thedenverpost--2020-07-13--From landscaping to skiing, Trump’s ban on temporary work visas stings Colorado industries

The H-2B temporary worker visa program roller coaster is nothing new in Colorado .
For many in seasonal industries like construction , landscaping and tourism it is an annual ritual .
Employers request visas for workers from other countries they need to meet the demand for their services .
There are too few visas available for every company to bring in temporary workers .
Political pressure is applied .
Often , more visas will be approved on an emergency supplemental basis .
“ Honestly , it ’ s just horrendous , ” Brian Carlson , the CEO of Lafayette-based Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I tell people is at this point my business plan comes down to a lottery or luck.
” But 2020 is not just any year — the visa roller coaster has come off the tracks .
The H-2B and other programs have been frozen by presidential decree .
Whether or not that will mean the hundreds of thousands of Colorado workers who are unemployed amid the COVID-19 pandemic will seek out the jobs normally filled by foreign laborers remains to be seen .
On June 22 , President Donald Trump issued a proclamation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards for foreign nationals outside the U.S. and added a number of temporary worker visas to it .
Most H-2B visas for seasonal nonagricultural workers , H-1B visas used in tech , education and other high-skill sectors and even J-1 visas for cultural exchange programs were on the list .
The prohibition runs through the end of the year .
The president ’ s bans are not only impacting landscaping businesses like Carlson ’ s that are in peak season but stand to reverberate through some of Colorado ’ s key industries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lakewood-based National Ski Areas Association say almost every U.S. ski area employs foreign visa workers during the busy months .
The trade group estimates that 7,000 to 8,000 J-1 visas are tapped by the industry each year , bringing in foreign students on work travel programs to serve as lift operators , restaurant and hotel staffers and as part of mountain operations teams .
Colorado hosted more than 11,100 J-1 participants in 2019 , according to the U.S. State Department .
Not all of them worked at ski areas .
H-2B visa workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry labor equation , with many ski areas bringing in ski instructors through the program , National Ski Areas Association spokeswoman Adrienne Isaac said .
“ NSAA is concerned about the effect this suspension could have on ski areas this winter as the current order wouldn ’ t allow for those critical foreign workers to arrive in the U.S. in time for when they are needed most , ” Isaac wrote in an email this week .
The president indicated he based his decision to ban the visas on the fact that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % in May .
That figured declined to 11.1 % in June .
Still , more than 17.5 million Americans reported being out of work last month .
Trump ’ s proclamation says allowing more workers in through “ nonimmigrant visa programs , therefore , presents a significant threat to employment opportunities for Americans affected by the extraordinary economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
” An anonymous administration official told the Associated Press last month the freeze was expected leave as many as 525,000 jobs open for U.S. workers .
The H-2A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the agriculture industry , was left alone .
Disruptions to that program could have had dire effects on the food supply chain , said Jason Resnick , vice president of Western Growers , a trade group that represents farmers from California to Colorado .
Trade groups for industries that hire large numbers of visa workers have routinely argued that Americans don ’ t want the jobs that foreign nationals fill through the programs .
In the case of H-2B visas , companies have to seek local help before applying for the lottery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The jobs filled by foreign workers are short-term seasonal , corresponding with the high traffic and holiday periods during the ski season , ” Issac wrote in an email .
“ It can be difficult to find housing or uproot your life for a job that may only last three months.
” For Green Landscape Solutions ’ Carlson , it ’ s not just attracting Coloradans to work for his company but getting them to stick around that ’ s been a challenge .
Carlson ’ s company offers a starting pay of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state minimum wage of $ 12 .
Its benefits package includes paid holidays and a 3 % employer match on retirement contributions .
As a landscape construction company , the work is physically demanding , often involving shoveling gravel , digging trenches and planting trees , something that scares people off , Carlson said .
“ It ’ s not uncommon to have somebody disappear from a job site , or they just won ’ t show up one morning , ” Carlson said .
“ People would rather go get paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less and not have to work that hard.
” Carlson has been bringing in workers from Mexico for years to staff up his crews through the H-2B program .
It ’ s the same workers each year .
They are familiar with the company ’ s processes and more capable than new hires .
This year , he was anticipating a decrease in demand because of coronavirus .
The company was approved for 10 temporary foreign employees but only filed paperwork to bring two of them across the border .
Then in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and construction was actually higher than it was in 2019 and filed paperwork to bring in another three workers .
Those three workers were called up a for special consulate review in late May that froze the process , Carlson said .
Then Trump issued his proclamation .
“ We ’ re in a place right now where we ’ re essentially sold out for the year , ” he said .
“ Had we gotten those three guys here we could have launched a fifth crew to increase our capacity.
” Carlson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a single summer .
There was a period when he did not need foreign help : during the country ’ s last major economic downturn .
In the wake of the Great Recession in 2009 , 2010 and 2011 , “ there was so much local help available it was a nonissue , ” he said .
There are signs the coronavirus recession could lead to a similar outcome .
Seeking to hire for a handful of positions , Carlson posted job adds on Craigslist in English and Spanish and last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much stronger response to what he ’ s used to .
He ’ s curious about what the labor pool will look like after the federal government stops providing $ 600 a week in extra benefits to people on unemployment , a program slated to end July 25 .
When restaurants and hotels across Colorado were shut down this spring either by government restrictions or a lack of demand , some workers from those industries found their way to landscaping , said John McMahon , chief executive officer of the Associated Landscape Contractors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last .
“ It was a bridge and retention was horrible , ” he said .
While McMahon is also curious to see how decreased unemployment benefits impact applications , he is concerned that the freeze on worker visas could continue into 2021 , something that could cause a “ gigantic problem ” for landscapers and other industries .
“ At least this year we got some of our workers , ” he said .
Ski area operations this winter may look very different depending on how Colorado and the country handles the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if areas open with limited capacity her association isn ’ t confident they will be able to fill staffing needs without access to visas .
The H-2B program in particular is in need of major reform , in McMahon ’ s view .
The 66,000 worker cap that has been in place for two decades is far too low , he said .
If there is a bright said , in his view , it ’ s that Colorado ’ s Congressional delegation has worked together in a bi-partisan way to advocate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does leave the door open for modifications to the visa bans .
Select cabinet officials have until July 24 to recommend modifications .
Further modifications will be possible every 60 days after that .
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner , who has been criticized by Democrats for being in lockstep with Trump on many issues , last week expressed a commitment to fixing problems with visa programs in a statement provided to The Denver Post .
The Republican , who is up for reelection this year , did not directly address the president ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the heaviest users of the H-2B program .
Our economy depends on predictable seasonal jobs , and I ’ ve worked alongside my colleagues in Congress to provide H-2B cap relief to help local businesses struggling to fill these seasonal , temporary job openings , ” Gardner said .
“ I ’ ve also been fighting for the high-tech H-1B and J-1 cultural exchange programs and will continue to advocate for ensuring our local businesses have access to all of these visas.
” • H-2A – for temporary agricultural workers ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ H-2B- for temporary nonagricultural workers ( workers in food processing jobs are exempt from the 2020 freeze ) • H-1B – for specialty occupation workers with at least a bachelor ’ s degree or equivalent level of education • J-1 – for people in educational and work-based exchange programs overseen by the State Department

The H-2B temporary worker visa program roller coaster is nothing new in Colorado.
For many in seasonal industries like construction, landscaping and tourism it is an annual ritual. Employers request visas for workers from other countries they need to meet the demand for their services. There are too few visas available for every company to bring in temporary workers. Political pressure is applied. Often, more visas will be approved on an emergency supplemental basis.
“Honestly, it’s just horrendous,” Brian Carlson, the CEO of Lafayette-based Green Landscape Solutions, said. “What I tell people is at this point my business plan comes down to a lottery or luck.”
But 2020 is not just any year — the visa roller coaster has come off the tracks. The H-2B and other programs have been frozen by presidential decree. Whether or not that will mean the hundreds of thousands of Colorado workers who are unemployed amid the COVID-19 pandemic will seek out the jobs normally filled by foreign laborers remains to be seen.
On June 22, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation amending an existing ban on new green cards for foreign nationals outside the U.S. and added a number of temporary worker visas to it. Most H-2B visas for seasonal nonagricultural workers, H-1B visas used in tech, education and other high-skill sectors and even J-1 visas for cultural exchange programs were on the list. The prohibition runs through the end of the year.
The president’s bans are not only impacting landscaping businesses like Carlson’s that are in peak season but stand to reverberate through some of Colorado’s key industries, including winter tourism.
Officials with the Lakewood-based National Ski Areas Association say most of the 37 ski states in the U.S. have resorts that employ foreign visa workers during the busy months.
The trade group estimates that 7,000 to 8,000 J-1 visas are tapped by the industry each year, bringing in foreign students on work travel programs to serve as lift operators, restaurant and hotel staffers and as part of mountain operations teams. Colorado hosted more than 11,100 J-1 participants in 2019, according to the U.S. State Department. Not all of them worked at ski areas.
H-2B visa workers are also a major part of the industry labor equation, with many ski areas bringing in ski instructors through the program, National Ski Areas Association spokeswoman Adrienne Isaac said.
“NSAA is concerned about the effect this suspension could have on ski areas this winter as the current order wouldn’t allow for those critical foreign workers to arrive in the U.S. in time for when they are needed most,” Isaac wrote in an email this week.
The president indicated he based his decision to ban the visas on the fact that the country’s unemployment rate was 13.3% in May. That figured declined to 11.1% in June. Still, more than 17.5 million Americans reported being out of work last month.
Trump’s proclamation says allowing more workers in through “nonimmigrant visa programs, therefore, presents a significant threat to employment opportunities for Americans affected by the extraordinary economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.”
An anonymous administration official told the Associated Press last month the freeze was expected leave as many as 525,000 jobs open for U.S. workers.
The H-2A visa program, which brings in workers in the agriculture industry, was left alone. Disruptions to that program could have had dire effects on the food supply chain, said Jason Resnick, vice president of Western Growers, a trade group that represents farmers from California to Colorado.
Trade groups for industries that hire large numbers of visa workers have routinely argued that Americans don’t want the jobs that foreign nationals fill through the programs. In the case of H-2B visas, companies have to seek local help before applying for the lottery to bring in foreign workers.
“The jobs filled by foreign workers are short-term seasonal, corresponding with the high traffic and holiday periods during the ski season,” Issac wrote in an email. “It can be difficult to find housing or uproot your life for a job that may only last three months.”
For Green Landscape Solutions’ Carlson, it’s not just attracting Coloradans to work for his company but getting them to stick around that’s been a challenge.
Carlson’s company offers a starting pay of $17.65 per hour, well above the state minimum wage of $12. Its benefits package includes paid holidays and a 3% employer match on retirement contributions. As a landscape construction company, the work is physically demanding, often involving shoveling gravel, digging trenches and planting trees, something that scares people off, Carlson said.
“It’s not uncommon to have somebody disappear from a job site, or they just won’t show up one morning,” Carlson said. “People would rather go get paid $3 or $4 an hour less and not have to work that hard.”
Carlson has been bringing in workers from Mexico for years to staff up his crews through the H-2B program. It’s the same workers each year. They are familiar with the company’s processes and more capable than new hires. This year, he was anticipating a decrease in demand because of coronavirus. The company was approved for 10 temporary foreign employees but only filed paperwork to bring two of them across the border. Then in April, Carlson noticed demand for landscape design and construction was actually higher than it was in 2019 and filed paperwork to bring in another three workers. Those three workers were called up a for special consulate review in late May that froze the process, Carlson said. Then Trump issued his proclamation.
“We’re in a place right now where we’re essentially sold out for the year,” he said. “Had we gotten those three guys here we could have launched a fifth crew to increase our capacity.”
Carlson has requested as many as 25 workers over a single summer. There was a period when he did not need foreign help: during the country’s last major economic downturn. In the wake of the Great Recession in 2009, 2010 and 2011, “there was so much local help available it was a nonissue,” he said.
There are signs the coronavirus recession could lead to a similar outcome. Seeking to hire for a handful of positions, Carlson posted job adds on Craigslist in English and Spanish and last week got 10 to 15 inquiries, a much stronger response to what he’s used to. He’s curious about what the labor pool will look like after the federal government stops providing $600 a week in extra benefits to people on unemployment, a program slated to end July 25.
When restaurants and hotels across Colorado were shut down this spring either by government restrictions or a lack of demand, some workers from those industries found their way to landscaping, said John McMahon, chief executive officer of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. It didn’t last.
“It was a bridge and retention was horrible,” he said.
While McMahon is also curious to see how decreased unemployment benefits impact applications, he is concerned that the freeze on worker visas could continue into 2021, something that could cause a “gigantic problem” for landscapers and other industries.
“At least this year we got some of our workers,” he said.
Ski area operations this winter may look very different depending on how Colorado and the country handles the ongoing pandemic, but Isaac said even if areas open with limited capacity her association isn’t confident they will be able to fill staffing needs without access to visas.
The H-2B program in particular is in need of major reform, in McMahon’s view. The 66,000 worker cap that has been in place for two decades is far too low, he said. If there is a bright said, in his view, it’s that Colorado’s Congressional delegation has worked together in a bi-partisan way to advocate for reforms.
The president’s proclamation does leave the door open for modifications to the visa bans. Select cabinet officials have until July 24 to recommend modifications. Further modifications will be possible every 60 days after that.
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, who has been criticized by Democrats for being in lockstep with Trump on many issues, last week expressed a commitment to fixing problems with visa programs in a statement provided to The Denver Post. The Republican, who is up for reelection this year, did not directly address the president’s 2020 ban.
“Colorado is one of the heaviest users of the H-2B program. Our economy depends on predictable seasonal jobs, and I’ve worked alongside my colleagues in Congress to provide H-2B cap relief to help local businesses struggling to fill these seasonal, temporary job openings,” Gardner said. “I’ve also been fighting for the high-tech H-1B and J-1 cultural exchange programs and will continue to advocate for ensuring our local businesses have access to all of these visas.”
Updated 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 14: Sentenced clarified to say most of the nation’s 37 ski states have resorts that employ J-1 visa workers.
Temporary worker visas programs


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--A history of how the Rockies have performed at the Home Run Derby

The Home Run Derby was supposed to take place but given the coronavirus pandemic and a shortened MLB season , we won ’ t get a chance to see baseball ’ s biggest hitters slug it out until the 2021 All-Star break at the earliest .
The Rockies have had 11 different players compete in the annual summer event .
Here ’ s a look at how they fared : Dante Bichette ( 1994 ) : The outfielder was Colorado ’ s first-ever participant .
He clubbed three , tying Houston ’ s Jeff Bagwell , in the first round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burks , another member of the Blake Street Bombers , was eliminated after he had just one homer in the first round .
Larry Walker ( 1997 , 1999 ) : The soon-to-be-enshrined Hall of Famer totaled the highest overall number of home runs in 1997 with 19 , but ran out of juice late , losing to Yankees first baseman Tino Martinez , 3-1 , in the finals .
He didn ’ t do as well two years later , failing to advance out of the first round with just two .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ power-hitting third baseman represented host Colorado at Coors Field .
He hit seven in the first round but failed to advance in round two , falling three short when he hit five .
Todd Helton ( 2001 ) : Helton clobbered 49 home runs during the 2001 season .
Unfortunately he mustered just two at the derby and failed to advance past round one .
Matt Holliday ( 2007 ) : The outfielder tied for the lead with five in the first round , but fell just short of advancing to the finals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Carlos Gonzalez ( 2012 ) : CarGo hit four in the first round , but fell short of advancing .
Michael Cuddyer ( 2013 ) : The Rockies outfielder advanced out of the first round after hitting seven .
He added eight in round two , but was one short of Bryce Harper to advance to the finals .
Troy Tulowitzki ( 2014 ) : Tulo hit four in the first round , but his run ended in the second after hitting just two .
Justin Morneau ( 2014 ) : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit two in the first round .
Charlie Blackmon ( 2017 ) : The bearded outfielder fell short in his matchup against Dodgers ’ Cody Bellinger , 15-10 , to be eliminated in the first round .
How about Nolan Arenado ?
Colorado ’ s Gold Glove-winning , Silver Sluggin ’ third baseman has averaged a hair less than 40 homers a year over the past five seasons .
In an interview with The Post in 2018 , he said , “ It ’ s never really grabbed my eye , for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that one day I will want to do it , but for now , I just enjoy hanging out.
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Shortstop Trevor Story on Monday announced he will be competing in the Home Run Derby at Coors Field on July 12. He will be the 12th Rockies player to compete in the competition and first since Charlie Blackmon in 2017.
Here’s a look a how the first 11 Rockies players fared in the annual summer event:
Dante Bichette (1994): The outfielder was Colorado’s first-ever participant. He clubbed three, tying Houston’s Jeff Bagwell, in the first round.
Ellis Burks (1996): Burks, another member of the Blake Street Bombers, was eliminated after he had just one homer in the first round.
Larry Walker (1997, 1999): The soon-to-be-enshrined Hall of Famer totaled the highest overall number of home runs in 1997 with 19, but ran out of juice late, losing to Yankees first baseman Tino Martinez, 3-1, in the finals. He didn’t do as well two years later, failing to advance out of the first round with just two.
Vinny Castilla (1998): The power-hitting third baseman represented host Colorado at Coors Field. He hit seven in the first round but failed to advance in round two, falling three short when he hit five.
Todd Helton (2001): Helton clobbered 49 home runs during the 2001 season. Unfortunately he mustered just two at the derby and failed to advance past round one.
Matt Holliday (2007): The outfielder tied for the lead with five in the first round, but fell just short of advancing to the finals when he hit eight in round two.
Carlos Gonzalez (2012): CarGo hit four in the first round, but fell short of advancing.
Michael Cuddyer (2013): The Rockies outfielder advanced out of the first round after hitting seven. He added eight in round two, but was one short of Bryce Harper to advance to the finals.
Troy Tulowitzki (2014): Tulo hit four in the first round, but his run ended in the second after hitting just two.
Justin Morneau (2014): The Canadian first baseman was eliminated after he hit two in the first round.
Charlie Blackmon (2017): The bearded outfielder fell short in his matchup against Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger, 15-14, to be eliminated in the first round.
A pair of former Rockies sluggers are noticeably absent from the list: Andres Galarraga and Nolan Arenado. Galarraga is the lone member of the Blake Street Bombers to not participate. In an interview with The Post in 2018, Arenado said, “It’s never really grabbed my eye, for some reason. I’d like to say that one day I will want to do it, but for now, I just enjoy hanging out.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Denver weather: Hot temperatures with a chance of showers in the metro area

Well , you ’ re certainly doing your job today , Mr. Sun .
It will be partly sunny with @ @ @ @ @ with a chance of rain throughout the day in the Denver metro area , according @ @ @ @ @ .
From 10 a.m. to noon , there is slight chance of showers before a @ @ @ @ @ the afternoon .
The chance of precipitation is 40 % , according to the NWS @ @ @ @ @ off with a low of 62 and a 20 % chance of rain before midnight @ @ @ @ @ to 22 mph .
Cooler weather arrives Tuesday with a high of 82 and a @ @ @ @ @ and thunderstorms in the afternoon .
The weather will warm back up as the week @ @ @ @ @ and 95 on Wednesday and Thursday , respectively .

Well, you’re certainly doing your job today, Mr. Sun.
It will be partly sunny with a high of 95 degrees with a chance of rain throughout the day in the Denver metro area, according to the National Weather Service.
From 10 a.m. to noon, there is slight chance of showers before a bigger chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 40%, according to the NWS.
The evening will cool off with a low of 62 and a 20% chance of rain before midnight. Winds could gust up to 22 mph.
Cooler weather arrives Tuesday with a high of 82 and a 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
The weather will warm back up as the week progresses with highs of 89 and 95 on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Ask Amy: Friendship for three leads to awkward triangle

Dear Amy : I became friends with a co-worker , “ Marilee , ” two years ago .
We developed a great friendship .
I recently invited another girl , “ Trina , ” into our friend group .
Trina does not work with us , but we have other common interests .
Recently , though , Marilee and Trina seem to have bonded and are gradually excluding me from things — tubing , brunches , beach trips , etc .
I am feeling left out and hurt by this .
The only time they do want to hang out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my photography hobby , which involves using my expensive equipment .
I feel like they are taking advantage and don ’ t actually want to hang out with me .
I don ’ t know what I did wrong .
They ’ re not trying to hide it from me , either , as I see — almost daily — posts on social media of them together .
At the risk of alienating myself more , I have not confronted them .
Are they trying to be hurtful or are they genuinely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perceived ?
Dear Left Out : “ The rule of three ” refers to the symmetry inherent in a trio .
This surfaces in art , music , design – and even comedy ( listen to a classic “ rim shot ” – it ’ s a three ! )
.
The triangle conveys a sort of pleasing and complex balance – and this balance seems to work — except for when it comes to human relationships .
That ’ s when an equilateral triangle becomes an isosceles , often with one person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging “ odd man out ” human dynamic happens at every stage of life — from childhood to old age .
I very much doubt that you have done anything wrong .
You should accept that these two women seem to have formed an exclusionary friendship .
It doesn ’ t matter whether they are trying to be hurtful ; they are being hurtful .
Even if they aren ’ t being deliberately malicious , at the very least – they simply don ’ t care how you feel .
Your choices are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept your new status as the equipment provider , or to be honest regarding how this makes you feel .
It is brave to admit your own vulnerability , and I think you should , understanding that you can not change them or urge them away from their friendship with each other .
You say , “ I understand that you two have developed a good friendship , but I have to be honest with you – I feel really left out , lately.
” Dear Amy : I am very concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was worried about encountering people in stores who were not wearing masks properly .
You wrote : “ No , I don ’ t think you should call out another customer for wearing a mask incorrectly ( because this involves them and their body ) .
” That is not true !
The way other people wear their masks affects all of us !
Dear Upset : Absolutely .
Many readers contacted me to correct my statement .
I concur : Wearing a mask protects others .
Absolutely .
Although a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the person wearing it , I wear my mask for you , and you wear your mask for me .
My point in framing my answer the way I did was to discourage confrontations between people regarding mask-wearing .
People who either don ’ t wear masks at all or who wear masks improperly seem to take the issue very personally , because the mask is ( or isn ’ t ) attached to their own face .
I ’ m not sure what is so frightening about wearing a thin piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to help protect others ( and yourself ) from a potentially dangerous virus , but I believe it is wisest in the moment to give these people a wide berth – yes , to avoid confrontation , and also – importantly — to avoid transmission .
However , if you patronize a business where employees aren ’ t wearing masks properly , this is an issue that should definitely be brought to the manager ’ s attention .
Dear Amy : “ Caught Couple ” described themselves as doctors who treated COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about whether to attend a large family wedding in another state .
Thank you for responding the way you did !
As doctors – they should know that they – and others – are at substantial risk .
As you noted , if doctors are unsure about this , what are the rest of us supposed to do ?
!
Dear Vulnerable : After writing that answer , I read an account of a family birthday gathering that resulted in a tragic COVID transmission to most of the group .
Devastating .

Dear Amy: I became friends with a co-worker, “Marilee,” two years ago. We developed a great friendship. I recently invited another girl, “Trina,” into our friend group. Trina does not work with us, but we have other common interests.
Recently, though, Marilee and Trina seem to have bonded and are gradually excluding me from things — tubing, brunches, beach trips, etc.
I am feeling left out and hurt by this. The only time they do want to hang out with me now is to take part in my photography hobby, which involves using my expensive equipment. I feel like they are taking advantage and don’t actually want to hang out with me. I don’t know what I did wrong.
They’re not trying to hide it from me, either, as I see — almost daily — posts on social media of them together.
At the risk of alienating myself more, I have not confronted them.
Are they trying to be hurtful or are they genuinely oblivious to how their actions could be perceived?
— Left Out in Lancaster, PA
Dear Left Out: “The rule of three” refers to the symmetry inherent in a trio. This surfaces in art, music, design – and even comedy (listen to a classic “rim shot” – it’s a three!). The triangle conveys a sort of pleasing and complex balance – and this balance seems to work — except for when it comes to human relationships. That’s when an equilateral triangle becomes an isosceles, often with one person isolated at the farthest point.
This challenging “odd man out” human dynamic happens at every stage of life — from childhood to old age.
I very much doubt that you have done anything wrong. You should accept that these two women seem to have formed an exclusionary friendship.
It doesn’t matter whether they are trying to be hurtful; they are being hurtful. Even if they aren’t being deliberately malicious, at the very least – they simply don’t care how you feel.
Your choices are to swallow your own honest reaction and accept your new status as the equipment provider, or to be honest regarding how this makes you feel. It is brave to admit your own vulnerability, and I think you should, understanding that you cannot change them or urge them away from their friendship with each other.
You say, “I understand that you two have developed a good friendship, but I have to be honest with you – I feel really left out, lately.”
Dear Amy: I am very concerned about your answer to “Anxious,” who was worried about encountering people in stores who were not wearing masks properly.
You wrote: “No, I don’t think you should call out another customer for wearing a mask incorrectly (because this involves them and their body).”
That is not true! The way other people wear their masks affects all of us!
— Upset and Concerned
Dear Upset: Absolutely. Many readers contacted me to correct my statement. I concur: Wearing a mask protects others. Absolutely. Although a mask does seem to offer some protection to the person wearing it, I wear my mask for you, and you wear your mask for me.
My point in framing my answer the way I did was to discourage confrontations between people regarding mask-wearing. People who either don’t wear masks at all or who wear masks improperly seem to take the issue very personally, because the mask is (or isn’t) attached to their own face.
I’m not sure what is so frightening about wearing a thin piece of cloth across your nose and mouth in order to help protect others (and yourself) from a potentially dangerous virus, but I believe it is wisest in the moment to give these people a wide berth – yes, to avoid confrontation, and also – importantly — to avoid transmission.
However, if you patronize a business where employees aren’t wearing masks properly, this is an issue that should definitely be brought to the manager’s attention.
Dear Amy: “Caught Couple” described themselves as doctors who treated COVID patients. They were on the fence about whether to attend a large family wedding in another state.
Thank you for responding the way you did! As doctors – they should know that they – and others – are at substantial risk. As you noted, if doctors are unsure about this, what are the rest of us supposed to do?!
— Vulnerable
Dear Vulnerable: After writing that answer, I read an account of a family birthday gathering that resulted in a tragic COVID transmission to most of the group. Devastating.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Rapids return with disappointing loss to Real Salt Lake in MLS is Back Tournament

The Colorado Rapids returned to action after a four-month pandemic-induced layoff .
Their debut in the MLS is Back Tournament was a 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake .
The Rocky Mountain rivalry was reignited and Salt Lake remained undefeated over the last six matchups .
An explosive first half and some Rapids mistakes in the second led to a rather easy win .
The Rapids , who had been a darkhorse pick to win their group , had a disappointing showing .
Even head coach Robin Fraser expressed his disappointment in the club ’ s lack of aggression during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointing night for all of us , ” Fraser said postgame .
“ I felt like we didn ’ t play as well as we are able to , and as a result we we got behind early and they were on top of the game .
We had a hard time getting back on top of it.
” Clint Irwin tried to corral a cross that ricocheted off his hands onto the left foot of Albert Rusnák , who mis-hit the ball off of Irwin and Drew Moor and into the net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-minute flurry from Salt Lake .
Rusnák had a chance to double Salt Lake ’ s lead in the second half .
After a miscommunication between Rapids defenders , Irwin sold out to take down Douglas Martínez .
Irwin was given a yellow card and on the ensuing penalty , goalie dove to make a sprawling stop .
The quick rebound from Nick Besler was also beautifully saved to keep Colorado in the game in the 72nd minute .
But the battering toward Colorado ’ s net continued .
Four minutes later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Damir Kreilach shot from outside the box .
Overall the Rapids had some strong moments in the second half but had not generated a shot on target until the 59th minute .
Colorado ’ s attacks were thwarted either by poor execution or good defending before reaching the net .
“ There were some moments where we could have been sharper and more precise in our final actions , ” Fraser said .
“ It was definitely evident there as well as in other parts of the field.
” Jeremy Kelly made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first half but sharpened as the game wore on .
He played 74 minutes , including one shot on target before coming off .
His pass intended for Lalas Abubakar is what led to the penalty shot .
“ Obviously it ’ s nice to make your debut but it doesn ’ t really mean much when you play like that , ” Kelly said .
Kelly replaced right back Keegan Rosenberry in the starting lineup , who had played in every single game he could since being acquired prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 2019 MLS ironman did not play because he was unavailable to train leading up to the match and his talents were missed as Sunday was the fourth time Colorado has conceded multiple goals in Fraser ’ s 10 games .
No team in MLS has more wins over another team than Real Salt Lake has over Colorado since 2014 .
Bigger Picture : Group D kicked off with a doubleheader Sunday night , Sporting Kansas City were defeated by Minnesota United .
The Loons scored two goals in extra time to flip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What ’ s Next : Colorado will face Sporting on Friday .
Kansas City ’ s goalie Tim Melia took a red card late in their Sunday match leading to their collapse .
The foul also carries a one-match suspension rendering him out of Friday ’ s game against Colorado .

The Colorado Rapids returned to action after a four-month pandemic-induced layoff. Their debut in the MLS is Back Tournament was a 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake.
The Rocky Mountain rivalry was reignited and Salt Lake remained undefeated over the last six matchups. An explosive first half and some Rapids mistakes in the second led to a rather easy win.
The Rapids, who had been a darkhorse pick to win their group, had a disappointing showing. Even head coach Robin Fraser expressed his disappointment in the club’s lack of aggression during an in-game interview.
“Obviously a disappointing night for all of us,” Fraser said postgame. “I felt like we didn’t play as well as we are able to, and as a result we got behind early and they were on top of the game. We had a hard time getting back on top of it.”
Clint Irwin tried to corral a cross that ricocheted off his hands onto the left foot of Albert Rusnák, who mis-hit the ball off Irwin and Drew Moor and into the net. The 27th-minute goal capped a ferocious 15-minute flurry from Salt Lake.
Rusnák had a chance to double Salt Lake’s lead in the second half. After a miscommunication between Rapids defenders, Irwin sold out to take down Douglas Martínez. Irwin was given a yellow card, and on the ensuing penalty, the goalie dove to make a sprawling stop. The quick rebound from Nick Besler was also beautifully saved to keep Colorado in the game in the 72nd minute.
But the battering of Colorado’s net continued. Four minutes later, Real Salt Lake doubled their lead with a Damir Kreilach shot from outside the box.
Overall the Rapids had some strong moments in the second half but did not generate a shot on target until the 59th minute. Colorado’s attacks were thwarted either by poor execution or good defending before reaching the net.
“There were some moments where we could have been sharper and more precise in our final actions,” Fraser said. “It was definitely evident there as well as in other parts of the field.”
Jeremy Kelly made his pro debut to some shaky moments in the first half but sharpened as the game wore on. He played 74 minutes, including one shot on target before coming off. His pass intended for Lalas Abubakar is what led to the penalty shot.
“Obviously it’s nice to make your debut but it doesn’t really mean much when you play like that,” Kelly said.
Kelly replaced right back Keegan Rosenberry in the starting lineup, who had played in every single game he could since being acquired prior to the start of the 2019 season. The 2019 MLS ironman did not play because he was unavailable to train leading up to the match and his talents were missed as Sunday was the fourth time Colorado has conceded multiple goals in Fraser’s 10 games.
No team in MLS has more wins over another team than Real Salt Lake has over Colorado since 2014.
Bigger Picture: Group D kicked off with a doubleheader Sunday night. Sporting Kansas City were defeated by Minnesota United. The Loons scored two goals in extra time to flip the score for a 2-1 victory.
What’s Next: Colorado will face Sporting on Friday. Kansas City’s goalie Tim Melia took a red card late in their Sunday match leading to their collapse. The foul also carries a one-match suspension rendering him out of Friday’s game against Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Benjamin Keough, grandson of Elvis Presley, has died at age 27, agent says

LOS ANGELES — The son of Lisa Marie Presley has died .
He was 27 .
Presley ’ s representative @ @ @ @ @ statement Sunday to The Associated Press that she was “ heartbroken ” after learning about @ @ @ @ @ Benjamin Keough .
He is the grandson of the late Elvis Presley .
TMZ reports @ @ @ @ @ self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday in Calabasas , California .
“ She is completely heartbroken , @ @ @ @ @ trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter Riley , ” @ @ @ @ @ .
“ She adored that boy .
He was the love of her life.
” @ @ @ @ @ Riley Keough , 31 , with her former husband Danny Keough .
She also had @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Sinatra tweeted her condolences to Presley , writing , “ I have known you @ @ @ @ @ birth to you , never dreaming you would have pain like this in your life @ @ @ @ @ very sorry .
”

LOS ANGELES — The son of Lisa Marie Presley has died. He was 27.
Presley’s representative Roger Widynowski said in a statement Sunday to The Associated Press that she was “heartbroken” after learning about the death of her son Benjamin Keough. He is the grandson of the late Elvis Presley.
TMZ reports that Keough died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Sunday in Calabasas, California.
“She is completely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins and her oldest daughter Riley,” Widynowski said in the statement. “She adored that boy. He was the love of her life.”
Presley had Keough and actress Riley Keough, 31, with her former husband Danny Keough. She also had twins from another marriage.
Nancy Sinatra tweeted her condolences to Presley, writing, “I have known you since before your mama gave birth to you, never dreaming you would have pain like this in your life. I’m so very sorry.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Washington to shed “Redskins” name Monday, reports say

ASHBURN , Va. — Washington ’ s NFL team will get rid of the name “ Redskins ” on Monday , according to multiple reports .
It ’ s unclear when a new name will be revealed for one of the league ’ s oldest franchises .
USA Today , ESPN , The Washington Post , Washington Times and Sports Business Journal reported Sunday night that owner Dan Snyder is set to “ retire ” the name .
Yahoo , on Saturday , reported a name change was imminent .
The team launched a “ thorough review ” of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That came in the aftermath of prominent sponsors FedEx , Nike , PepsiCo and Bank of America asking the team to change the name .
FedEx is the title sponsor of the team ’ s stadium in Landover , Maryland , and CEO Frederick Smith is a minority owner .
Nike and other companies pulled team gear from their online stores .
Over a dozen Native American leaders and organizations wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week demanding an immediate end to Washington ’ s use of the name .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press , they said they “ expect the NFL to engage in a robust , meaningful reconciliation process with Native American movement leaders , tribes , and organizations to repair the decades of emotional violence and other serious harms this racist team name has caused to Native Peoples .
”

WASHINGTON — The Washington NFL franchise announced Monday it is dropping the “Redskins” name and Indian head logo, bowing to recent pressure from sponsors and decades of criticism that they are offensive to Native Americans.
A new name must still be selected for one of the oldest and most storied teams in the National Football League, and it was unclear how soon that will happen. But for now, arguably the most polarizing name in North American professional sports is gone at a time of reckoning over racial injustice, iconography and racism in the U.S.
The move came less than two weeks after owner Dan Snyder, a boyhood fan of the team who once declared he would never get rid of the name, launched a “thorough review” amid pressure from sponsors. FedEx, Nike, Pepsi and Bank of America all lined up against the name, which was given to the franchise in 1933 when the team was still based in Boston.
“The NFL and Dan Snyder, we have to commend them on making the right call to change the name,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter, leader of the “Change the Mascot” campaign. “Dan Snyder won today because now he has a legacy that will be different from the racial slur that was the team name. I know that’s not an easy thing to do, but it was the right thing to do.”
The team said it is “retiring” the name and logo and that Snyder and coach Ron Rivera are working closely to develop a new moniker and design. The announcement came on the old letterhead with the Redskins name because the team technically retains it until a new one is chosen and approved.
Native American advocates and experts have long criticized the name they call a “dictionary-defined racial slur.” Over a dozen Native leaders and organizations wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week demanding an immediate end to Washington’s use of the name. Goodell, who has fielded questions on the topic for years, said he supported the review.
Protests against the name predate Snyder buying the team in 1999, and, until now, he had shown no willingness to consider a change. Strong words from sponsors — including a company run by a minority stakeholder of the team — changed the equation.
FedEx earlier this month became the first sponsor to announce it had asked the organization to change the name, particularly important because CEO Frederick Smith owns part of the team. FedEx paid $205 million for the long-term naming rights to the team’s stadium in Landover, Maryland.
The lease at FedEx Field expires in 2027, and dropping the name keeps open various possibilities in Maryland, Virginia and Washington for the team’s new stadium and headquarters. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser has said the name was an “obstacle” to Snyder building on the old RFK Stadium site, which is believed to be his preference.
The team recently started cutting ties with racist founder George Preston Marshall, removing his name from the Ring of Fame and renaming the lower bowl at FedEx Field for the team’s first Black player, late Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell. Marshall, who renamed the Boston Braves the Redskins in 1933 and moved the team to D.C. four years later, was a segregationist and the last NFL owner to integrate his team. The current logo shows the profile of a red-faced Native American with feathers in his hair.
Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves and the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks have said they have no inclination to change their names. Some advocates would like to see all Native American names, mascots and imagery out of sports.
“Our fight continues,” Crystal Echo Hawk of the Native American advocacy group IllumiNative said in a statement. “We will not rest until the offensive use of Native imagery, logos and names are eradicated from professional, collegiate and (other school) sports. The time is now to stand in solidarity and declare that racism will not be tolerated.”
Halbritter said it was important to note those other names are not a slur, but he hopes a “broader discussion” can be had. He pointed out that Florida State spoke with the Seminole tribe about its name, the same thing a minor league baseball team in Spokane, Washington, did with local Native Americans.
It was not immediately clear if the organization is consulting Native Americans on a new name or if any imagery will even be used.
“I think it’s striking that the NFL and other owners of other sports teams don’t have a conversation with Native America on these names,” Halbritter said. “It’s about respect, and I don’t understand why they just don’t have a conversation with the affected people.”
Long removed from the glory days of winning Super Bowl titles in the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons under coach Joe Gibbs, Washington’s NFL team has just five playoff appearances in 21 years and no postseason victories since 2005. The team has lacked a nationally marketable player since Robert Griffin III’s short-lived stardom, and the 2020 schedule features zero prime-time games for a franchise that used to be a draw.
Re-branding with a new name and logo — and perhaps the same burgundy and gold colors — coupled with turning football operations over to Rivera could be a boon for Snyder on and off the field. Even if a segment of the fan base opposes the change in the name of tradition, winning would more than make up for those losses.


thedenverpost--2020-07-14--PHOTOS: Elephant Butte fire near Evergreen

The town launched fireworks higher into the sky this year so more people could see them from home to encourage @ @ @

Lindsay Pierce Martin, Special to The Denver Post
Some flames are seen on a ridge near Evergreen Lake as emergency responders fight a wildfire in Jefferson County on Monday afternoon, July 13, 2020. The fire has prompted the evacuation of about 1000 homes, sheriff's officials said.


thedenverpost--2020-07-14--Colorado taxpayers have an extra incentive to file a return by Wednesday’s deadline

Individuals who made less than $ 12,200 last year and joint filers who made less than $ 24,400 in earned income don ’ t have to file a federal tax return , according to the Internal Revenue Service .
But “ don ’ t have to ” doesn ’ t mean “ shouldn ’ t. ” This year , nonfilers risk leaving $ 1,200 a person or $ 3,400 for a family of four in federal stimulus money behind unless they somehow let the Internal Revenue Service know they exist .
“ If they still haven ’ t received a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to file a tax return , ” said Courtney O ’ Reilly , director of the Piton Foundation ’ s Tax Help Colorado .
“ Tens of thousands of Coloradan are at risk of losing access to the stimulus payments and to tax credits.
” About $ 267 billion out of the $ 291 billion available in Economic Impact Payments has been distributed , according to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation .
There are discussions to include another round of direct payments in the Heroes Act , likely with a lower income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Reilly said taxpayers have up to three years to claim any credits owed them .
For those in a financial pinch because of the pandemic-induced recession , those may prove helpful .
About $ 10 billion a year in earned income tax credits go unclaimed , averaging about $ 1,336 per eligible household , according to the group Code for America .
Because of the pandemic , the deadline for filing federal and state income tax returns was pushed to July 15 , an extra three months .
But that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 66,000 last year with a straightforward return can go to the website that Code for America runs , Getyourrefund.org , and file for free .
There is also an option for those who want guidance .
They can upload their documents , which can be as simple as sending a cell phone photo of them .
They will then be put in touch with Tax Help Colorado and its volunteers .
Colorado Vita and TCE ( Tax Counseling for the Elderly ) also provide free assistance for taxpayers with basic returns and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Limitations on gatherings and the late filing deadline have greatly reduced the number of in-person filing locations .
Those who don ’ t want to file taxes for 2019 and who haven ’ t received their Economic Impact Payment yet but want to receive it can go to a website the IRS runs for nonfilers and provide a bank account number or mailing address .

Individuals who made less than $12,200 last year and joint filers who made less than $24,400 in earned income don’t have to file a federal tax return, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
But “don’t have to” doesn’t mean “shouldn’t.” This year, nonfilers risk leaving $1,200 a person or $3,400 for a family of four in federal stimulus money behind unless they somehow let the Internal Revenue Service know they exist.
“If they still haven’t received a check yet, it is because they need to file a tax return,” said Courtney O’Reilly, director of the Piton Foundation’s Tax Help Colorado. “Tens of thousands of Coloradan are at risk of losing access to the stimulus payments and to tax credits.”
About $267 billion out of the $291 billion available in Economic Impact Payments has been distributed, according to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. There are discussions to include another round of direct payments in the Heroes Act, likely with a lower income cap than in the first round.
O’Reilly said taxpayers have up to three years to claim any credits owed them. For those in a financial pinch because of the pandemic-induced recession, those may prove helpful.
About $10 billion a year in earned income tax credits go unclaimed, averaging about $1,336 per eligible household, according to the group Code for America.
Because of the pandemic, the deadline for filing federal and state income tax returns was pushed to July 15, an extra three months. But that’s Wednesday.
Families earning less than $66,000 last year with a straightforward return can go to the website that Code for America runs, Getyourrefund.org, and file for free. There is also an option for those who want guidance. They can upload their documents, which can be as simple as sending a cell phone photo of them. They will then be put in touch with Tax Help Colorado and its volunteers.
Colorado Vita and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) also provide free assistance for taxpayers with basic returns and incomes of up to $56,000. Limitations on gatherings and the late filing deadline have greatly reduced the number of in-person filing locations.
Those who don’t want to file taxes for 2019 and who haven’t received their Economic Impact Payment yet but want to receive it can go to a website the IRS runs for nonfilers and provide a bank account number or mailing address.


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Fellow Republicans criticize Douglas County GOP social media post likening masks to police brutality

Republican officials in Douglas County have joined the online chorus condemning the county GOP for posting a cartoon likening public health guidance to police brutality .
The cartoon was recently posted to the Douglas County Republicans page on Facebook but has since been deleted .
It depicts someone putting a boot to another person ’ s head and using a baton to force a mask onto that person ’ s face .
9News reported that the cartoon was altered to include “ Polis , ” as in Gov .
Jared Polis , on the leg of person committing the violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We Can ’ t Breathe ” below the drawing .
The Facebook post has been widely criticized on social media , including by influential Denver anti-racist activist Tay Anderson .
“ I AM DISGUSTED , ” he wrote in a tweet Sunday that significantly raised the visibility of the cartoon .
The post ’ s removal over the weekend didn ’ t stop the torrent .
On Monday , Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock , an elected Republican , tweeted , “ The leadership of the Douglas County Republican Party responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s disgusting ” and doesn ’ t represent Douglas County Republicans .
County Commissioner Lora Thomas , also a Republican , tweeted : “ On behalf of the Board of Douglas County Commissioners , the above referenced image distributed by a person with access to the Douglas County GOP social media , is reprehensible and ( does ) not represent our values.
” In addition to co-opting the phrase “ I can ’ t breathe , ” which has been uttered by dozens of black men killed by police , including Aurora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cartoon posted by the Douglas County GOP falsely suggests Polis is forcing people to wear masks .
Polis continues to strongly urge Coloradans to wear masks but has not issued an order requiring it .
Multiple messages to the Douglas County GOP weren ’ t returned Monday , but Stephen Allen , chairman of the group , posted a statement on the Facebook page Monday afternoon : “ As Chairman I am responsible for the content of our social media and I apologize to anyone that was offended by the post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies with regard to content and access to our social media platforms.
” Thomas and the other county commissioners moved last week to opt out of a mask mandate issued by the Tri-County Health Department .
Said Commissioner Abe Laydon , a Republican , “ Regarding the mask mandate opt-out , our remarkably favorable public health data , paired with the community ’ s current 75 % mask-wearing voluntary compliance observed by TCHD , and based on ( Tri-County ’ s Dr. John M. Douglas ’ ) recommendation that a mask mandate was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to this conclusion .
”

Republican officials in Douglas County have joined the online chorus condemning the county GOP for posting a cartoon likening public health guidance to police brutality.
The cartoon was recently posted to the Douglas County Republicans page on Facebook but has since been deleted. It depicts someone putting a boot to another person’s head and using a baton to force a mask onto that person’s face. 9News reported that the cartoon was altered to include “Polis,” as in Gov. Jared Polis, on the leg of person committing the violence in the cartoon, and the message “We Can’t Breathe” below the drawing.
The Facebook post has been widely criticized on social media, including by influential Denver anti-racist activist Tay Anderson. “I AM DISGUSTED,” he wrote in a tweet Sunday that significantly raised the visibility of the cartoon.
The post’s removal over the weekend didn’t stop the torrent.
On Monday, Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock, an elected Republican, tweeted, “The leadership of the Douglas County Republican Party responsible for this posting should resign immediately. It’s disgusting” and doesn’t represent Douglas County Republicans.
County Commissioner Lora Thomas, also a Republican, tweeted: “On behalf of the Board of Douglas County Commissioners, the above referenced image distributed by a person with access to the Douglas County GOP social media, is reprehensible and (does) not represent our values.”
In addition to co-opting the phrase “I can’t breathe,” which has been uttered by dozens of black men killed by police, including Aurora’s Elijah McClain, the version of the cartoon posted by the Douglas County GOP falsely suggests Polis is forcing people to wear masks. Polis continues to strongly urge Coloradans to wear masks but has not issued an order requiring it.
Multiple messages to the Douglas County GOP weren’t returned Monday, but Stephen Allen, chairman of the group, posted a statement on the Facebook page Monday afternoon: “As Chairman I am responsible for the content of our social media and I apologize to anyone that was offended by the post. We are currently reviewing our editorial policies with regard to content and access to our social media platforms.”
Thomas and the other county commissioners moved last week to opt out of a mask mandate issued by the Tri-County Health Department.
Said Commissioner Abe Laydon, a Republican, “Regarding the mask mandate opt-out, our remarkably favorable public health data, paired with the community’s current 75% mask-wearing voluntary compliance observed by TCHD, and based on (Tri-County’s Dr. John M. Douglas’) recommendation that a mask mandate was not necessary for Douglas County, led us to this conclusion.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Investigators name suspect in weekend attack on the High Line Canal Trail

A man already in custody has been identified as a suspect in an attack of a woman who was jogging on the High Line Canal Trail .
An arrest warrant for first-degree assault has been issued for Julio Cesar Gonzalez , Aurora police said on Monday .
The attack happened about 6 a.m. Saturday near East First Avenue and Moline Street .
The victim was hit multiple times with a board .
She suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital , police said .
Gonzalez is already in custody on unrelated charges , police said .
Investigators are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday attack on the trail near East Second Avenue .
A woman was riding a bike , with her children , when a man hit her with a 2-by-4 piece of lumber , knocking the victim off of her bike .
The victim and her children fled , she called police and was then taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries .
Anyone with information on the attack is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 ( STOP ) or email a tip to APDCrimeTips @ auroragov.org .

A man already in custody has been identified as a suspect in an attack of a woman who was jogging on the High Line Canal Trail.
An arrest warrant for first-degree assault has been issued for Julio Cesar Gonzalez, Aurora police said on Monday.
The attack happened about 6 a.m. Saturday near East First Avenue and Moline Street. The victim was hit multiple times with a board. She suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, police said.
Gonzalez is already in custody on unrelated charges, police said.
Investigators are still looking for an assailant in a Wednesday attack on the trail near East Second Avenue. A woman was riding a bike, with her children, when a man hit her with a 2-by-4 piece of lumber, knocking the victim off of her bike. The victim and her children fled, she called police and was then taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
Anyone with information on the attack is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP) or email a tip to APDCrimeTips@auroragov.org.


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Colorado’s weekly COVID-19 count hits highest level since May as upward trend continues

Colorado recorded 2,743 new cases of the coronavirus in the second week of July , reaching a level not seen since early May .
Sunday capped the fourth week of rising infection numbers in the state following a decline since April , reaching a level of new COVID-19 cases not seen since the week ending May 10 .
While Colorado is still below the late-April peak of 3,761 new infections in one week , it ’ s much closer than it was in early June , when the state recorded 1,135 new cases .
Some of the rise in cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positivity rate on Sunday was about half of what it was on May 10 .
But testing isn ’ t the only factor , and not all new cases are mild .
The Colorado Hospital Association reported 220 people were hospitalized as of Monday afternoon .
That ’ s the highest number of patients needing hospital-level care for the virus since June 4 , though it ’ s only about one-fourth of the number of people hospitalized at the peak in early April .
State officials attributed at least some of the increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with others outside their households .
Early data also suggests deaths rose compared to the previous week for the first time since early April .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 15 deaths between July 6 and 12 , compared to 11 deaths the week before .
Both totals are likely to be revised , however , because reports of deaths can sometimes lag by weeks .
A total of 37,242 people have tested positive since March , and 5,941 had to be hospitalized .
So far , 1,589 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , and 138 others had it when they died , but it wasn ’ t confirmed as the cause .
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said that he could roll back business reopenings if 7 % of tests in the city come back positive and hospitals hit 90 % of capacity .
The Colorado Hospital Association reported only one hospital was concerned about running out of intensive-care beds in the next week , but didn ’ t specify which hospital or what county it was in .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Colorado recorded 2,743 new cases of the coronavirus in the second week of July, reaching a level not seen since early May.
Sunday capped the fourth week of rising infection numbers in the state following a decline since April, reaching a level of new COVID-19 cases not seen since the week ending May 10.
While Colorado is still below the late-April peak of 3,761 new infections in one week, it’s much closer than it was in early June, when the state recorded 1,135 new cases.
Some of the rise in cases is due to increased testing: the positivity rate on Sunday was about half of what it was on May 10.
But testing isn’t the only factor, and not all new cases are mild. The Colorado Hospital Association reported 220 people were hospitalized as of Monday afternoon. That’s the highest number of patients needing hospital-level care for the virus since June 4, though it’s only about one-fourth of the number of people hospitalized at the peak in early April.
State officials attributed at least some of the increase in COVID-19 cases to people mixing more with others outside their households.
Early data also suggests deaths rose compared to the previous week for the first time since early April.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 15 deaths between July 6 and 12, compared to 11 deaths the week before. Both totals are likely to be revised, however, because reports of deaths can sometimes lag by weeks.
A total of 37,242 people have tested positive since March, and 5,941 had to be hospitalized. So far, 1,589 people in Colorado have died directly from the virus, and 138 others had it when they died, but it wasn’t confirmed as the cause.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said that he could roll back business reopenings if 7% of tests in the city come back positive and hospitals hit 90% of capacity. The Colorado Hospital Association reported only one hospital was concerned about running out of intensive-care beds in the next week, but didn’t specify which hospital or what county it was in.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Why CU Buffs, Pac-12 were willing to scrap Rocky Mountain Showdown to save fall football

Rick George has Twitter .
He ’ s seen what Colorado State football fans think of him right now .
And CU ’ s athletic director has a message for them : Nobody wanted to say goodbye to this fall ’ s Rocky Mountain Showdown against Colorado State at Canvas Stadium .
Not George , and certainly not CSU athletic director Joe Parker , whom he considers a friend .
“ We wear different colors , but we ’ re good friends , and we communicate quite often , ” George said during a video conference call with reporters Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how difficult a decision that was for our conference and for us individually .
… “ Would I have liked to be able to play CSU ?
The answer is yes.
” Of course , for the first time in 25 years , that won ’ t happen .
Instead , the Showdown is another casualty of COVID-19 .
The Pac-12 joined the Big Ten last week in limiting fall sports to conference competition — a move that affects CU football , women ’ s soccer and women ’ s volleyball .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the Buffs ’ first trip to Fort Collins for football since 1996 , it eliminated nonconference games against Fresno State ( home , Sept. 12 ) and Texas A & M ( away , Sept. 19 ) .
It ’ s unclear when or if those games will be rescheduled .
What is clear is the reasoning behind the Pac-12 ’ s decision : The conference desperately wants a football season this fall , and its leaders think being able to control each week of the schedule , while also instituting uniform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do it .
“ This was a necessary next step , ” George said .
“ … There was a lot of discussion about the nonconference schedule , but what we felt like was most important was that we play football this fall.
” Why is that so important ?
Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard laid out a dire picture for his university in a letter to Cyclones fans Monday .
If no football season is played , the Big 12 school will incur roughly $ 40 million in unfunded expenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
That is , of course , on top of millions in losses across the university and city as a whole .
As George confirmed Monday , the Buffs would have a number “ around ” that figure under the same circumstances .
Based on the 2019-20 fiscal year data , the CU football team generates roughly $ 43.4 million in revenue a year .
That includes $ 29.3 million in ticket sales , media rights , and parking and concessions combined .
But the athletic director expressed optimism Monday that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think we ’ re ready to have a fall football season and a fall sports season , ” George said .
CU administrators and coaches have already taken significant pay cuts for the 2020-21 fiscal year , including 10 % pay reductions for George , football coach Karl Dorrell , men ’ s basketball coach Tad Boyle and women ’ s basketball coach JR Payne .
With 17 sports currently offered at the school , CU has the option of cutting at least one and staying within the required minimum ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The school could apply for a waiver to temporarily go below 16 sports as well , but would have to present a plan to return to 16 at some point “ in the near future.
” “ But that ’ s not why we wouldn ’ t cut , ” George said .
“ The reason that we wouldn ’ t cut is we like the sports that we have .
“ … We ’ re trying to do everything that we can to keep our sports and our support services intact to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward .
… Is there a chance it could happen ?
There ’ s always a chance.
” Outside of eliminating nonconference games , George said this football season promises to be “ totally different.
” Holding out hope Buffs fans will still be able to attend games at Folsom Field , George said CU may go ticketless while doing a variety of other things to minimize contact between fans , players and staff .
The number of conference games remains undecided .
It is also unknown when the season will begin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be moved to spring — as the Ivy League is considering .
Those discussions are underway at the conference level , George said , but he stopped short of a full-throated endorsement .
“ There ’ s no assurance that things are going to be better in the spring , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t know what that landscape will look like.
” Footnote .
George said there are close to 175 student-athletes who have been tested and cleared to voluntarily work out on campus .
Four have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been cleared .

Rick George has Twitter. He’s seen what Colorado State football fans think of him right now.
And CU’s athletic director has a message for them: Nobody wanted to say goodbye to this fall’s Rocky Mountain Showdown against Colorado State at Canvas Stadium.
Not George, and certainly not CSU athletic director Joe Parker, whom he considers a friend.
“We wear different colors, but we’re good friends, and we communicate quite often,” George said during a video conference call with reporters Monday afternoon. “(Parker) knows how difficult a decision that was for our conference and for us individually. …
“Would I have liked to be able to play CSU? The answer is yes.”
Of course, for the first time in 25 years, that won’t happen. Instead, the Showdown is another casualty of COVID-19.
The Pac-12 joined the Big Ten last week in limiting fall sports to conference competition — a move that affects CU football, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. It not only canceled what would’ve been the Buffs’ first trip to Fort Collins for football since 1996, it eliminated nonconference games against Fresno State (home, Sept. 12) and Texas A&M (away, Sept. 19).
It’s unclear when or if those games will be rescheduled. What is clear is the reasoning behind the Pac-12’s decision: The conference desperately wants a football season this fall, and its leaders think being able to control each week of the schedule, while also instituting uniform testing protocols, is the best way to do it.
“This was a necessary next step,” George said. “… There was a lot of discussion about the nonconference schedule, but what we felt like was most important was that we play football this fall.”
Why is that so important?
Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard laid out a dire picture for his university in a letter to Cyclones fans Monday. If no football season is played, the Big 12 school will incur roughly $40 million in unfunded expenses over the next six months, Pollard wrote. That is, of course, on top of millions in losses across the university and city as a whole.
As George confirmed Monday, the Buffs would have a number “around” that figure under the same circumstances. Based on the 2019-20 fiscal year data, the CU football team generates roughly $43.4 million in revenue a year. That includes $29.3 million in ticket sales, media rights, and parking and concessions combined.
But the athletic director expressed optimism Monday that it wouldn’t come to that.
“I think we’re ready to have a fall football season and a fall sports season,” George said.
CU administrators and coaches have already taken significant pay cuts for the 2020-21 fiscal year, including 10% pay reductions for George, football coach Karl Dorrell, men’s basketball coach Tad Boyle and women’s basketball coach JR Payne.
With 17 sports currently offered at the school, CU has the option of cutting at least one and staying within the required minimum (16) for NCAA Division I. The school could apply for a waiver to temporarily go below 16 sports as well, but would have to present a plan to return to 16 at some point “in the near future.”
“But that’s not why we wouldn’t cut,” George said. “The reason that we wouldn’t cut is we like the sports that we have.
“… We’re trying to do everything that we can to keep our sports and our support services intact to provide for our student-athletes as we move forward. … Is there a chance it could happen? There’s always a chance.”
Outside of eliminating nonconference games, George said this football season promises to be “totally different.”
Holding out hope Buffs fans will still be able to attend games at Folsom Field, George said CU may go ticketless while doing a variety of other things to minimize contact between fans, players and staff.
The number of conference games remains undecided. It is also unknown when the season will begin, or if it would eventually have to be moved to spring — as the Ivy League is considering. Those discussions are underway at the conference level, George said, but he stopped short of a full-throated endorsement.
“There’s no assurance that things are going to be better in the spring,” he said. “We don’t know what that landscape will look like.”
Footnote. George said there are close to 175 student-athletes who have been tested and cleared to voluntarily work out on campus. Four have tested positive for COVID, but have since been cleared.


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Wildfire near Evergreen prompts evacuation of about 1,000 homes

A wildfire burning in the Evergreen area of Jefferson County on Monday has prompted the evacuation of about 1,000 homes , sheriff ’ s officials said .
The fire is in the area of Upper Bear Creek Road and Overlook Trail , according to Evergreen Fire Rescue .
At about 6:50 p.m. , the fire was estimated to be about 50 acres with zero containment .
The Jefferson County Sheriff ’ s Office has issued an evacuation order for the Upper Bear Creek Road Elephant Butte area .
The code red evacuation area was initially about a 5-mile radius including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been increased to an area covering about 1,000 homes .
The evacuation area , at about 5:40 p.m. , is along Upper Bear Creek Road south to Brook Forest Road and east to Colorado 73 .
The sheriff ’ s office on Monday sent out 2950 Code Red phone calls , 1070 text messages and 826 emails .
The notice says area residents are threatened and they should leave immediately .
An air tanker and three helicopters are working on the fire along with ground crews .
More air tankers are on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 firefighters , from various agencies , are fighting the fire and protecting structures .
At about 7 p.m. rain fell in the area .
The fire is burning up Elephant Butte , west of Evergreen , with flames running through trees and rocky outcrops .
At a 6:30 p.m. briefing , fire officials said no homes had burned and there are no reports of injuries .
Evacuation centers are King Murphy Elementary School , 425 Circle K Ranch Road , and Evergreen Middle School , 2059 Hiwan Drive .
The best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ End Upper Bear Creek Road heading west , the sheriff ’ s office said .
The cause of the fire is under investigation .
This story will be updated as more information becomes available .

A wildfire burning in the Evergreen area of Jefferson County on Monday has prompted the evacuation of about 1,000 homes, sheriff’s officials said.
The fire is in the area of Upper Bear Creek Road and Overlook Trail, according to Evergreen Fire Rescue. At about 6:50 p.m., the fire was estimated to be about 50 acres with zero containment.
UPDATED #ElephantButteFire evacuation area seen here. Total evacuation area is now Upper Bear Creek Road south to Buffalo Park Road east to Highway 73. CodeRed was just sent out. Fire is now at 30-40 acres. Structure protection in place #jeffco pic.twitter.com/6fUA4tvctO — Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco) July 13, 2020
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for the Upper Bear Creek Road Elephant Butte area. The code red evacuation area was initially about a 5-mile radius including about 250 homes, but has since been increased to an area covering about 1,000 homes.
The evacuation area, at about 5:40 p.m., is along Upper Bear Creek Road south to Brook Forest Road and east to Colorado 73.
The sheriff’s office on Monday sent out 2950 Code Red phone calls, 1070 text messages and 826 emails. The notice says area residents are threatened and they should leave immediately.
Best routes out of the area are West End Upper Bear Creek Rd West to King Murphy Elementary School. Evacuation centers are established at King Murphy Elementary 425 Circle K Ranch Road and Evergreen Middle School 2059 Hiwan Drive 2/3 #jeffco pic.twitter.com/XjqbsdgoAu — Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco) July 13, 2020
An air tanker and three helicopters are working on the fire along with ground crews. More air tankers are on the way, fire officials said. More than 100 firefighters, from various agencies, are fighting the fire and protecting structures. At about 7 p.m. rain fell in the area.
The fire is burning up Elephant Butte, west of Evergreen, with flames running through trees and rocky outcrops. At a 6:30 p.m. briefing, fire officials said no homes had burned and there are no reports of injuries.
#ElephantButteFire The evacuation area will be expanding shortly #JeffCo Watch for updates pic.twitter.com/6tqIuwhTts — Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco) July 13, 2020
Evacuation centers are King Murphy Elementary School, 425 Circle K Ranch Road, and Evergreen Middle School, 2059 Hiwan Drive. The best routes out of the area are West End Upper Bear Creek Road heading west, the sheriff’s office said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Charlie Blackmon, cleared of coronavirus, joins Rockies for summer camp

Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon joined teammates Monday at Coors Field to hit and field in his first organized practice since being cleared of coronavirus .
The four-time All-Star is optimistic he will be ready to play in 11 days for the Rockies ’ season opener July 24 at the Texas Rangers .
“ I feel great .
I have felt that way for at least a couple of weeks now , ” Blackmon said on a video conference call .
“ I had a day-and-a-half of symptoms , and after that , I started feeling much better .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s a pretty short period of time to get ready for Major League Baseball .
I ’ ll do my best , but that ’ s kind of the goal.
” Blackmon first experienced what he described as a mild flu — headache , cough and body aches — in late June and got tested for coronavirus out of precaution .
Blackmon said : “ I was blindsided by the positive result.
” Two more Rockies players , Phillip Diehl and Ryan Castellani , also received positive COVID-19 tests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We were being pretty safe , ” Blackmon said .
“ We were ( ordering ) take-out food , our circle was very small , and we were being safe as far as wearing masks and washing our hands .
I really don ’ t know how I contracted it .
I wish I did .
Then I could know something about it .
Apparently , its super contagious.
” Manager Bud Black told reporters that Blackmon would start back up Monday with multiple batting practice sessions and individual drill work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blackmon ) has been keeping himself in some sort of shape , whatever that might be , ” Black said .
“ Knowing Charlie and his commitment to his profession , he ’ s been doing what he feels he needs to do to be ready for today , and hopefully , ready for July 24 .
Overall , I ’ m optimistic .
We ’ re going to watch him each and every day to see how he is and how he ’ s doing.
” Blackmon described his time in quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basement ” and said he was thrilled to be back at Coors Field .
Blackmon added the Rockies ’ new health and safety protocols are “ very strict ” and he did not express concern about returning to play .
“ I don ’ t really know how it ’ s going to go , ” Blackmon said .
“ Usually , coming into spring training , I ’ m working out and have a very regimented program that I ’ ve done for years and years .
… This year is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t do much physically for a while .
Now , I ’ m trying to come back with less time to prepare .
I ’ ve never really done that before , besides coming off the DL .
Usually , the sort of situation has to be fluid and you ’ ve got to be able to read your body and make changes .
“ I think I will be ready to play .
”

The beard is back.
Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon joined teammates Monday at Coors Field to hit and field in his first organized practice since being cleared of coronavirus. The four-time All-Star is optimistic he will be ready to play in 11 days for the Rockies’ season opener July 24 at the Texas Rangers.
“I feel great. I have felt that way for at least a couple of weeks now,” Blackmon said on a video conference call. “I had a day-and-a-half of symptoms, and after that, I started feeling much better. I want to be ready for opening day. That’s a pretty short period of time to get ready for Major League Baseball. I’ll do my best, but that’s kind of the goal.”
Blackmon first experienced what he described as a mild flu — headache, cough and body aches — in late June and got tested for coronavirus out of precaution. Blackmon said: “I was blindsided by the positive result.”
Two more Rockies players, Phillip Diehl and Ryan Castellani, also received positive COVID-19 tests, as first reported by The Denver Post.
“We were being pretty safe,” Blackmon said. “We were (ordering) take-out food, our circle was very small, and we were being safe as far as wearing masks and washing our hands. I really don’t know how I contracted it. I wish I did. Then I could know something about it. Apparently, its super contagious.”
Manager Bud Black told reporters that Blackmon would start back up Monday with multiple batting practice sessions and individual drill work.
“I’m sure (Blackmon) has been keeping himself in some sort of shape, whatever that might be,” Black said. “Knowing Charlie and his commitment to his profession, he’s been doing what he feels he needs to do to be ready for today, and hopefully, ready for July 24. Overall, I’m optimistic. We’re going to watch him each and every day to see how he is and how he’s doing.”
Blackmon described his time in quarantine as being “bored there sitting in the basement” and said he was thrilled to be back at Coors Field. Blackmon added the Rockies’ new health and safety protocols are “very strict” and he did not express concern about returning to play.
“I don’t really know how it’s going to go,” Blackmon said. “Usually, coming into spring training, I’m working out and have a very regimented program that I’ve done for years and years. … This year is different. I was sick and really couldn’t do much physically for a while. Now, I’m trying to come back with less time to prepare. I’ve never really done that before, besides coming off the DL. Usually, the sort of situation has to be fluid and you’ve got to be able to read your body and make changes.
“I think I will be ready to play.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Man shot dead in Lakewood over the weekend; suspect identified, not yet arrested

A man was shot dead in Lakewood over the weekend and police have a suspect in the case .
At @ @ @ @ @ were called to the Waterfront Apartments , 10555 W. Jewell Ave. , on a report @ @ @ @ @ to a news release .
Officers found a 27-year-old man in the parking lot suffering @ @ @ @ @ He was taken to a local hospital , where he died .
The victim was @ @ @ @ @ 27-year-old man has been identified as a suspect in the shooting , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ or charged and the case remains under investigation .
The suspect also was not identified @

A man was shot dead in Lakewood over the weekend and police have a suspect in the case.
At about 3 a.m. Saturday police were called to the Waterfront Apartments, 10555 W. Jewell Ave., on a report of shots fired, according to a news release.
Officers found a 27-year-old man in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died. The victim was not publicly identified.
A 27-year-old man has been identified as a suspect in the shooting, police said. He has not been arrested or charged and the case remains under investigation. The suspect also was not identified.


thedenverpost--2020-07-13--Poll: What name would you choose to replace Stapleton?

A list of hundreds of potential new names for Denver ’ s Stapleton neighborhood , which currently carries the name @ @ @ @ @ belonged to the Ku Klux Klan , has been whittled down to nine finalists .
@ @ @ @ @ of voting , the first of which is live now online .
Anyone over 18 @ @ @ @ @ owns in the community is allowed to vote .
The poll below is open to @ @ @ @ @ as an official vote with the Stapleton United Neighbors association .

A list of hundreds of potential new names for Denver’s Stapleton neighborhood, which currently carries the name of a former mayor who belonged to the Ku Klux Klan, has been whittled down to nine finalists.
Read the full story here.
There will be three rounds of voting, the first of which is live now online. Anyone over 18 years old who rents or owns in the community is allowed to vote. The poll below is open to anyone but does not count as an official vote with the Stapleton United Neighbors association.