thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Rocky, postponement-filled week leaves doubt as to whether MLB can pull off 2020 season

As the Rockies played their home opener at Coors Field Friday night in front of cardboard cutouts , one-fifth of the teams in Major League Baseball were idle due to positive coronavirus tests .
That led to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred warning the sport could shut down if it can ’ t better contain the pandemic .
An outbreak in the Marlins ’ organization started the week on an ominous note , and positive tests within the Phillies ( whom Miami last played ) and Cardinals organizations resulted in 30 total postponements and six teams out of action entering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests this past week , according to MLB , with 21 on the Marlins , whose schedule is paused until at least Monday .
In a non-quarantine format , the league surely expected the need to be flexible — hence a 60-man player pool , traveling taxi squad and glaring lack of specifics in the 113-page 2020 operations manual on how to handle virus outbreaks .
But when the expected became the inevitable , the first full week of play brought about doubt baseball can see this season through .
“ I speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to go out and play and we ’ ve been working hard to follow protocols and try to keep ourselves safe , ” said outfielder Charlie Blackmon , who came down with coronavirus prior to the start of the second spring training .
“ But that doesn ’ t mean we entirely control the situation… Anything that pops up negatively in terms of this virus situation could hinder ( the season ) .
While MLB ’ s positive rate from 11,895 tests this week was only 0.2 % , and the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s monitoring program checks in at 0.1 % out of 40,783 tests , the Marlins ’ situation epitomizes exactly what the league hoped to avoid .
Namely , a mass outbreak within one team that has a ripple effect on the entire schedule .
An MLB internal investigation of Miami found the club was lax in enforcing protocols during a trip to Atlanta on July 21 and 22 , including players going out on the town .
As a result , the league tightened coronavirus protocols in a memo to all clubs Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for each team to ensure players and coaches are adhering to social distancing , wearing masks and not going to bars on the road , among other guidelines .
Unless the league can make sure its personnel is strictly adhering to such protocols , fans can expect positive tests — and subsequent postponements and schedule jockeying — to continue .
Broadcasts of the first week of games showed players high-fiving and spitting , among other coronavirus no-nos .
“ They ’ re doing the right things in identifying who ’ s infected , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing contract tracing , quarantining , ” said Dr. Lisa Miller , a professor of epidemiology at Colorado School of Public Health .
“ Those are all very important , but unless they can figure out exactly what ’ s gone wrong with each outbreak — and correct it — then it seems like they run the risk of this continuing.
” Dr. Andy Peterson , the head team physician for the University of Iowa athletics who has researched infectious diseases in sports , believes baseball needs to prepare to continuously deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a move to do that Friday , officially agreeing to make doubleheaders — of which there are sure to be plenty due to postponements — a pair of seven-inning games .
“ These aren ’ t early speed bumps — this is what the season is going to look like , ” Peterson said .
“ This isn ’ t something that ’ s going to happen a couple times at the beginning .
This is something that ’ s going to happen as long as we ’ re dealing with this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming and going to the stadium , living ( in a non-bubble format ) .
” Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado admitted he ’ s “ a little worried ” about the pile of postponements in baseball ’ s first full week , while fellow all-star Trevor Story added “ it ’ s definitely cause for concern.
” The Rockies have not been notably affected by the virus since summer camp officially started at Coors Field , and Colorado players have continuously expressed confidence in the team ’ s adherence to proper protocol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because obviously there ’ s a lot of eyes on Major League Baseball right now and ( the league ) is getting a lot of criticism , ” Arenado said .
“ I think we ’ ve done a good job ( as a team ) , but it ’ s hard to focus on all those things ( and the possibility of a canceled season ) when you ’ re trying to hit major league pitchers.
” Washington manager Davey Martinez , who has a heart condition , told local reporters recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that he has “ guys in our clubhouse that are really concerned as well.
” But manager Bud Black said the Rockies ’ focus remains on staying healthy , and hot , following a strong opening road trip .
“ In the big picture , we ’ re all hoping for the best even though we don ’ t know how it ’ s all going to play out , ” Black said .
“ Most of us feel positive about this season continuing , and fighting through these setbacks… The Miami @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but hopefully that can be rectified in the next couple days and they can move forward as well .
”

As the Rockies played their home opener at Coors Field Friday night in front of cardboard cutouts, one-fifth of the teams in Major League Baseball were idle due to positive coronavirus tests.
That led to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred warning the sport could shut down if it can’t better contain the pandemic, and also acknowledge that “players need to be better” in following protocols.
An outbreak in the Marlins’ organization started the week on an ominous note, and positive tests within the Phillies (whom Miami last played) and Cardinals organizations resulted in 30 total postponements and six teams out of action entering the weekend. There were 29 new positive tests this past week, according to MLB, with 21 on the Marlins, whose schedule is paused until at least Monday.
In a non-quarantine format, the league surely expected the need to be flexible — hence a 60-man player pool, traveling taxi squad and glaring lack of specifics in the 113-page 2020 operations manual on how to handle virus outbreaks. But when the expected became the inevitable, the first full week of play brought about doubt baseball can see this season through.
“I speak for the entire Rockies team — we want to go out and play and we’ve been working hard to follow protocols and try to keep ourselves safe,” said outfielder Charlie Blackmon, who came down with coronavirus prior to the start of the second spring training. “But that doesn’t mean we entirely control the situation… Anything that pops up negatively in terms of this virus situation could hinder (the season).
“So yeah, I’m concerned.”
While MLB’s positive rate from 11,895 tests this week was only 0.2%, and the total number of positives from the league’s monitoring program checks in at 0.1% out of 40,783 tests, the Marlins’ situation epitomizes exactly what the league hoped to avoid. Namely, a mass outbreak within one team that has a ripple effect on the entire schedule.
An MLB internal investigation of Miami found the club was lax in enforcing protocols during a trip to Atlanta on July 21 and 22, including players going out on the town. As a result, the league tightened coronavirus protocols in a memo to all clubs Friday, instituting a “compliance officer” for each team to ensure players and coaches are adhering to social distancing, wearing masks and not going to bars on the road, among other guidelines.
Unless the league can make sure its personnel is strictly adhering to such protocols, fans can expect positive tests — and subsequent postponements and schedule jockeying — to continue. Broadcasts of the first week of games showed players high-fiving and spitting, among other coronavirus no-nos.
“They’re doing the right things in identifying who’s infected, making sure those people are isolated, doing contract tracing, quarantining,” said Dr. Lisa Miller, a professor of epidemiology at Colorado School of Public Health. “Those are all very important, but unless they can figure out exactly what’s gone wrong with each outbreak — and correct it — then it seems like they run the risk of this continuing.”
Dr. Andy Peterson, the head team physician for the University of Iowa athletics who has researched infectious diseases in sports, believes baseball needs to prepare to continuously deal with postponements. The league and players association made a move to do that Friday, officially agreeing to make doubleheaders — of which there are sure to be plenty due to postponements — a pair of seven-inning games.
“These aren’t early speed bumps — this is what the season is going to look like,” Peterson said. “This isn’t something that’s going to happen a couple times at the beginning. This is something that’s going to happen as long as we’re dealing with this (pandemic) and you have players coming and going to the stadium, living (in a non-bubble format).”
Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado admitted he’s “a little worried” about the pile of postponements in baseball’s first full week, while fellow all-star Trevor Story added “it’s definitely cause for concern.” The Rockies have not been notably affected by the virus since summer camp officially started at Coors Field, and Colorado players have continuously expressed confidence in the team’s adherence to proper protocol.
“It’s frustrating, because obviously there’s a lot of eyes on Major League Baseball right now and (the league) is getting a lot of criticism,” Arenado said. “I think we’ve done a good job (as a team), but it’s hard to focus on all those things (and the possibility of a canceled season) when you’re trying to hit major league pitchers.”
Washington manager Davey Martinez, who has a heart condition, told local reporters recently that he’s “scared” and that he has “guys in our clubhouse that are really concerned as well.” There have been increased concerns with other players around the league, according to ESPN’s Buster Onley. And MLB’s national TV partners have been told to have alternate programming ready this coming week, in the event games are postponed.
But manager Bud Black said the Rockies’ focus remains on staying healthy, and hot, following a strong opening road trip.
“In the big picture, we’re all hoping for the best even though we don’t know how it’s all going to play out,” Black said. “Most of us feel positive about this season continuing, and fighting through these setbacks… The Miami situation is not a little one, but hopefully that can be rectified in the next couple days and they can move forward as well.”


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Guest Commentary: Polis isn’t speaking for us when he says there won’t be a 2022 fracking initiative

We are in a national moment of reckoning about the distribution of privilege and power in our culture .
All of us are being called to reflect and account , particularly those in leadership positions .
Such scrutiny reveals Gov .
Jared Polis ’ recent op-ed in Colorado Politics announcing that “ groups have committed to withdraw current [ oil and gas ] ballot measures filed … through 2022 ” to be particularly problematic .
Let us first acknowledge that Polis has been a progressive leader for Colorado and has taken many worthwhile strides for the state .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , signed the qualified immunity bill , and has been reasonable on a host of other issues , from immigration to the death penalty .
However , when it comes to addressing oil and gas extraction in Colorado , Polis continues to play politics instead of taking a strong protective stance for communities and the environment .
How is it possible for one man and a few of his hand-picked environmental groups , who have no history of spearheading oil and gas ballot initiatives , to announce that “ the environmental community ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizen ’ s ballot initiative ?
We ’ re here to set the record straight : Colorado Rising and Safe & Healthy Colorado are the two groups that have run ballot initiatives on fracking in 2018 and 2020 and neither group has signed on to any such agreement .
In fact , both organizations are still considering running a 2022 ballot initiative if the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission fails to enact truly protective regulations .
The plans of these grassroots organizations have nothing to do with the backdoor negotiations of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table .
Our mission has always been to protect all communities ’ health and safety from the toxic harms of fracking , to sustain a livable climate , and to avoid the eventual mess that will come with the inevitable economic bust of this declining industry .
Since 2014 , Polis has attempted to minimize this conflict .
But what he fails to understand is that this issue will not go away until the problem is solved and our communities are safe .
No amount of political bargaining will substitute for real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ op-ed , he did a nice job of summarizing the intent of Senate Bill 181 .
However , to date , SB-181 is still largely theoretical in nature since after a year and a half , there have been very few concrete rules made that offer communities actual protection .
As a result , since Polis signed this bill into law , there have been over 3,000 wells approved with no assessment of cumulative or climate impacts , as SB181 mandates .
Cornell University Professor Robert Howorth recently demonstrated that methane leakage from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change .
A study published in Science Magazine found methane leaks were about 60 % more than what the EPA had previously estimated , and researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Center for Atmospheric Research have found that about half of the air pollution on the Front Range comes directly from oil and gas extraction .
For mothers like Cristen Logan of Broomfield , the governor ’ s talk is cheap : Her daughter wakes up regularly with gushing nosebleeds and she fears it is because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pads .
If SB 19-181 were working as intended , this would not be happening to Colorado families .
We have to wonder how it is possible that an oil and gas well was still allowed to be hydraulicly fractured less than 2,000 feet from the school building of Bella Romero Academy in Greeley , and just a few hundred feet from the playground .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ’ s research shows potential for exposure to carcinogens like benzene for those living within 2,000 feet , and unsafe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the school .
Living near fracking is known to be linked with low birth weights , increased rates of developmental disabilities , neurological disorders and cancer .
Suzanne Speigel and Anne Lee Foster were leaders in the efforts to pass Proposition 112 and Initiative 174 .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

We are in a national moment of reckoning about the distribution of privilege and power in our culture. All of us are being called to reflect and account, particularly those in leadership positions. Such scrutiny reveals Gov. Jared Polis’ recent op-ed in Colorado Politics announcing that “groups have committed to withdraw current [oil and gas] ballot measures filed … through 2022” to be particularly problematic.
Let us first acknowledge that Polis has been a progressive leader for Colorado and has taken many worthwhile strides for the state. He has led a proactive response to the pandemic, signed the qualified immunity bill, and has been reasonable on a host of other issues, from immigration to the death penalty.
However, when it comes to addressing oil and gas extraction in Colorado, Polis continues to play politics instead of taking a strong protective stance for communities and the environment.
How is it possible for one man and a few of his hand-picked environmental groups, who have no history of spearheading oil and gas ballot initiatives, to announce that “the environmental community” will not pursue community protections via a citizen’s ballot initiative?
We’re here to set the record straight: Colorado Rising and Safe & Healthy Colorado are the two groups that have run ballot initiatives on fracking in 2018 and 2020 and neither group has signed on to any such agreement. In fact, both organizations are still considering running a 2022 ballot initiative if the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission fails to enact truly protective regulations.
The plans of these grassroots organizations have nothing to do with the backdoor negotiations of a few insiders who have been invited to the table. Our mission has always been to protect all communities’ health and safety from the toxic harms of fracking, to sustain a livable climate, and to avoid the eventual mess that will come with the inevitable economic bust of this declining industry.
Since 2014, Polis has attempted to minimize this conflict. But what he fails to understand is that this issue will not go away until the problem is solved and our communities are safe. No amount of political bargaining will substitute for real, science-based solutions.
In Polis’ op-ed, he did a nice job of summarizing the intent of Senate Bill 181. However, to date, SB-181 is still largely theoretical in nature since after a year and a half, there have been very few concrete rules made that offer communities actual protection. As a result, since Polis signed this bill into law, there have been over 3,000 wells approved with no assessment of cumulative or climate impacts, as SB181 mandates.
Cornell University Professor Robert Howorth recently demonstrated that methane leakage from fracking wells is a major driver of climate change. A study published in Science Magazine found methane leaks were about 60% more than what the EPA had previously estimated, and researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Center for Atmospheric Research have found that about half of the air pollution on the Front Range comes directly from oil and gas extraction.
For mothers like Cristen Logan of Broomfield, the governor’s talk is cheap: Her daughter wakes up regularly with gushing nosebleeds and she fears it is because of chemical exposures from nearby oil and gas pads. If SB 19-181 were working as intended, this would not be happening to Colorado families. We have to wonder how it is possible that an oil and gas well was still allowed to be hydraulicly fractured less than 2,000 feet from the school building of Bella Romero Academy in Greeley, and just a few hundred feet from the playground.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s research shows potential for exposure to carcinogens like benzene for those living within 2,000 feet, and unsafe levels of benzene emissions have been recorded near the school. Living near fracking is known to be linked with low birth weights, increased rates of developmental disabilities, neurological disorders and cancer.
Suzanne Speigel and Anne Lee Foster were leaders in the efforts to pass Proposition 112 and Initiative 174.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Bridge placement over Clear Creek to shut down stretch of U.S. 6 Monday

A bridge placement over Clear Creek in Jefferson County will shut down a stretch of U.S. 6 on Monday evening @ @ @ @ @ The bridge , about a mile west of the intersection of Colorado 93 and Colorado @ @ @ @ @ at 6 p.m. so workers can place a pedestrian and bicyclist bridge along the Peaks @ @ @ @ @ Jefferson County Open Space , according to a Colorado Department of Transportation news release .
@ @ @ @ @ Clear Creek Canyon to motor vehicle traffic from the Colorado 93-Colorado 58 interchange to Colorado @ @ @ @ @ Interstate 70 to U.S. 6 as a detour .
The 163-foot long bridge will be @ @ @ @ @ onsite assembly , CDOT said , and cranes will lift the bridge into place .
@ @ @ @ @ morning .
The bridge placement is part of a 65-mile project to connect the Continental @ @ @ @ @ downtown Denver .
The bridge span will also connect hikers and bikers to more than @ @ @ @ @ to Denver and beyond .

A bridge placement over Clear Creek in Jefferson County will shut down a stretch of U.S. 6 on Monday evening for about 14 hours.
The bridge, about a mile west of the intersection of Colorado 93 and Colorado 58, will shut down at 6 p.m. so workers can place a pedestrian and bicyclist bridge along the Peaks to Plains Trail segment of Jefferson County Open Space, according to a Colorado Department of Transportation news release.
The closure will shut down Clear Creek Canyon to motor vehicle traffic from the Colorado 93-Colorado 58 interchange to Colorado 119. Drivers can take Interstate 70 to U.S. 6 as a detour.
The 163-foot long bridge will be delivered in three sections for onsite assembly, CDOT said, and cranes will lift the bridge into place. U.S. 6 will reopen Tuesday morning.
The bridge placement is part of a 65-mile project to connect the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass to downtown Denver. The bridge span will also connect hikers and bikers to more than 80 miles of existing trails to Denver and beyond.


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--City’s pick for Aurora police chief to be announced Monday

Aurora City Council will decide Monday whether to approve the hiring of the city ’ s next police chief , @ @ @ @ @ which of the four finalists the city manager chose to lead the third-largest department in @ @ @ @ @ will meet with management at 3:30 p.m. Monday for a executive session not open to @ @ @ @ @ personnel matters/negotiations , ” according to the meeting agenda published Friday .
The council and @ @ @ @ @ to approve the hire during the 7:30 p.m. council meeting .
The agenda lists the @ @ @ @ @ approval of the Appointment of _______ as the Chief of Police.
” A spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ of the candidate would not be announced before Monday .
The finalists for the position @ @ @ @ @ Jr. , an Aurora police commander who leads the department ’ s internal affairs bureau @ @ @ @ @ colonel and bureau chief at the Baltimore County Police Department

Aurora City Council will decide Monday whether to approve the hiring of the city’s next police chief, but it’s unclear which of the four finalists the city manager chose to lead the third-largest department in the state.
City Council will meet with management at 3:30 p.m. Monday for a executive session not open to the public to discuss “personnel matters/negotiations,” according to the meeting agenda published Friday. The council and the mayor will then vote to approve the hire during the 7:30 p.m. council meeting.
The agenda lists the item of business as “approval of the Appointment of _______ as the Chief of Police.”
A spokesman for the city said the name of the candidate would not be announced before Monday.
The finalists for the position are:


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Dive team recovering body of swimmer at Chatfield State Park

A swimmer was reported missing in Chatfield State Park on Friday afternoon , and a dive team was recovering a @ @ @ @ @ The person was reported missing from the park ’ s swim beach about 3:20 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ Fire Rescue Dive Team was searching , according to SMFR .
West Metro Fire Rescue @ @ @ @ @ the search , and the dive team , which used sonar in the process , @ @ @ @ @ the water , officials said .
About 5:15 p.m. gusty winds , part of a @ @ @ @ @ rescue boat , SMFR said .
All rescue personnel have been accounted for and are @ @

A swimmer was reported missing in Chatfield State Park on Friday afternoon and a dive team working on recovering a body from the lake suspended operations at about dusk.
The person was reported missing from the park’s swim beach about 3:20 p.m., and the South Metro Fire Rescue Dive Team searched water on the south end of the Catfish Flats area until about 8 p.m., according to SMFR and park officials.
The swimmer was last seen about 60 feet from the shoreline in about an 18-foot depth of water, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Dive Rescuers are on the water and being assisted by @CPW_NE Rangers. The last seen point has been marked and sonar is being used to look for the missing person. pic.twitter.com/qu2T8U0qBx — South Metro Fire Rescue (@SouthMetroPIO) July 31, 2020
West Metro Fire Rescue and park rangers assisted the dive team, which used sonar in the process, and attempts to recover the body included the use of a human chain, officials said.
Update – A mayday has been declared at Chatfield State Park. A rescue boat has capsized in gusty thunderstorm winds. All occupants are accounted for and being rescued by other personnel. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/58F01t8PTY — South Metro Fire Rescue (@SouthMetroPIO) July 31, 2020
At about 5:15 p.m. gusty winds, part of a passing storm, capsized a rescue boat, SMFR said. All rescue personnel were accounted for and safe after the weather mayday.
The dive team searched until about 8 p.m. and then called off operations because of darkness. Parks and wildlife continued to use a remote operated vehicle in the effort into the night.


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Nuggets missing at least two starters when season opens vs. Heat on Saturday

The Nuggets will be severely shorthanded when they open their NBA re-start campaign Saturday morning against the Heat .
Denver will be down starters Gary Harris ( right hip muscle strain ) and Will Barton ( knee soreness ) , while point guard Jamal Murray ( left hamstring tightness ) is questionable for the opener .
Nuggets reserve Vlatko Cancar was also listed on Friday ’ s injury report with a left foot fracture .
After arriving late to Orlando , Harris missed all three of the team ’ s scrimmages .
Barton only played 18 minutes in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When asked how his knee responded , Nuggets coach Michael Malone said : “ He ’ s continued to keep on working on his rehab , getting with our training staff and trying to integrate himself back into the lineup and into the rotation.
” The Nuggets are already limited in their depth at shooting guard .
The absences of Harris and Barton will likely mean more minutes for Torrey Craig , Michael Porter Jr. and Troy Daniels against the Heat .
If Murray can ’ t go , expect Monte Morris to @ @ @ @

The Nuggets will be severely shorthanded when they open their NBA re-start campaign Saturday morning against the Heat.
Denver will be down starters Gary Harris (right hip muscle strain) and Will Barton (knee soreness), while point guard Jamal Murray (left hamstring tightness) is questionable for the opener. Nuggets reserve Vlatko Cancar was also listed on Friday’s injury report with a left foot fracture.
After arriving late to Orlando, Harris missed all three of the team’s scrimmages. Barton only played 18 minutes in the first half of Monday’s scrimmage. When asked how his knee responded, Nuggets coach Michael Malone said: “He’s continued to keep on working on his rehab, getting with our training staff and trying to integrate himself back into the lineup and into the rotation.”
The Nuggets are already limited in their depth at shooting guard. The absences of Harris and Barton will likely mean more minutes for Torrey Craig, Michael Porter Jr. and Troy Daniels against the Heat. If Murray can’t go, expect Monte Morris to get the start.


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Wolf on a plane: Frontier’s milestone jet features a special canine on its tail

The tail of Frontier Airlines ’ 100th jet features a picture of a significant Colorado canine .
Denver-based Frontier announced this week that “ Chinook the Gray Wolf ” was chosen to decorate its newest Airbus A320neo jetliner .
The plane holds a special place in the history of the airline and the history of the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center .
It ’ s plane No.100 in Frontier ’ s fleet and Chinook , the female wolf-dog hybrid whose likeness it bears , was the animal that started it all for the wildlife sanctuary and education center in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kobobel , the center ’ s founder and president , rescued Chinook in 1993 .
The canine had been scheduled to be put down at a Colorado animal shelter .
Adopting Chinook inspired Kobobel to “ become a voice for wolves , ” she said .
A few years later , she launched the organization now known as Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center , a sanctuary for wolves , coyotes and foxes that has been home to hundreds of animals since .
Kobobel learned Chinook ’ s picture was on the Frontier jet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airline last year .
“ It ’ s just breathtaking for me , ” Kobobel said of .
“ To see her flying high in the sky , and telling the world about wolves and her beauty , for me there are just no words to explain how that feels.
” Kobobel , a proponent for a 2020 ballot measure that would reintroduce gray wolves in Colorado , said her organization has plans to build new enclosures this year .
It ’ s been a bumpy 2020 for Frontier and the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has driven down demand for air travel .
In May , the airline canceled a sales promotion that would have offered flyers the chance to buy an empty middle seat for $ 39 after drawing a sharp rebuke some members of Congress .
The airline says it is now leaving middle seats empty on flights without charging flyers .
Last week , Frontier ’ s parent company withdrew its long-dormant registration for an initial public stock offering .
Adding the new , efficient jet to fleet is a milestone for the budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on order and expected to join Frontier ’ s fleet by 2027 as the airline continues to focus on rapid growth .
“ We have significantly expanded our fleet in recent years as Frontier has continued to grow both domestically and internationally , ” CEO Barry Biffle said in a news release Wednesday .
Chinook may fly out of Denver International Airport on Sunday , Frontier spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz said .

The tail of Frontier Airlines’ 100th jet features a picture of a significant Colorado canine.
Denver-based Frontier announced this week that “Chinook the Gray Wolf” was chosen to decorate its newest Airbus A320neo jetliner.
The plane holds a special place in the history of the airline and the history of the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. It’s plane No.100 in Frontier’s fleet and Chinook, the female wolf-dog hybrid whose likeness it bears, was the animal that started it all for the wildlife sanctuary and education center in the Teller County community of Divide.
Darlene Kobobel, the center’s founder and president, rescued Chinook in 1993. The canine had been scheduled to be put down at a Colorado animal shelter.
Adopting Chinook inspired Kobobel to “become a voice for wolves,” she said. A few years later, she launched the organization now known as Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, a sanctuary for wolves, coyotes and foxes that has been home to hundreds of animals since.
Kobobel learned Chinook’s picture was on the Frontier jet on Wednesday after first being approached by the airline last year.
“It’s just breathtaking for me,” Kobobel said of. “To see her flying high in the sky, and telling the world about wolves and her beauty, for me there are just no words to explain how that feels.”
Kobobel, a proponent for a 2020 ballot measure that would reintroduce gray wolves in Colorado, said her organization has plans to build new enclosures this year.
It’s been a bumpy 2020 for Frontier and the rest of the airline industry as the COVID-19 pandemic has driven down demand for air travel.
In May, the airline canceled a sales promotion that would have offered flyers the chance to buy an empty middle seat for $39 after drawing a sharp rebuke some members of Congress. The airline says it is now leaving middle seats empty on flights without charging flyers. Last week, Frontier’s parent company withdrew its long-dormant registration for an initial public stock offering.
Adding the new, efficient jet to fleet is a milestone for the budget airline. Another 160 Airbus jets are on order and expected to join Frontier’s fleet by 2027 as the airline continues to focus on rapid growth.
“We have significantly expanded our fleet in recent years as Frontier has continued to grow both domestically and internationally,” CEO Barry Biffle said in a news release Wednesday.
Chinook may fly out of Denver International Airport on Sunday, Frontier spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz said.


thedenverpost--2020-07-31--Broncos release veteran tight end Jeff Heuerman

Heuerman , 28 , was a third-round pick by the Broncos in 2015 and appeared in 51 games ( 29 @ @ @ @ @ Over The Cap , Heuerman ’ s release will result in a $ 500,000 “ @ @ @ @ @ $ 3.875 million in cap savings .
Since April 2019 , Heuerman has seen the @ @ @ @ @ first round ) , sign Nick Vannett in free agency and select Albert Okwuegbunam ( @ @ @ @ @ spent 2015 on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in rookie camp .
In the @ @ @ @ @ missed at least two games in each season .
He caught 63 passes for 678 @ @ @ @ @ The transaction wire listed no other Broncos moves .
The roster is at 78 players @ @ @ @ @ .
Fullback Andrew Beck is on the reserve/COVID-19 list and doesn ’ t count toward @ @ @ @

The Broncos released veteran tight end Jeff Heuerman on Friday.
Heuerman, 28, was a third-round pick by the Broncos in 2015 and appeared in 51 games (29 starts).
According to Over The Cap, Heuerman’s release will result in a $500,000 “dead” cap charge and $3.875 million in cap savings.
Since April 2019, Heuerman has seen the Broncos draft Noah Fant (first round), sign Nick Vannett in free agency and select Albert Okwuegbunam (fourth round).
Heuerman’s departure leaves a tight end room of Fant, Vannett, Okwuegbunam, Jake Butt, Troy Fumagalli and Austin Fort.
Heuerman spent 2015 on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in rookie camp. In the last four years, he missed at least two games in each season. He caught 63 passes for 678 yards and five touchdowns.
The transaction wire listed no other Broncos moves. The roster is at 78 players following Heuerman’s release. Fullback Andrew Beck is on the reserve/COVID-19 list and doesn’t count toward the 80-man limit.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Grading the Week: Bryan Shaw didn’t just stink at elevation. He just stunk.

We here at the Grading the Week offices do not claim to be coronavirus experts .
Heck , it ’ s probably been more than 15 years since we even had a sip of Corona .
But we do know this much : Major League Baseball could have put together “ bubbles ” in Arizona , Texas and Florida .
Would it have been absolutely miserable for players , coaches and their families ?
Yes .
Would it have worked better than the current plan ?
No doubt .
We ’ ll give MLB an “ incomplete ” for now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down an F later .
Isn ’ t it weird how Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw left town and the Rockies bullpen suddenly improved ?
Life lessons : If you ’ re going to try to replicate the Kansas City Royals ’ World Series-winning formula of strong relief pitching , it helps to actually sign a strong bullpen .
Luckily for the Rockies , they just might have one .
Entering Friday ’ s home opener , Colorado relievers had given up just two earned runs and registered more strikeouts ( 16 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hits , four walks ) in 16 2/3 innings .
Fun fact : The six relievers responsible for those stats were due to make just $ 1.85 million more than McGee and Shaw combined ( $ 18.5 million ) prior to the pandemic .
That ’ s including Wade Davis ’ $ 17.0 million salary .
Sometimes it pays not to pay .
Speaking of everyone ’ s favorite overpaid reliever , Shaw completed the natural life cycle of a failed Rockies free-agent signing when he recently blamed his struggles on , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado .
“ I got there and the sliders didn ’ t work , ” Shaw told The Seattle Times .
“ It didn ’ t matter what we did.
” A sad song and dance , to be sure — made even sadder since it ’ s such an oft-told tale here in mile high country .
There ’ s only one problem : Shaw didn ’ t just stink at elevation during his time in Colorado .
He just stunk .
Full stop .
Don ’ t believe me ?
Take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018-19 .
Shaw at Coors Field — 5.24 ERA , 1.50 WHIP , 8.54 K/9 .
Shaw away from Coors Field — 6.02 ERA , 1.60 WHIP , 7.34 K/9 .
Not great , Bryan .
Especially when you consider another number attached to the right-hander ’ s last two seasons : the $ 16 million he was paid to do it .
While the “ it just means more ” crowd spent the past two weeks hoping for a miracle , the Pac-12 took a cold , hard look at our COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that might actually be played this fall .
One day after the SEC caved to conference-only scheduling , and two days after the ACC announced its now likely dead-on-arrival intention to play 11 games ( 10 conference , plus one nonconference ) , the Pac-12 became the first Power 5 league to release a full 10-game conference-only schedule .
While the plan has holes — Why can ’ t the Buffs drive 46 miles to Fort Collins for the Rocky Mountain Showdown ?
— it ’ s probably the best solution for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a late start , open dates for potential postponed games to be played and nary a cupcake to be found ( unless you count UCLA ) .
If only we could do that last one every year .
Please explain to me how COVID-19 can be both “ population control ” to “ control the masses , ” and also “ a real thing ” that is somehow “ overblown ” ?
Actually , on second thought , please don ’ t .
As the great Mark Twain once said , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt .
”

We here at the Grading the Week offices do not claim to be coronavirus experts. Heck, it’s probably been more than 15 years since we even had a sip of Corona.
But we do know this much: Major League Baseball could have put together “bubbles” in Arizona, Texas and Florida.
Would it have been absolutely miserable for players, coaches and their families? Yes. Would it have worked better than the current plan? No doubt. We’ll give MLB an “incomplete” for now, but reserve the right to hand down an F later.
Rockies bullpen — A-
Isn’t it weird how Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw left town and the Rockies bullpen suddenly improved?
Life lessons: If you’re going to try to replicate the Kansas City Royals’ World Series-winning formula of strong relief pitching, it helps to actually sign a strong bullpen.
Luckily for the Rockies, they just might have one.
Entering Friday’s home opener, Colorado relievers had given up just two earned runs and registered more strikeouts (16) than hits and walks combined (10 hits, four walks) in 16 2/3 innings.
Fun fact: The six relievers responsible for those stats were due to make just $1.85 million more than McGee and Shaw combined ($18.5 million) prior to the pandemic. That’s including Wade Davis’ $17.0 million salary.
Sometimes it pays not to pay.
Bryan Shaw — D+
Speaking of everyone’s favorite overpaid reliever, Shaw completed the natural life cycle of a failed Rockies free-agent signing when he recently blamed his struggles on, you guessed it, the thin air of Colorado.
“I got there and the sliders didn’t work,” Shaw told The Seattle Times. “It didn’t matter what we did.”
A sad song and dance, to be sure — made even sadder since it’s such an oft-told tale here in mile high country.
There’s only one problem: Shaw didn’t just stink at elevation during his time in Colorado. He just stunk. Full stop.
Don’t believe me? Take a look at his home/road splits from 2018-19. Shaw at Coors Field — 5.24 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 8.54 K/9. Shaw away from Coors Field — 6.02 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 7.34 K/9.
Not great, Bryan. Especially when you consider another number attached to the right-hander’s last two seasons: the $16 million he was paid to do it.
Pac-12 decision makers — B-
While the “it just means more” crowd spent the past two weeks hoping for a miracle, the Pac-12 took a cold, hard look at our COVID reality and put together a football schedule that might actually be played this fall.
One day after the SEC caved to conference-only scheduling, and two days after the ACC announced its now likely dead-on-arrival intention to play 11 games (10 conference, plus one nonconference), the Pac-12 became the first Power 5 league to release a full 10-game conference-only schedule.
While the plan has holes — Why can’t the Buffs drive 46 miles to Fort Collins for the Rocky Mountain Showdown? — it’s probably the best solution for a season without any good ones.
There is a late start, open dates for potential postponed games to be played and nary a cupcake to be found (unless you count UCLA). If only we could do that last one every year.
Michael Porter Jr. — F-
Oh, Michael. Dear, dear, Michael.
Please explain to me how COVID-19 can be both “population control” to “control the masses,” and also “a real thing” that is somehow “overblown”?
Actually, on second thought, please don’t.
As the great Mark Twain once said, “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”
(Some might say a sound argument against this column.)


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Nuggets’ Troy Daniels dishes on the Lakers, LeBron James and his path to Denver: “It’s good to feel

Nuggets’ Troy Daniels dishes on the Lakers, LeBron James and his path to Denver: “It’s good to feel wanted”

Nuggets guard Troy Daniels didn ’ t mince words .
He called it one of the hardest decisions of his life .
Anthony Davis had personally recruited him to the Lakers before this season started .
LeBron James had affectionately given him the nickname “ layup ” because his 3-pointers were equally as reliable .
He had been on the team ’ s airplane when they learned of Kobe Bryant ’ s tragic death and saw the layers of fog that shrouded Los Angeles that dark morning in January .
He was part of the connective tissue of the Lakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s stars .
On his sixth team in his seventh season in the NBA , Daniels craved the chance to get out of the first round of the playoffs , something he ’ d never done .
Had he stayed with the Lakers , that benchmark was almost assured .
But Daniels had heard the Lakers were considering other options with his roster spot , and there were no guarantees he ’ d be with the team after March 1 .
If the Lakers moved on from Daniels after that date , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play on a playoff team .
So the Lakers did what was best for Daniels ; they agreed to waive him .
“ Everybody , I don ’ t care what they say , they dream about playing on that type of platform in that type of city , ” Daniels told The Post , noting that he chose the Lakers over several other suitors .
“ So that was very tough for me to know that they might not want you , or the whole little case of we ’ re working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that .
So that kind of hurt .
But to know that I was still wanted by other teams was a blessing .
I looked at it as another opportunity to do what I do best.
” According to Daniels , who averaged 25 points and drained 11 3-pointers over Denver ’ s first two scrimmages in the Orlando “ bubble , ” the Nuggets had been trying to get him for a few years .
He signed with them in early March and played just one game before the pandemic hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my agent used to tell me , he said it ’ s always good to be wanted , ” Daniels said .
“ It ’ s good to feel wanted , and I want to be where I ’ m wanted.
” It makes sense .
As a team , the Nuggets were average from 3-point range the past two seasons , and their percentage dropped to just 34.4 % during last year ’ s playoffs .
Not to mention , by trading their streakiest shooter , Malik Beasley , to Minnesota in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at shooting guard .
Nuggets coach Michael Malone has been impressed with Daniels but wouldn ’ t commit to any minutes once the meaningful games start .
All accounts from Orlando are that he ’ s been torching the nets during practices .
If nothing else , there ’ s a place for him given that injuries and late arrivals to the “ bubble ” have hampered the team ’ s re-start .
Like any player the Nuggets acquire , Daniels had to fit within Denver ’ s carefully cultivated locker room .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the Nuggets ’ decision making .
It doesn ’ t take long talking to Daniels before it ’ s clear his traits mesh well with any franchise , let alone a young team on the rise .
He ’ s gregarious and personable , both obvious from his personal vlog he ’ s filmed down in Orlando .
“ You can ask anybody , ” he said .
“ I ’ m an outgoing person , a dope personality .
I ’ m not scared to talk .
I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m not afraid to talk to the GM or the owner .
They ’ re still people , just like we are , so at the end of the day , I think that carries weight as well as being an unbelievable shooter in the NBA.
” He ’ s also socially conscious and understands he ’ s a part of a movement that ’ s far more important than hoops .
“ While we ’ re on the phone , I demand justice for Breonna Taylor ’ s killers , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be known .
… Even in the players ’ meeting that we had , that ’ s one of the biggest reasons why we ’ re down here playing to this day .
We can ’ t lose that light.
” To some , Daniels might be a journeyman .
To him , he ’ s more a renaissance man , with first-hand experience in organizations like the Rockets , Grizzlies and Lakers .
“ I literally learn every day , ” he said .
“ From a lot of different people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day for the past eight years looking at the same personnel , looking at the same coach , literally looking at the same front office .
I ’ m looking at total different aspects of organizations and seeing how they ’ re ran .
And it gives me feedback where I can give the feedback to other organizations.
” There ’ s value in learning how to adapt and survive in the NBA .
Look around Denver ’ s roster , one that ’ s littered with second-round picks .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Nuggets recognized it and appreciated his path .
Not long ago , Daniels caught himself coaching rookie forward Tyler Cook , “ a young cat ” who spent most of the season in Cleveland ’ s organization .
He told him to master one skill , prove his staying power in the NBA and then continue to refine his craft .
“ I was trying to explain to him , a lot of players try to be a LeBron , or they try to be a Kobe Bryant or a Russell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is just not the case , ” he said .
“ There ’ s only one LeBron James , there ’ s only one Kobe Bryant , there ’ s only one Russell Westbrook .
‘ What do you do best ?
You have to master that.
’ ” Daniels had a great relationship with James and watched closely how he carried himself .
He saw his work ethic and the example he set knowing eyes were always on him .
“ It kind of surprised me how I ’ m acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m not saying I never was like that , but it ’ s on another level to where ( I saw LeBron ’ s ) work ethic , ” Daniels said .
“ It didn ’ t come with him walking up to me and explaining stuff .
Everything was by example with LeBron.
” While the Nuggets stress their own continuity , Daniels is someone who brings corporate knowledge of the entire NBA .
And when he buries a couple 3-pointers or lifts up a teammate in a down moment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuggets found value in him .
Castoffs are their favorite currency .

Nuggets guard Troy Daniels didn’t mince words. He called it one of the hardest decisions of his life.
Anthony Davis had personally recruited him to the Lakers before this season started. LeBron James had affectionately given him the nickname “layup” because his 3-pointers were equally as reliable. He had been on the team’s airplane when they learned of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death and saw the layers of fog that shrouded Los Angeles that dark morning in January. He was part of the connective tissue of the Lakers, an asset to the team’s stars.
On his sixth team in his seventh season in the NBA, Daniels craved the chance to get out of the first round of the playoffs, something he’d never done. Had he stayed with the Lakers, that benchmark was almost assured.
But Daniels had heard the Lakers were considering other options with his roster spot, and there were no guarantees he’d be with the team after March 1. If the Lakers moved on from Daniels after that date, he wouldn’t have been eligible to play on a playoff team. So the Lakers did what was best for Daniels; they agreed to waive him.
“Everybody, I don’t care what they say, they dream about playing on that type of platform in that type of city,” Daniels told The Post, noting that he chose the Lakers over several other suitors. “So that was very tough for me to know that they might not want you, or the whole little case of we’re working out guys behind your back and stuff like that. So that kind of hurt. But to know that I was still wanted by other teams was a blessing. I looked at it as another opportunity to do what I do best.”
According to Daniels, who averaged 25 points and drained 11 3-pointers over Denver’s first two scrimmages in the Orlando “bubble,” the Nuggets had been trying to get him for a few years. He signed with them in early March and played just one game before the pandemic hit.
“Early in my years, my agent used to tell me, he said it’s always good to be wanted,” Daniels said. “It’s good to feel wanted, and I want to be where I’m wanted.”
It makes sense. As a team, the Nuggets were average from 3-point range the past two seasons, and their percentage dropped to just 34.4% during last year’s playoffs. Not to mention, by trading their streakiest shooter, Malik Beasley, to Minnesota in February, they lacked any discernible depth at shooting guard.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone has been impressed with Daniels but wouldn’t commit to any minutes once the meaningful games start. All accounts from Orlando are that he’s been torching the nets during practices. If nothing else, there’s a place for him given that injuries and late arrivals to the “bubble” have hampered the team’s re-start.
Like any player the Nuggets acquire, Daniels had to fit within Denver’s carefully cultivated locker room. Personalities, experience and leadership all factor into the Nuggets’ decision making. It doesn’t take long talking to Daniels before it’s clear his traits mesh well with any franchise, let alone a young team on the rise. He’s gregarious and personable, both obvious from his personal vlog he’s filmed down in Orlando.
“You can ask anybody,” he said. “I’m an outgoing person, a dope personality. I’m not scared to talk. I’m not afraid to have a conversation. I’m not afraid to talk to the GM or the owner. They’re still people, just like we are, so at the end of the day, I think that carries weight as well as being an unbelievable shooter in the NBA.”
He’s also socially conscious and understands he’s a part of a movement that’s far more important than hoops.
“While we’re on the phone, I demand justice for Breonna Taylor’s killers,” he said. “I want that to be known. … Even in the players’ meeting that we had, that’s one of the biggest reasons why we’re down here playing to this day. We can’t lose that light.”
To some, Daniels might be a journeyman. To him, he’s more a renaissance man, with first-hand experience in organizations like the Rockets, Grizzlies and Lakers.
“I literally learn every day,” he said. “From a lot of different people. I’m not waking up every day for the past eight years looking at the same personnel, looking at the same coach, literally looking at the same front office. I’m looking at total different aspects of organizations and seeing how they’re ran. And it gives me feedback where I can give the feedback to other organizations.”
There’s value in learning how to adapt and survive in the NBA. Look around Denver’s roster, one that’s littered with second-round picks. It’s part of the Nuggets’ ethos. The Nuggets recognized it and appreciated his path. Not long ago, Daniels caught himself coaching rookie forward Tyler Cook, “a young cat” who spent most of the season in Cleveland’s organization. He told him to master one skill, prove his staying power in the NBA and then continue to refine his craft.
“I was trying to explain to him, a lot of players try to be a LeBron, or they try to be a Kobe Bryant or a Russell Westbrook right out of the gate, which is just not the case,” he said. “There’s only one LeBron James, there’s only one Kobe Bryant, there’s only one Russell Westbrook. ‘What do you do best? You have to master that.’ ”
Daniels had a great relationship with James and watched closely how he carried himself. He saw his work ethic and the example he set knowing eyes were always on him.
“It kind of surprised me how I’m acting now with the Nuggets because, I’m not saying I never was like that, but it’s on another level to where (I saw LeBron’s) work ethic,” Daniels said. “It didn’t come with him walking up to me and explaining stuff. Everything was by example with LeBron.”
While the Nuggets stress their own continuity, Daniels is someone who brings corporate knowledge of the entire NBA. And when he buries a couple 3-pointers or lifts up a teammate in a down moment, don’t be surprised that the Nuggets found value in him. Castoffs are their favorite currency.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Should Denver city government enter the internet business to compete with Comcast and CenturyLink? V

Should Denver city government enter the internet business to compete with Comcast and CenturyLink? Voters will get a say in November.

Denver City Councilman Paul Kashmann estimates as much as a fifth of Denver ’ s homes are without high-speed internet , a serious gap in coverage during the work-from-home and online education era sparked by the novel coronavirus pandemic .
So Kashmann led a push to ask city voters to approve a November ballot question that would allow Denver to enter the internet provider business .
It ’ s a move that could cost an estimated $ 1 billion and take years to complete while putting the city in direct competition with Comcast and CenturyLink .
Historically in Colorado referendums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colors , though not without opposition from private internet providers .
There are less expensive and more immediate options city officials would consider first , Kashmann noted .
But the conversation must first start with Denver voters .
If the referendum is approved , city officials could discuss new options such as following Longmont or Fort Collins by providing municipal internet .
Or the move could offer Denver leverage in negotiations with current providers like CenturyLink or Comcast , he said .
“ It may be that we ask them to lower their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsidy for lower income folks , ” Kashmann said .
The end goal is the same , no matter the avenue , he said .
High-speed internet should be treated like a basic utility .
“ You can ’ t build an apartment without a bathroom , without electricity , without running water , ” Kashmann said .
“ This is at that same , basic level.
” The ballot question in November asks voter to allow the city to opt out of a 2005 state law restricting governments from from using tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 100 Colorado cities have opted out of the law .
In 2017 a batch of 19 cities opted out in the same election cycle , with an average approval rating of about 83 % .
And the referendums don ’ t get passed without a fight .
Longmont , for example , required two votes to opt out .
Valerie Dodd , executive director of the city ’ s now-successful internet company , NextLight , said industry-backed opponents spent about $ 240,000 during the 2009 election to successfully defeat the measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the ballot again in 2011 , opponents doubled down , spending nearly $ 420,000 to defeat the move .
Ultimately it passed with 60 % of the vote , Dodd noted .
Similarly , when an opt-out measure hit Fort Collins ’ ballot in 2015 , opponents , backed by Comcast and others , spent about $ 1 million in a failed attempt to combat the measure , said Erin Shanley , the city ’ s broadband marketing manager .
The measure on Denver ’ s ballot could certainly follow those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Comcast ’ s mountain west region , said exempting Denver from the state ’ s 2005 law would not connect more people to the internet .
Rather , Oliver stressed a need to strengthen “ partnerships between the city , broadband providers , and community/nonprofit organizations ” to explore existing options .
However , Councilman Chris Hinds said opting out of the law could tip those partnerships and negotiations in Denver ’ s favor .
“ The next step would be to go back to our current providers and say ‘ All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ ” Hinds said .
“ Let ’ s see how that affects our relationships with our current providers.
” But Kashmann said he ’ s hoping Comcast and Denver ’ s other providers won ’ t put up a fight this time .
“ I don ’ t envision a situation where we all of a sudden tell Comcast and CenturyLink to hit the road and we just build all our own infrastructure and take things over , ” Kashmann said .
One way or the other , high-speed internet access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the internet , and therefore information , is crucial for students , employees and business owners and even for doctors and their patients as tele-health booms during the pandemic .
The Denver Public Library offers free internet hot spots , Hinds said , but they ’ re constantly reserved weeks or months in advance .
That ’ s an indication of coverage gaps , Hinds said , but also of widespread demand .
The pandemic has certainly highlighted digital disparities in Denver , said Erika Martinez , the library ’ s director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s measure and even the possibility of a municipal internet , if need be .
“ As a community , we need the flexibility to explore more options to make in-home broadband accessible and affordable to all , and we can ’ t do it quickly enough , ” Martinez said .
Denver Public Schools will launch their fall semesters online in August , and district spokesperson Mark Ferrandino said a survey in March showed that 8 % of students lacked internet access .
That rate dropped , however , to 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has handed out internet hot spots to close the gap .
Internet accessibility and affordability is critical for students who will be learning exclusively online for the coming months , Tay Anderson , a Denver Public Schools board member , said .
“ The earliest kids could see a school building is October or maybe November .
Or if COVID spikes maybe next year , ” he said .
In the short term , Anderson said opting out of the law could enable Denver to negotiate student internet rates from private companies or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or if city officials choose to pursue a municipal internet service , that build-out would provide time for private companies to improve their services and offer more competitive rates .
When Fort Collins put the internet question on the ballot its goal was not to operate an internet business , Shanley said .
Rather , like Kashmann and Hinds said , it was to negotiate with the private providers .
“ But their initial feedback was ‘ We ’ ll move as the market moves and as the demand increases , ’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas in Fort Collins where some people only have one option .
There are some parts that didn ’ t even have that.
” That wasn ’ t good enough , so the city waded into the internet business and discovered strong demand , Shanley said .
The city broke ground on the estimated $ 147 million buildout in February .
To pay back the bonds for the work within the designated 15 years , Shanley said the city must take over 28.2 % of the high-speed internet market .
But demand is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to capture closer to 50 % of the market .
“ We ’ re having signups on a daily basis , ” Shanley said .
“ The need and the interest is there .
It really is putting a lot of pressure on Comcast and CenturyLink .
Even before we launched they started improving their networks , they started reducing their prices.
” Longmont has had similar success with its NextLight internet service , which launched in late 2014 , Dodd said .
The city ’ s buildout is expected to cost about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers coverage to nearly 90 % of the city and boasts more than 20,000 customers .
Should city officials favor launching a municipal internet service , Hinds said there ’ s much existing fiber-optic infrastructure built into Denver ’ s traffic system .
That could provide an advantage in the build-out .
While that ’ s correct , David Edinger , Denver ’ s chief information officer , noted that those cables end at traffic lights , so there would be a constant and expensive problem of connecting those points to homes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build out of a municipal internet system would likely take 10 years and cost $ 1 billion , Edinger estimated , and it ’ s unclear if the city could beat the prices offered by existing providers .
About 99 % of Denver is covered by at least one high-speed internet provider , Edinger said .
So if 20 % of the city is going without , it could mean those residents can ’ t afford it , don ’ t want it or don ’ t have computers or understand how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate and less expensive solutions would be to work with internet providers , Edinger said .
Denver also could invest in more hot spots .
But nothing is certain until the voter ’ s have their say .
If the ballot measure passes , then city officials can explore all those options and more , Kashmann said .
“ All I want to do is pave the way for a community-wide discussion , ” Kashmann said .

Denver City Councilman Paul Kashmann estimates as much as a fifth of Denver’s homes are without high-speed internet, a serious gap in coverage during the work-from-home and online education era sparked by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
So Kashmann led a push to ask city voters to approve a November ballot question that would allow Denver to enter the internet provider business. It’s a move that could cost an estimated $1 billion and take years to complete while putting the city in direct competition with Comcast and CenturyLink.
Historically in Colorado referendums on local government internet pass with flying colors, though not without opposition from private internet providers.
There are less expensive and more immediate options city officials would consider first, Kashmann noted. But the conversation must first start with Denver voters.
If the referendum is approved, city officials could discuss new options such as following Longmont or Fort Collins by providing municipal internet. Or the move could offer Denver leverage in negotiations with current providers like CenturyLink or Comcast, he said.
“It may be that we ask them to lower their rates or somehow there’s a subsidy for lower income folks,” Kashmann said.
The end goal is the same, no matter the avenue, he said. High-speed internet should be treated like a basic utility.
“You can’t build an apartment without a bathroom, without electricity, without running water,” Kashmann said. “This is at that same, basic level.”
Opting out
The ballot question in November asks voter to allow the city to opt out of a 2005 state law restricting governments from from using tax dollars to build broadband networks. Already more than 100 Colorado cities have opted out of the law. In 2017 a batch of 19 cities opted out in the same election cycle, with an average approval rating of about 83%.
And the referendums don’t get passed without a fight. Longmont, for example, required two votes to opt out.
Valerie Dodd, executive director of the city’s now-successful internet company, NextLight, said industry-backed opponents spent about $240,000 during the 2009 election to successfully defeat the measure.
When the city sent the measure back to the ballot again in 2011, opponents doubled down, spending nearly $420,000 to defeat the move. Ultimately it passed with 60% of the vote, Dodd noted.
Similarly, when a charter change measure hit Fort Collins’ ballot in 2017, to allow the city to provide municipal internet, opponents backed by Comcast and others, spent nearly $1 million in a failed attempt to combat the measure, said Erin Shanley, the city’s broadband marketing manager.
The measure on Denver’s ballot could certainly follow those footsteps.
Leslie Oliver, a spokesperson for Comcast’s mountain west region, said exempting Denver from the state’s 2005 law would not connect more people to the internet.
Rather, Oliver stressed a need to strengthen “partnerships between the city, broadband providers, and community/nonprofit organizations” to explore existing options.
However, Councilman Chris Hinds said opting out of the law could tip those partnerships and negotiations in Denver’s favor.
“The next step would be to go back to our current providers and say ‘All right, now we have additional flexibility,’” Hinds said. “Let’s see how that affects our relationships with our current providers.”
But Kashmann said he’s hoping Comcast and Denver’s other providers won’t put up a fight this time.
“I don’t envision a situation where we all of a sudden tell Comcast and CenturyLink to hit the road and we just build all our own infrastructure and take things over,” Kashmann said.
Closing coverage gaps
One way or the other, high-speed internet access must expand, Kashmann said. Access to the internet, and therefore information, is crucial for students, employees and business owners and even for doctors and their patients as tele-health booms during the pandemic.
The Denver Public Library offers free internet hot spots, Hinds said, but they’re constantly reserved weeks or months in advance.
That’s an indication of coverage gaps, Hinds said, but also of widespread demand.
The pandemic has certainly highlighted digital disparities in Denver, said Erika Martinez, the library’s director of communications. The library supports Kashmann’s measure and even the possibility of a municipal internet, if need be.
“As a community, we need the flexibility to explore more options to make in-home broadband accessible and affordable to all, and we can’t do it quickly enough,” Martinez said.
Denver Public Schools will launch their fall semesters online in August, and district spokesperson Mark Ferrandino said a survey in March showed that 8% of students lacked internet access. That rate dropped, however, to 4% in May, and the district has handed out internet hot spots to close the gap.
Internet accessibility and affordability is critical for students who will be learning exclusively online for the coming months, Tay Anderson, a Denver Public Schools board member, said.
“The earliest kids could see a school building is October or maybe November. Or if COVID spikes maybe next year,” he said.
In the short term, Anderson said opting out of the law could enable Denver to negotiate student internet rates from private companies or force those providers to expand coverage. Or if city officials choose to pursue a municipal internet service, that build-out would provide time for private companies to improve their services and offer more competitive rates.
The market
When Fort Collins put the internet question on the ballot its goal was not to operate an internet business, Shanley said. Rather, like Kashmann and Hinds said, it was to negotiate with the private providers.
“But their initial feedback was ‘We’ll move as the market moves and as the demand increases,’” Shanley said. “And there are areas in Fort Collins where some people only have one option. There are some parts that didn’t even have that.”
That wasn’t good enough, so the city waded into the internet business and discovered strong demand, Shanley said. The city broke ground on the estimated $147 million buildout in February.
To pay back the bonds for the work within the designated 15 years, Shanley said the city must take over 28.2% of the high-speed internet market. But demand is so high Fort Collins is on track to capture closer to 50% of the market.
“We’re having signups on a daily basis,” Shanley said. “The need and the interest is there. It really is putting a lot of pressure on Comcast and CenturyLink. Even before we launched they started improving their networks, they started reducing their prices.”
Longmont has had similar success with its NextLight internet service, which launched in late 2014, Dodd said. The city’s buildout is expected to cost about $45.3 million. Already the company offers coverage to nearly 90% of the city and boasts more than 20,000 customers.
Building a network
Should city officials favor launching a municipal internet service, Hinds said there’s much existing fiber-optic infrastructure built into Denver’s traffic system. That could provide an advantage in the build-out.
While that’s correct, David Edinger, Denver’s chief information officer, noted that those cables end at traffic lights, so there would be a constant and expensive problem of connecting those points to homes, businesses and apartment buildings.
A full build out of a municipal internet system would likely take 10 years and cost $1 billion, Edinger estimated, and it’s unclear if the city could beat the prices offered by existing providers.
About 99% of Denver is covered by at least one high-speed internet provider, Edinger said. So if 20% of the city is going without, it could mean those residents can’t afford it, don’t want it or don’t have computers or understand how to use them, he said.
More immediate and less expensive solutions would be to work with internet providers, Edinger said. Denver also could invest in more hot spots.
But nothing is certain until the voter’s have their say. If the ballot measure passes, then city officials can explore all those options and more, Kashmann said.
“All I want to do is pave the way for a community-wide discussion,” Kashmann said.
Updated 3:50 p.m. Aug. 3, 2020 Due to incorrect information from a source, this story originally misreported when Comcast and others spent nearly $1 million to fight a Fort Collins ballot measure. That happened when a charter change was on the ballot in 2017.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Saunders: Five takeaways from the Rockies’ hot start

Five takes on the state of the Rockies after their excellent start .
( But first , a disclaimer .
I ’ m writing this before Friday night ’ s home opener . )
1 .
The rotation ’ s ERA through five games , all on the road , was 2.30 .
That ’ s unsustainable , of course , given the altitude factor and the fact that the Rockies aren ’ t the 1998 Atlanta Braves featuring Greg Maddux ( 18-9 , 2.22 ) , Tom Glavine ( 20-6 , 2.47 ) , Denny Neagle ( 16-11 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 4.08 ) and John Smoltz ( 17-3 , 2.90 ) .
But if lefty Kyle Freeland and right-hander Antonio Senzatela perform as well as they did in their initial starts , at least on a semi-regular basis , the 2020 rotation looks solid enough to get the Rockies to the 16-team postseason .
By the way , the lowest ERA for Colorado starters in a season is 4.10 in 2009 .
In this year ’ s 60-game season , this rotation can best that mark .
2 .
I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crazy-good start ( two runs allowed over 16 2/3 innings for a 1.08 ERA ) .
Obviously , getting rid of Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw was a necessary move , and although I like right-hander Jairo Diaz and Carlos Estevez toward the back of the ‘ pen , their inconsistency is bound to get them in trouble , especially at Coors Field .
And closer Wade Davis , despite his two saves in the early going , looks vulnerable .
He doesn ’ t have the firepower he used to and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games at Coors .
That said , a healthy Scott Oberg ’ s return should be a big boost to the bullpen .
3 .
I ’ ve covered sports for a long time and Daniel Bard ’ s return to a major league mound after seven years away because of the yips is one of my favorite stories .
As someone who ’ s suffered from anxiety for many years , I have an intense interest in the mental aspect of sports .
I have the yips myself — I can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my life .
But that ’ s an infinitesimal obstacle compared to Bard getting back on the mound , late in games , with fans watching his every pitch and his teammates counting on him .
One of my favorite quotes came from Bard ’ s wife , Adair , who marveled at Bard ’ s ability to carry on , even when he was sailing wild pitches to the backstop .
“ I ’ ve always admired Daniel for not being afraid of what others thought , ” she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely embarrassing for most people .
And I know he had moments of embarrassment and frustration .
“ But he kept trying .
And finally , we decided , ‘ If this is crazy , let ’ s be crazy in it together.
’ ” 4 .
Most national baseball writers might not know it , but shortstop Trevor Story has emerged as one of the most talented , exciting and well-rounded players in the game .
He hits for power , is on the verge of becoming a perennial .300 hitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast .
His instincts and aggressiveness on the bases are a huge plus .
“ He ’ s just a smart , star baseball player , ” third baseman Nolan Arenado told me .
“ That ’ s kind of what we expect from him .
I know what he does is still kind of a shock to a lot of people , but we ’ re not surprised.
” 5 .
More and more , the changeup is becoming the key pitch for Rockies starters .
Freeland , Gray and Senzatela all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to perfect the pitch .
A changeup is not easy to master , but it ’ s a pitch that can work both on the road and at Coors Field .

Five takes on the state of the Rockies after their first week of the season:
1. The rotation’s ERA through five games, four on the road, was 2.46. That’s unsustainable, of course, given the altitude factor and the fact that the Rockies aren’t the 1998 Atlanta Braves featuring Greg Maddux (18-9, 2.22), Tom Glavine (20-6, 2.47), Denny Neagle (16-11, 3.55), Kevin Millwood (17-8, 4.08) and John Smoltz (17-3, 2.90). But if lefty Kyle Freeland and right-hander Antonio Senzatela perform as well as they did in their initial starts, at least on a semi-regular basis, the 2020 rotation looks solid enough to get the Rockies to the 16-team postseason.
By the way, the lowest ERA for Colorado starters in a season is 4.10 in 2009. In this year’s 60-game season, this rotation can best that mark.
2. I’m not nearly as bullish on the bullpen, despite its crazy-good start on the road (two runs allowed over 16 2/3 innings for a 1.08 ERA). Closer Wade Davis’ ninth-inning meltdown against the Padres on Friday night (four runs allowed on two homers and two walks in two-thirds of an inning) illustrates just how fragile the bullpen really is.
Obviously, getting rid of Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw was a necessary move, and although I like right-hander Jairo Diaz and Carlos Estevez toward the back of the ‘pen, their inconsistency is bound to get them in trouble, especially at Coors Field. Davis, despite his two saves on the road in the early going, is no longer good enough to be a closer. He doesn’t have the firepower he used to and I’m convinced he cannot shut down opponents at Coors. You have to wonder if he was given the closer role again this year because the Rockies signed him to a three-year, $52 million contract.
Scott Oberg, battling a lower-back strain, can’t return from the injured list soon enough.
3. I’ve covered sports for a long time and Daniel Bard’s return to a major league mound after seven years away because of the yips is one of my favorite stories. As someone who’s suffered from anxiety for many years, I have an intense interest in the mental aspect of sports. I have the yips myself — I can’t make a 2-foot putt to save my life. But that’s an infinitesimal obstacle compared to Bard getting back on the mound, late in games, with fans watching his every pitch and his teammates counting on him.
One of my favorite quotes came from Bard’s wife, Adair, who marveled at Bard’s ability to carry on, even when he was sailing wild pitches to the backstop.
“I’ve always admired Daniel for not being afraid of what others thought,” she said. “Because what he went through would be extremely embarrassing for most people. And I know he had moments of embarrassment and frustration.
“But he kept trying. And finally, we decided, ‘If this is crazy, let’s be crazy in it together.’ ”
4. Most national baseball writers might not know it, but shortstop Trevor Story has emerged as one of the most talented, exciting and well-rounded players in the game. He hits for power, is on the verge of becoming a perennial .300 hitter, is Gold Glove-worthy and he’s fast. His instincts and aggressiveness on the bases are a huge plus.
“He’s just a smart, star baseball player,” third baseman Nolan Arenado told me. “That’s kind of what we expect from him. I know what he does is still kind of a shock to a lot of people, but we’re not surprised.”
5. More and more, the changeup is becoming the key pitch for Rockies starters. Freeland, Gray and Senzatela all worked overtime in the offseason in an attempt to perfect the pitch. A changeup is not easy to master, but it’s a pitch that can work both on the road and at Coors Field.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Energize Colorado Gap Fund looking to jump start smallest of small businesses

The Energize Colorado Gap Fund plans to start taking applications in the first half of August , with the goal of trying to put financial assistance into the hands of small businesses overlooked in prior programs .
That includes female-owned , minority-owned , veteran-owned and rural-based businesses that are so small they have struggled to gain the attention of commercial banks or access federal lending programs .
“ In those four communities , there was already a gap in their access to capital before COVID-19 , and COVID-19 has only made that gap larger and more difficult to bridge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Gap Fund , and the former CEO of DaVita Inc .
The bulk of the money , about $ 20 million , will go out as grants of up to $ 15,000 .
Those funds come from federal CARES Act dollars that the state has reserved for business assistance .
Energize Colorado has also raised more than $ 5 million from foundations and private donors , a pool that Thiry expects to grow in the days ahead .
“ We have only just begun to raise private money , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that total every week.
” The private money will fund loans of up to $ 20,000 per borrower , which comes on top of any grants received .
While the loans aren ’ t forgivable like the Paycheck Protection Program loans provided through the U.S. Small Business Administration , they carry favorable terms — an interest rate of 1 % with repayment over six years .
“ The return ( for donors ) is coming through the additional employment that will come from saving these businesses , ” Thiry said .
But there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bounce back will repay the funds more quickly , allowing the money to go out to other borrowers .
By any measure , the Gap Fund is operating on a much smaller scale than the PPP .
Through June 30 , the SBA had distributed $ 10.37 billion via 104,402 loans to Colorado nonprofits and small businesses .
Unlike the PPP , which had a cap of 500 or fewer employees , the Gap Fund is targeting businesses and nonprofits with up to 25 full-time employees , as well as sole proprietorships .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
If demand exceeds the supply of money , the community lenders working with the fund will distribute grants and loans based on where they expect the greatest community benefit .
A firm that was doing well before the crisis and that has the potential to add jobs going forward will be a more likely candidate for assistance than one that was already failing before the pandemic hit , Thiry said .
A date hasn ’ t been set yet for opening the application portal , but Thiry said he expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks of August .
Those interested in participating should visit the fund ’ s website and sign up for the email list to receive updates .

The Energize Colorado Gap Fund plans to start taking applications in the first half of August, with the goal of trying to put financial assistance into the hands of small businesses overlooked in prior programs.
That includes female-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and rural-based businesses that are so small they have struggled to gain the attention of commercial banks or access federal lending programs.
“In those four communities, there was already a gap in their access to capital before COVID-19, and COVID-19 has only made that gap larger and more difficult to bridge,” said Kent Thiry, board chairman of the Gap Fund, and the former CEO of DaVita Inc.
The bulk of the money, about $20 million, will go out as grants of up to $15,000. Those funds come from federal CARES Act dollars that the state legislature reserved for business assistance. Energize Colorado has also raised more than $5 million from foundations and private donors, a pool that Thiry expects to grow in the days ahead.
“We have only just begun to raise private money,” said Thiry. “We are adding to that total every week.”
The private money will fund loans of up to $20,000 per borrower, which comes on top of any grants received. While the loans aren’t forgivable like the Paycheck Protection Program loans provided through the U.S. Small Business Administration, they carry favorable terms — an interest rate of 1% with repayment over six years.
“The return (for donors) is coming through the additional employment that will come from saving these businesses,” Thiry said. But there is also a hope that businesses that bounce back will repay the funds more quickly, allowing the money to go out to other borrowers.
By any measure, the Gap Fund is operating on a much smaller scale than the PPP. Through June 30, the SBA had distributed $10.37 billion via 104,402 loans to Colorado nonprofits and small businesses.
Unlike the PPP, which had a cap of 500 or fewer employees, the Gap Fund is targeting businesses and nonprofits with up to 25 full-time employees, as well as sole proprietorships. Applicants must demonstrate a financial hardship because of COVID-19. If demand exceeds the supply of money, the community lenders working with the fund will distribute grants and loans based on where they expect the greatest community benefit.
A firm that was doing well before the crisis and that has the potential to add jobs going forward will be a more likely candidate for assistance than one that was already failing before the pandemic hit, Thiry said.
A date hasn’t been set yet for opening the application portal, but Thiry said he expects that will happen in the first two weeks of August. Those interested in participating should visit the fund’s website and sign up for the email list to receive updates.


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Colorado drug conviction cannot be used to deport man, appeals court rules

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday ruled that a Colorado man can not be deported from the United States based on a drug conviction .
Everett Johnson , a citizen of the Bahamas who became a “ permanent resident ” of the U.S. in 1977 , pleaded guilty in 2016 to possessing a schedule II controlled substance in Colorado .
Based on the drug conviction , the Department of Homeland Security and the Board of Immigration Appeals sought Johnson ’ s removal from the U.S. back to the Bahamas .
Johnson , through his attorneys Joshua Mitson and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a review of the deportation orders based on the drug conviction .
The court on Friday ruled that because the Colorado Revised Statute used as a basis for deportation “ is overbroad and indivisible as to the identity of a particular controlled substance , Johnson ’ s conviction can not subject him to removal from the United States.
” “ A state drug conviction can not qualify as a basis for removal if the state statute ’ s elements are broader than the federal analogue , ” the court ruled .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ( 2 ) ( a ) — criminalizes more substances than Section 802 of Title 21 in the federal Controlled Substances Act .
“ More specifically , Johnson asserted that the Colorado statute was overbroad because it criminalized possessing a substance called morpholine — a substance that the CSA does not criminalize , ” the ruling said .
Friday ’ s ruling will have broad implications and could affect hundreds of people in Colorado who face deportation on drug convictions , according to Meyer .
“ This decision will help a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Meyer said .
Johnson , Meyer said , has had a green card since the Nixon administration .
He said his client served about 18 months behind bars after pleading guilty to the drug charge .
“ He served his time for his crime , ” Meyer said .
Friday ’ s court decision was about correcting a long , ongoing injustice , Meyer said .
“ The appeals court got it right : This is about correcting the law , ” Meyer said .
“ It ’ s correcting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in alignment with what the law requires in minor drug cases.
” The court also looked at additional legal considerations in coming to its decision that Johnson ’ s state drug conviction can not qualify as a predicate for removal .
“ We therefore grant Johnson ’ s petition for review , vacate the BIA ’ s order , and remand to the BIA for further proceedings consistent with this opinion .
”

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday ruled that a Colorado man cannot be deported from the United States based on a drug conviction.
Everett Johnson, a citizen of the Bahamas who became a “permanent resident” of the U.S. in 1977, pleaded guilty in 2016 to possessing a schedule II controlled substance in Colorado.
Based on the drug conviction, the Department of Homeland Security and the Board of Immigration Appeals sought Johnson’s removal from the U.S. back to the Bahamas.
Johnson, through his attorneys Joshua Mitson and Hans Meyer, petitioned the circuit court for a review of the deportation orders based on the drug conviction.
The court on Friday ruled that because the Colorado Revised Statute used as a basis for deportation “is overbroad and indivisible as to the identity of a particular controlled substance, Johnson’s conviction cannot subject him to removal from the United States.”
“A state drug conviction cannot qualify as a basis for removal if the state statute’s elements are broader than the federal analogue,” the court ruled.
The Colorado statute — 18-18-403.5(1), (2)(a) — criminalizes more substances than Section 802 of Title 21 in the federal Controlled Substances Act.
“More specifically, Johnson asserted that the Colorado statute was overbroad because it criminalized possessing a substance called morpholine — a substance that the CSA does not criminalize,” the ruling said.
Friday’s ruling will have broad implications and could affect hundreds of people in Colorado who face deportation on drug convictions, according to Meyer.
“This decision will help a lot of people who have minor drug convictions,” Meyer said.
Johnson, Meyer said, has had a green card since the Nixon administration. He said his client served about 18 months behind bars after pleading guilty to the drug charge.
“He served his time for his crime,” Meyer said.
Friday’s court decision was about correcting a long, ongoing injustice, Meyer said.
“The appeals court got it right: This is about correcting the law,” Meyer said. “It’s correcting the errors of the past and putting us in alignment with what the law requires in minor drug cases.”
The court also looked at additional legal considerations in coming to its decision that Johnson’s state drug conviction cannot qualify as a predicate for removal.
“We therefore grant Johnson’s petition for review, vacate the BIA’s order, and remand to the BIA for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-01--Ask Amy: Pregnancy can’t stay a secret forever

Dear Amy : My partner and I are expecting a baby .
It ’ s our first baby , and the only grandchild in his family .
I moved in with him and his family right after we discovered that we were pregnant .
The problem is that during this time , his parents ’ relationship deteriorated , resulting in a messy divorce after 42 years .
We ’ ve decided that it was best to hide the pregnancy from his family as long as we can , due to how childish and toxic his mother is .
His father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious resentments toward his mother from a past fueled by alcoholism and emotional abuse .
I don ’ t feel safe with her being alone with our baby since she drinks and drives all the time .
She ’ s so self-absorbed that she doesn ’ t even notice that I am seven months pregnant .
We are doing our best to save money to get our own place to live , because we don ’ t want to stay with her any longer than we have to , but the baby will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want her and her toxic behavior around the baby .
Are we wrong for not wanting to tell her or her side of the family ?
What should we do ?
Dear Ready : This is the first of many tests you will face as parents , so take responsibility for your lives and your choices , and tell the truth .
By living with your partner ’ s family , you have made your pregnancy their business .
The presence of a baby in the household will have a profound impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not right to spring this on everyone at the last minute .
You feel strongly that your partner ’ s mother should not be alone with the baby .
So don ’ t leave her alone with the baby .
You are the child ’ s parents .
You are responsible for your child ’ s safety and well-being , even if that means confronting some challenging personal situations .
You and your partner need to get your act together , and keep it together .
This means telling the truth , creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and making solid plans to leave the household as soon as you can .
Dear Amy : People often write to you , wondering what to say to others who are grieving .
My wife and I lost a son over four decades ago .
Before that tragedy befell us , I would feel uncomfortable if I met people who had lost a precious one .
Now , I know what to do and say .
Say to the bereaved , “ I can only imagine your sorrow.
” Offer to hug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tears and sobs , that is OK. More than anything else you might do or say , that gesture lets them know that you care .
Don ’ t ever say , “ I know how you feel.
” Only those who had experienced such a tragic loss know .
Don ’ t disappear from them .
When it happened to us , friends that we had been very close to – vanished .
Other people that we had never met appeared and helped with hugs , tears and whatever else they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
We will never be “ over it.
” The sorrow , pain and ache in one ’ s heart never totally leaves , but it becomes easier to bear .
Dear DT : Thank you so much for sharing your own shattering experience .
I know it will help others .
Dear Amy : Thank you for including a reference to my work in your response to “ Not Born in the USA , ” a Russian who immigrated to the United States as a teenager and who wants to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adult .
I appreciate being including in your suggested American reading list .
This is way cool .
Indians are rarely included in lists like this .
Reservation-raised Indians are even more invisible .
I know I ’ m a big name in American literature , but I ’ m also a kid who grew up in a HUD house on the rez across the street from the tribe ’ s K-12 school , and only a little farther away from the Indian Health Service Clinic .
So , you know — waaaaaaaaaay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of you Indians living on the rez , and all who ’ ve gone urban ( like me ) .
Here ’ s to the unbroken connection to our ancestors .
To all of our indigenous beauty .
Dear Sherman : “ The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian ( Hachette , 2012 ) is taught in many schools , and along with your stories , novels , screenplays and poetry , has earned its place in the American canon .
Thank you for your work .

Dear Amy: My partner and I are expecting a baby. It’s our first baby, and the only grandchild in his family.
I moved in with him and his family right after we discovered that we were pregnant. The problem is that during this time, his parents’ relationship deteriorated, resulting in a messy divorce after 42 years.
We’ve decided that it was best to hide the pregnancy from his family as long as we can, due to how childish and toxic his mother is. His father has moved out.
My partner has serious resentments toward his mother from a past fueled by alcoholism and emotional abuse.
I don’t feel safe with her being alone with our baby since she drinks and drives all the time. She’s so self-absorbed that she doesn’t even notice that I am seven months pregnant.
We are doing our best to save money to get our own place to live, because we don’t want to stay with her any longer than we have to, but the baby will be here soon. We don’t want her and her toxic behavior around the baby.
Are we wrong for not wanting to tell her or her side of the family?
What should we do?
— Ready to Burst
Dear Ready: This is the first of many tests you will face as parents, so take responsibility for your lives and your choices, and tell the truth. By living with your partner’s family, you have made your pregnancy their business. The presence of a baby in the household will have a profound impact on all of you. It is not right to spring this on everyone at the last minute.
You feel strongly that your partner’s mother should not be alone with the baby. So don’t leave her alone with the baby. You are the child’s parents. You are responsible for your child’s safety and well-being, even if that means confronting some challenging personal situations.
You and your partner need to get your act together, and keep it together. This means telling the truth, creating boundaries while you are in the household – and making solid plans to leave the household as soon as you can.
Dear Amy: People often write to you, wondering what to say to others who are grieving.
My wife and I lost a son over four decades ago. Before that tragedy befell us, I would feel uncomfortable if I met people who had lost a precious one. Now, I know what to do and say.
Say to the bereaved, “I can only imagine your sorrow.” Offer to hug them and if it brings you to tears and sobs, that is OK. More than anything else you might do or say, that gesture lets them know that you care.
Don’t ever say, “I know how you feel.” Only those who had experienced such a tragic loss know.
Don’t disappear from them. When it happened to us, friends that we had been very close to – vanished. Other people that we had never met appeared and helped with hugs, tears and whatever else they could offer.
It has been a long time. We will never be “over it.”
The sorrow, pain and ache in one’s heart never totally leaves, but it becomes easier to bear.
— DT
Dear DT: Thank you so much for sharing your own shattering experience. I know it will help others.
Dear Amy: Thank you for including a reference to my work in your response to “Not Born in the USA,” a Russian who immigrated to the United States as a teenager and who wants to become more acculturated to American life as an adult.
I appreciate being including in your suggested American reading list.
This is way cool. Indians are rarely included in lists like this.
Reservation-raised Indians are even more invisible.
I know I’m a big name in American literature, but I’m also a kid who grew up in a HUD house on the rez across the street from the tribe’s K-12 school, and only a little farther away from the Indian Health Service Clinic. So, you know — waaaaaaaaaay Indian.
So here’s to all of you Indians living on the rez, and all who’ve gone urban (like me).
Here’s to the unbroken connection to our ancestors. To all of our indigenous beauty.
— Sherman Alexie
Dear Sherman: “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian (Hachette, 2012) is taught in many schools, and along with your stories, novels, screenplays and poetry, has earned its place in the American canon. Thank you for your work.
(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--2020-08-01--PHOTOS: The Colorado Rockies 26th home opener at Coors Field

Matt Langley holds his 10-year-old so Luke up to the gates outside of the first base entrance of The Coors @ @ @ @ @ the field before the Colorado Rockies opening day game on Friday , July 31 , @ @ @ @ @ inches of metal are separating me from happiness , '' Langley said .

Rachel Ellis, The Denver Post
Matt Langley holds his 10-year-old so Luke up to the gates outside of the first base entrance of The Coors Stadium to look inside to the field before the Colorado Rockies opening day game on Friday, July 31, 2020. "These two inches of metal are separating me from happiness," Langley said.