-Out : To point out the obvious , your question is about COVID , too .
I ’ m as overwhelmed as anyone .
But life is not the same for people now as it was three months ago , and so the questions submitted to me have changed .
People are NOT having weddings .
They are NOT having funerals .
They are NOT having graduations , promotions , or professional annoyances .
People have NOT been interacting with friends and family .
And these quotidian experiences are what inspire questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with you , I hope that we fully emerge ( safely and soon ) from this anxious time .
Dear Amy : I ’ m offering “ kudos ” to you .
I ’ ve noticed that when you answer questions from kids , you do so in a way that is very gentle and compassionate .
Your responses often bring tears to my eyes .
Dear Fan : Thank you so much .
These questions always move me , and I correspond regularly ( and privately ) with many young people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Dear Amy: I am one of three friends living in a house together for the past three years. We are all in our early-30s. My boyfriend owns the house, he and I share a bedroom, and our third roommate, “Dusty,” is a friend who lived there with my boyfriend before we started dating.
In the time we’ve lived together, I’ve made great strides. My boyfriend and I have gotten serious about our careers, stopped partying, and put a lot of time, effort (and money) into cleaning up, upgrading, and improving the house we share. We’ve never discussed sharing household tasks with Dusty; we do everything, and we pay for all the improvements.
Dusty pretty much just drinks beer, smokes, and plays video games all day long. He reeks of smoke and has poor hygiene. He rarely cleans or contributes when we do home projects. He works as little as possible.
I’ve come to really resent his presence, and when my friends come over, I’m embarrassed by the way he lives. Despite all my efforts to make our house a home, I’m more unhappy here than ever. I feel like I’m living with a teenager, constantly trying to erase the evidence of his slovenly lifestyle. I really want him to move out, but I know he never would unless we explicitly asked him to.
My boyfriend doesn’t seem to mind Dusty’s sloppiness at all. They still have a great relationship. They enjoy spending time together.
We need a third housemate to make the financial picture work, and because Dusty was there before me, I feel guilty about wanting to replace him with someone more mature.
I know the next step is to discuss my feelings with my boyfriend, but I don’t want to come off as controlling, or inconsiderate of their friendship. How can I broach the subject fairly?
— Claustrophobic
Dear Claustrophobic: The way not to come off as controlling is to not be controlling. This means that you would understand and accept that your boyfriend owns this home, that this domestic situation existed before you arrived, and that two out of the three of you don’t seem to mind the conditions in the home.
However, perhaps you should just cop to caring and to wanting more control over the atmosphere where you live (you have that right).
Tell your boyfriend that you no longer want to live with “Dusty,” and initiate a conversation about possible solutions, including the possibility that YOU might move out. Your boyfriend may then face a tough choice.
In short, I’m suggesting that you tap into your inner Yoko and risk breaking up the band, accepting the uncertainty of the consequences.
Dear Amy: COVID-19 is consuming every second of our news cycle. For years, your column was a respite for me from the news of the day. However, recently they are all about issues people are having with the virus.
Are letters concerning COVID-19 the only ones you are getting?
I understand the concerns and fears, but life goes on: Some people are ill or dying, but not of COVID-19. Others are having issues with their children, siblings, spouses, parents, employment, the neighbors, money, etc., that have nothing at all to do with the pandemic, although I agree the virus doesn’t make life easier for anyone.
I would like to have my morning coffee and be able to enjoy at least one column, article, or op-ed that isn’t about COVID-19, sheltering in place, openings, closings, vaccines, meds, cures, etc.
— COVID-Out
Dear COVID-Out: To point out the obvious, your question is about COVID, too.
I’m as overwhelmed as anyone. But life is not the same for people now as it was three months ago, and so the questions submitted to me have changed.
People are NOT having weddings. They are NOT having funerals. They are NOT having graduations, promotions, or professional annoyances. People have NOT been interacting with friends and family. And these quotidian experiences are what inspire questions I run in the column.
Along with you, I hope that we fully emerge (safely and soon) from this anxious time.
Dear Amy: I’m offering “kudos” to you. I’ve noticed that when you answer questions from kids, you do so in a way that is very gentle and compassionate. Your responses often bring tears to my eyes.
— A Fan
Dear Fan: Thank you so much. These questions always move me, and I correspond regularly (and privately) with many young people who have written to me over the years.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-06-06--PHOTOS: Coloradans continue to rally against racial injustice for the ninth day

A ninth night of protests over the death of George Floyd launched Friday with multiple marches and rallies taking place @ @ @ @ @ .
While the first four nights of protests featured vandalism and looting among people on @ @ @ @ @ tear gas and projectiles at protesters , recent nights have brought large , but calm @ @ @ @ @ various groups come and go from the Capitol grounds throughout the night .

Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post
A poster of George Floyd, whose recent killing by law enforcement in Minneapolis has galvanized people around the nation, is hung near the Capitol in Denver on Friday, June 5, 2020. A bill making its way through the state legislature with near unanimous support would ban the use of respiratory chokeholds in all situations.


thedenverpost--2020-06-06--Protests over George Floyd’s death roll continue the ninth straight night in Denver

A ninth night of protests over the death of George Floyd launched Friday with multiple marches and rallies taking place in the heart of Denver .
One newly formed group , Colorado Attorneys Against Police Violence , took over the speakers on the Capitol steps to announce their intentions to stand with protesters and denounce racism and police violence .
“ We know you all are on the right side of history , but that doesn ’ t mean it ’ s going to be easy , ” LaQunya Baker , a Denver lawyer told the crowd .
One-by-one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to air their feelings about police violence and the ongoing demonstrations .
Tisha Wacays , a 40-year-old church pastor from Aurora , has come to the Capitol for the past three days to pray .
On Friday , she was asked to speak to the throngs gathered there .
The community must come up with practical solutions to racism and police bias , she said .
“ What we need to target is the broken system , ” Wacays said .
While the first four nights of protests featured vandalism and looting among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tear gas and projectiles at protesters , recent nights have brought large , but calm crowds .
Marches planned by various groups come and go from the Capitol grounds throughout the night .
Throughout the nine days , thousands have marched , chanted , prayed , sang and delivered rousing speeches .
On Thursday night , a car caravan , organized by Black Lives Matter 5280 so people at risk of COVID-19 could participate in demonstrations , stretched nearly three miles as it drove through Denver .
Two events in the metro area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 Aurora , sponsored by Say Their Names 5280 and 5280 Rapid Response Team , 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. , Aurora Municipal Center , 14999 E. Alameda Ave. , Aurora .
https : //www.facebook.com/events/267566430966524

Saja Hindi, Kyle Newman, Noelle Phillips

As a juvenile public defender finished describing the heaviness she feels as she represents black children in the justice system, her shoulders shook with the weight of the moment.
“My heart is so heavy from seeing the children who look like me,” Nicole Duncan said. “It’s not right. It’s not right what they’re doing to our children.”
As tears began to fall and Duncan could no longer speak, organizers of the latest Denver protest over racism and police violence gathered around to hug her. Then the crowd of several hundred people began chanting, “We love you. We love you. We love you.”
For nine straight days, thousands of people have marched, sang, cheered, prayed and rallied over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. During the first four days in Denver, the demonstrations turned violent with vandalism, looting and some people hurling rocks, bottles and insults at police. In return, Denver police officers fired tear gas, pepper balls and foam bullets at the protesters, many of whom were peaceful from the start.
In response to the violence, Mayor Michael Hancock imposed a curfew on the city. Protesters defied it, but police on Monday seemed to limit enforcement. On Friday, Hancock said he would allow the curfew order to expire Friday.
In recent days, the demonstrations have evolved with each night taking on a different dynamic than the previous night’s action.
Jailin Lanier of Aurora was attending her fourth day of demonstrations. She was inspired to start on Sunday after spending time with her 3-year-old nephew.
“I remember looking at him and just feeling this fear that if I didn’t some something, anything, for him, then I was part of the problem,” Lanier said.
That first night, she did not realize she could be arrested for being out past curfew. A tear gas cannister and pepper balls landed near her group. She and her brother’s girlfriend hid in a building’s stairwell.
“It was terrifying,” she said.
As she left, she recognized some of the other protesters who were being handcuffed and detained.
“I was shaken up from that,” Lanier said.
But now the protests are more calm, and she’s not completely sure how they take on different personalities and feelings each night.
“I’m not as afraid of getting attacked by police,” she said.
TaJuan Bell and OJ Johnson were among a dozen men who wore suit jackets and bow ties to Friday night’s rally. They wanted to send a message to people watching that protesters come from all walks of life, including working professionals.
“We want to show the same people out here protesting are also successful politicians, businessmen, CFOs and CEOs,” Johnson said.
On Friday, a march began at 8 p.m., from the state Capitol to Cheesman Park, where a small marching band played. The band led the crowd in a rousing “Happy Birthday” song in memory of Breonna Taylor, who was killed last month by Louisville, Ky., police and would have been 27 on Saturday. Before that, hundreds of people sat in front of the Capitol steps to hear short speeches, as people poured out their hearts about racism in the city.
Duncan was one of them.
A few weeks ago, Duncan said, she was accused of stealing a package. In Florida, she once was held at gunpoint by a police officer and told to keep her hands in the air.
“The degrees don’t matter,” the lawyer said. But she encouraged everyone to stand strong. “Don’t let the system cut you down.”
Upcoming protests


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--No RTD bus service for downtown Denver on Saturday

Bus service in and out of downtown Denver will be suspended again Saturday because of safety concerns related to large protests .
Train service into Union Station will run on regular schedule , RTD said in a Friday news release , but light rail service will be suspended Saturday downtown .
The University of Colorado A-Line , B-Line and G-Line will run on regular schedules into Union Station , according to the release .
The C , E and W-lines also will run regular schedules into Union Station .
The following service changes will be in effect Saturday : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of downtown Denver .
• None Bus concourse at Union Station and Civic Center Station will be closed .
• None Two dozen bus routes will be detoured around downtown .
• None The L-Line will not run .
• None The H-Line will run to the 10th/Osage Station .
RTD workers will continue to monitor and assess the situation throughout the weekend and take additional measures if necessary .
Changes to weekend service will be posted on RTD rider alerts .
Public transit riders are urged to wear face coverings and maintain @ @ @ @ @ @

Bus service in and out of downtown Denver will be suspended again Saturday because of safety concerns related to large protests.
Train service into Union Station will run on regular schedule, RTD said in a Friday news release, but light rail service will be suspended Saturday downtown.
The University of Colorado A-Line, B-Line and G-Line will run on regular schedules into Union Station, according to the release. The C, E and W-lines also will run regular schedules into Union Station.
The following service changes will be in effect Saturday:
No bus service in and out of downtown Denver.
Bus concourse at Union Station and Civic Center Station will be closed.
Two dozen bus routes will be detoured around downtown.
The L-Line will not run.
The H-Line will run to the 10th/Osage Station.
RTD workers will continue to monitor and assess the situation throughout the weekend and take additional measures if necessary. Changes to weekend service will be posted on RTD rider alerts.
Public transit riders are urged to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing on RTD vehicles.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--Denver man sentenced to federal prison in downtown Denver gunbattle

A Denver man has been sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a @ @ @ @ @ was sentenced Thursday , and he also will serve three years of supervised release , @ @ @ @ @ from the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Colorado .
Moore was involved in a @ @ @ @ @ at 15th and Market streets , on March 10 , 2019 , according to facts @ @ @ @ @ .
Denver officers found a large crowd at the scene downtown , and several people @ @ @ @ @ Moore .
Vayron Garcia , 25 , died at the scene from a gunshot wound @ @ @ @ @ a hospital in a private vehicle .
At the hospital , police found a loaded @ @ @ @ @ Moore had been sitting .
Moore later admitted to firing the gun at the scene @ @ @ @ @ .

A Denver man has been sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Jalonni Alexander Moore was sentenced Thursday, and he also will serve three years of supervised release, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office in Colorado.
Moore was involved in a shootout in downtown Denver, at 15th and Market streets, on March 10, 2019, according to facts contained in a plea agreement. Denver officers found a large crowd at the scene downtown, and several people had been shot, including Moore.
Vayron Garcia, 25, died at the scene from a gunshot wound.
Moore was taken to a hospital in a private vehicle. At the hospital, police found a loaded handgun in the vehicle where Moore had been sitting. Moore later admitted to firing the gun at the scene, the news release said.


thedenverpost--2020-06-05--CU Buffs march for change as athletes, coaches, administrators lead peaceful protest

Speaking to a crowd in Boulder ’ s Central Park on Friday morning , KD Nixon walked over to a police officer and shook his hand .
“ I couldn ’ t do that growing up .
I was scared to do that , ” said Nixon , a young black man who grew up in DeSoto , Texas , and came to the University of Colorado to play football three years ago .
Nixon and dozens of other CU athletes , coaches , administrators and community members gathered on Friday for Buffs March .
An estimate of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took part in the roughly mile-long walk to support the Black Lives Matter movement and protest against racial injustice in the wake of the death of George Floyd .
On May 25 , Floyd , a black man from Minneapolis , died after being restrained by police .
Floyd pleaded with officers that he couldn ’ t breathe as they held him to the ground and one officer , Derek Chauvin , pressed his knee into Floyd ’ s neck for 8 minutes , 46 seconds .
Those who participated in Friday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 8:46 , remaining silent throughout with fists raised , at the end of the walk .
“ It ’ s a blessing , ” Nixon said of seeing so many people take part in the protest .
“ This is authentic .
This ain ’ t nobody trying to , you know , bring racism against people .
No , this is everyone versus police brutality .
This is everyone standing together saying , ‘ Let ’ s be stronger.
’ ” Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were charged with “ aiding and abetting second-degree murder while committing a felony , and with aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter with culpable negligence , ” according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune .
All four officers were fired .
Floyd ’ s death is the latest high-profile incident of police killing black people and it has prompted demand for change and an end to racial injustice across the country .
There have been protests and riots around the nation in the aftermath of Floyd ’ s death .
CU student-athletes wanted to do their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I felt it was important to do this because this is something that ’ s not just happening because of George Floyd , ” CU football player Chris Miller said .
“ We ’ re doing this for all 400 years of slavery , the oppression , Jim Crow , you know , next thing after next thing .
It ’ s sad to say this , but this stuff is regular .
You see it happening to somebody and it ’ s like , ‘ Damn , ’ but in reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m out here and standing up for this and I ’ m trying to be peaceful , because we can ’ t be violent because that just hasn ’ t worked .
I ’ m just going try to use our platform , whatever we can just to help and change.
” Head football coach Karl Dorrell , along with other coaches at CU , have had virtual meetings with their teams and let them voice their opinions and frustration about the racial injustice .
Hearing those conversations sparked ideas for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including coaches , we all were frustrated last weekend , and we came in Monday just feeling like we ’ re tired of hearing all the rhetoric about how things need to change , ” Dorrell said .
“ We wanted to do something with action to express what we ’ re all about .
“ We want to embrace each other ’ s cultures .
We need to create better understanding of each other .
I talked to my team that they ’ re the best instruments of change .
… Look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and that ’ s what I think is going to open their eyes about how important their viewpoint is in our society .
Our best change is really to empower our young people.
” The Buffs March was led by Nixon and other student-athletes at CU and then gained support from coaches and administrators .
“ I think the best part of this event is that our student-athletes asked for it , and our department was all-in , ” said CU women ’ s basketball coach JR Payne , who walked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it ’ s so important that we spend a lot of time listening .
I spent hours upon hours on Zoom calls lately but said very little .
Hearing people ’ s experiences and learning other people ’ s experiences .
And the truth is heartbreaking .
It ’ s absolutely heartbreaking .
I ’ m really proud of our athletes for asking for this .
I ’ m proud of our department for being all-in to do it .
I just hope it sparks more conversation.
” Miller said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional roller coaster as he ’ s seen peaceful protests , violent protests , police attacking protestors , and looting .
Ultimately , Miller , who like Nixon is a young black man from Texas , hopes all the protests around the country lead to change .
“ It takes more than just this one action , ” he said .
“ Some day in the future if I have kids and great , great grandkids , they don ’ t ever have to do it again .
I was thinking back because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1960s ) and everything so that we won ’ t have to be here again , but we ’ re here .
So we ’ re just trying to make this the last time we have to be here in this type of situation .
We ’ re all one race – the human race .
We stand together and we ’ re united.
” Nixon has been trying to spread a positive message of unity and said he ’ s “ happy for the world ” as he watches so many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ All lives matter , black lives matter , ” he said .
“ It goes together .
You ’ ve seen my fellow brothers and sisters that are white supporting .
We are a family and it is crazy that the whole Boulder family was out here .
It ’ s a blessing .
“ Even cops are kneeling .
I just shook the cop ’ s hand today .
They see it can be peaceful .
That ’ s the best way to do it is be peaceful .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be .
I ’ m not looking in the moment because I know we can do good better .
… If I think positive , I ’ ll bring positive , so why not bring a change ?
And that ’ s what we just did today .
”

Speaking to a crowd in Boulder’s Central Park on Friday morning, KD Nixon walked over to a police officer and shook his hand.
“I couldn’t do that growing up. I was scared to do that,” said Nixon, a young black man who grew up in DeSoto, Texas, and came to the University of Colorado to play football three years ago.
Nixon and dozens of other CU athletes, coaches, administrators and community members gathered on Friday for Buffs March. An estimate of more than 500 people, including police officers, took part in the roughly mile-long walk to support the Black Lives Matter movement and protest against racial injustice in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
On May 25, Floyd, a black man from Minneapolis, died after being restrained by police. Floyd pleaded with officers that he couldn’t breathe as they held him to the ground and one officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds.
Those who participated in Friday’s Buffs March, took a knee for 8:46, remaining silent throughout with fists raised, at the end of the walk.
“It’s a blessing,” Nixon said of seeing so many people take part in the protest. “This is authentic. This ain’t nobody trying to, you know, bring racism against people. No, this is everyone versus police brutality. This is everyone standing together saying, ‘Let’s be stronger.’”
Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers at the scene were charged with “aiding and abetting second-degree murder while committing a felony, and with aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter with culpable negligence,” according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. All four officers were fired.
Floyd’s death is the latest high-profile incident of police killing black people and it has prompted demand for change and an end to racial injustice across the country. There have been protests and riots around the nation in the aftermath of Floyd’s death. CU student-athletes wanted to do their part, in a peaceful way.
“I felt it was important to do this because this is something that’s not just happening because of George Floyd,” CU football player Chris Miller said. “We’re doing this for all 400 years of slavery, the oppression, Jim Crow, you know, next thing after next thing. It’s sad to say this, but this stuff is regular. You see it happening to somebody and it’s like, ‘Damn,’ but in reality I know it could be me. I’m out here and standing up for this and I’m trying to be peaceful, because we can’t be violent because that just hasn’t worked. I’m just going try to use our platform, whatever we can just to help and change.”
Head football coach Karl Dorrell, along with other coaches at CU, have had virtual meetings with their teams and let them voice their opinions and frustration about the racial injustice. Hearing those conversations sparked ideas for taking action.
“Our team, including coaches, we all were frustrated last weekend, and we came in Monday just feeling like we’re tired of hearing all the rhetoric about how things need to change,” Dorrell said. “We wanted to do something with action to express what we’re all about.
“We want to embrace each other’s cultures. We need to create better understanding of each other. I talked to my team that they’re the best instruments of change. … Look at this turn out (of support) and that’s what I think is going to open their eyes about how important their viewpoint is in our society. Our best change is really to empower our young people.”
The Buffs March was led by Nixon and other student-athletes at CU and then gained support from coaches and administrators.
“I think the best part of this event is that our student-athletes asked for it, and our department was all-in,” said CU women’s basketball coach JR Payne, who walked with several members of her staff. “I think it’s so important that we spend a lot of time listening. I spent hours upon hours on Zoom calls lately but said very little. Hearing people’s experiences and learning other people’s experiences. And the truth is heartbreaking. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. I’m really proud of our athletes for asking for this. I’m proud of our department for being all-in to do it. I just hope it sparks more conversation.”
Miller said the past couple of weeks have been an emotional roller coaster as he’s seen peaceful protests, violent protests, police attacking protestors, and looting. Ultimately, Miller, who like Nixon is a young black man from Texas, hopes all the protests around the country lead to change.
“It takes more than just this one action,” he said. “Some day in the future if I have kids and great, great grandkids, they don’t ever have to do it again. I was thinking back because Martin Luther King marched (in the 1960s) and everything so that we won’t have to be here again, but we’re here. So we’re just trying to make this the last time we have to be here in this type of situation. We’re all one race – the human race. We stand together and we’re united.”
Nixon has been trying to spread a positive message of unity and said he’s “happy for the world” as he watches so many people come together to fight against racial injustice.
“All lives matter, black lives matter,” he said. “It goes together. You’ve seen my fellow brothers and sisters that are white supporting. We are a family and it is crazy that the whole Boulder family was out here. It’s a blessing.
“Even cops are kneeling. I just shook the cop’s hand today. They see it can be peaceful. That’s the best way to do it is be peaceful. I’m just seeing what we can be. I’m not looking in the moment because I know we can do good better. … If I think positive, I’ll bring positive, so why not bring a change? And that’s what we just did today.”