Rant: Todd Helton’s Major Error

How can you not be disappointed in Todd Helton after hearing about his DUI? It’s hard not to spit out “What?” or “Huh?” when you hear a respected person make a mind-numbing mistake that could have been evaded with a simple phone call, a taxi, or waiting until Thursday to wash the truck and buy lottery tickets. Entering what is likely to be his final season—a victory lap without a World Series ring unless some magic snow is sprinkled or the whole front office is fired—the Colorado Rockies’ 15-year veteran first basemen took a wrong turn on the way down to spring training (which begins on February 17). Early Wednesday morning he was arrested for DUI in Thornton near his home, which was followed by a spectacularly bad mugshot. The whole episode was not representative of the good role model Rockies fans have come to admire.

Here’s the issue: People make mistakes, but drunk driving isn’t one worth making. We can appreciate that Helton immediately came forward, admitted his guilt, and apologized. Some say that should be it. That we should let it go and just because he is in the public limelight that shouldn’t mean he is scrutinized more than other people who receive DUIs. But the difference is Helton’s choice of career: His job thrives upon people and their children showing up at games to idolize him. By just excusing his judgment as a simple mistake, we would take what could have been a fatal error and dismiss it like a rough outing on the diamond. Instead, let’s use his notoriety to have important discussions about safety.

Rave: I found a cheap(er) lunch in LoDo.

Ten bucks for lunch in LoDo is the sweet spot, especially when it comes to sandwiches. As I venture in search of quick deli grub down Wynkoop, Wazee, Blake, and Market streets, I’m always frustrated when a sandwich, chips, and a drink creeps toward $15. (It happens more frequently than not.)

But I have found a new go-to: Two-month-old Erbert and Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop, just east of the 16th Street Mall on Larimer, is a winner. The Jimmy John’s-esque stop peddles 21 unique cold deli sandwiches under monikers like the Comet Candy (ham and roast beef) and the Quatro (cranberry wasabi and chicken) ranging from $3.99 for a signature peanut butter and jelly delight called the Pudder to $6.09 for specialty creations. Whatever you decide, it won’t cost all your lunch money.

Bonus? Through March, stop in on Tuesday to add chips and a drink to any sandwich for just a quarter.