Latest news with #StanislausState
CBS News
21-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Modesto man scales trees to save cats. Here's how you can help.
MODESTO — Dauki Willburn of Modesto spends his weekdays working for a tree service. But in his free time, he volunteers to rescue cats stuck in trees free of charge. On Tuesday, he scaled a tree at Stanislaus State to save a stranded cat, marking his 125th rescue since 2019. "This is through my own free time," Willburn said. "We're in the groundwork of starting up a complete nonprofit organization where hopefully we can get the proper insurance and funding to be able to do this full time." Willburn used a handsaw to clear dead branches, then made his way using climbing gear, positioning his rope using a method called "leapfrogging." Once he reached Willow the cat, Willburn used a front-facing pet backpack to secure Willow. "She saw me. I saw her. And the biggest thing is I had to be patient," he said. Willburn has learned to let cats come to him, taking time to build trust. "I don't know how many times now it just looks like I'm hanging out up there. I'm not hanging out," he said. "I'm just trying to build rapport." Every rescue is voluntary, and all costs — from fuel to gear — come out of Willburn and his girlfriend Jessica's pocket. "We actually have a little donation platform on our Facebook," he said. Raised on a reservation in Willits, Willburn says climbing and giving back feel natural. "It's kind of my way to remind people of my heritage and my ancestry and kind of my staple in the community," he said. To help support future rescues, contact Willburn directly at 209-427-8255 or visit his work Facebook page.
CBS News
26-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
California winery that produces "Two Buck Chuck" to cut nearly 150 more jobs
CERES – For the second time this year, Bronco Wine Company, more known for its product Charles Shaw or "Two Buck Chuck," is cutting jobs. The wine company in Ceres says it has to cut 146 employees as it adjusts to what it calls "evolving industry dynamics," and it's not the first time. The company laid off more than 80 workers earlier this year. One of the Central Valley's biggest producers has laid off more than 220 workers since the start of the year. Their reason is consumer behavior and population shifts. Some students at Stanislaus State said wine just isn't on their radar. "I think Gen Z goes towards Hard Arizona, Twisted Teas, Iced Smirnof,f things like that," a student said. Grower Stuart Spencer agrees, saying the issue isn't how much Gen Z drinks, it's what they're drinking. Hard seltzers, cocktails in a can and cheaper grab-and-go options are dominating. "One of the rising categories are these ready-to-drink, RTD type products that are competing directly with wine," Spencer said. The changing taste buds are leaving a big mark on the industry. "There's a lot that's happening right now," Spencer said. "There's a lot growers are doing it, removing vineyards and reducing supply." In Stanislaus County, the total wine grape production value is on the decline, falling 21% from 2019 to 2023. "You know, the whole industry has been struggling the last couple years as we've seen decreased demand," Spencer said. Spencer said the economy plays a role in demand and young people. At the start of the year, Bronco Wine Company stated they had 750 employees here in Ceres. They've lost over 220 employees since.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
This trailblazing father and son duo to receive honorary doctorates from Stanislaus State
Former NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez and his father, Salvador Hernandez, will receive honorary doctorates from Stanislaus State during the university's 65th commencement ceremonies this May. The father-son duo will be the first Latinos to receive honorary degrees from Stan State, and only the second parent-child pair to receive such honors in the history of the California State University system. Jose Hernandez, who worked in Central Valley fields as a child before reaching space aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery, will receive an honorary doctor of science degree May 27 during the College of Science's graduation ceremony. The following day, May 28, Jose will join Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis to present Salvador Hernandez with an honorary doctor of humane letters. Both ceremonies will take place at 8 a.m. in the university's outdoor amphitheater on its Turlock campus. The honorary doctorate is the highest honor awarded by the CSU Board of Trustees and Stanislaus State. Recipients are selected for their exceptional service, achievements or embodiment of the values upheld by the CSU system. 'We are thrilled to honor Salvador and Jose Hernandez — an incredible father and son whose journeys reflect the lived experiences of so many of our students and their families,' Rios-Ellis said in a press release. 'Growing up in Stockton, Jose worked alongside his parents in the fields of the Central Valley, where Salvador's unyielding support and belief in his son's dreams paved the way for him to reach unimaginable heights — literally and figuratively.' Salvador Hernandez immigrated to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico, as a teenager, working in the fields and raising his children in Stockton, where Stanislaus State now has a satellite campus. Although Salvador had limited access to formal education, he instilled in his children a recipe for success, emphasizing vision, preparation and perseverance Jose overcame the challenges of growing up as a migrant farmworker, learning English at age 12 and being rejected by NASA 11 times before finally achieving his dream of becoming an astronaut. Jose went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, co-develop mammography technology and spend more than a decade at NASA. In 2009, he flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery as a mission specialist. After leaving NASA, Jose founded an aerospace engineering consulting firm, wrote three books and became a motivational speaker. Together, he and Salvador also built their family vineyard, 'Tierra Luna,' — Spanish for 'Earth Moon.' He also serves as CEO of Tierra Luna Engineering, a consulting firm where he advises clients on satellites and various aspects of the rapidly growing private spaceflight industry. The firm's work also spans renewable energy, manufacturing and several other sectors. In 2012, Jose was the Democratic nominee in the 10th Congressional District race, losing to Jeff Denham. 'Their path — from the fields to business leadership and to the stars — is a testament to resilience, determination and the power of education. Jose represents his ancestors' wildest dreams, proving that with perseverance and opportunity, and fueled by family, anything is possible,' stated Britt Rios-Ellis. 'The father-son dynamic duo represents what strong family ties, steadfast love and commitment, and a strong dose of the sueno Americano can mean for a family's success. We are so proud to honor the legacy of generations and the recipe that made the Hernandez father-and-son duo legendary!' The Hernandezes' story was depicted in the 2023 Amazon Prime film 'A Million Miles Away,' starring Michael Peña as Jose and Julio César Cedillo as Salvador. Stanislaus State plans to screen the film on campus during Hispanic Heritage Month later in the year. 'The message there is that it's OK to dream big as long as you're willing to work hard and convert that dream into reality,' Hernandez told The Bee in 2022 about the movie.
CBS News
21-02-2025
- General
- CBS News
Stanislaus State ranks third among California universities in economic mobility
STANISLAUS – California State University, Stanislaus ranked third in California universities that provide the best economic mobility. Dr. Ana York is an assistant professor at CSU, Stanislaus but before that, she was a student. "I was on welfare, and I was also working in the fields, and so I was looking for a better future for my kids," York said. Born in Puerto Rico, York moved to Modesto in the late 80s and at just 15 years old she had her first child. "The beauty of coming here so you don't have to do it alone. You have a community to support you through those challenges times to get through it," York said. The California Mobility Index ranks how much colleges improve the socioeconomic standings of students -- who come from households that make $75,000 or less. "We have small class sizes. You know, very dedicated faculty, one-on-one, attention," Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis said. Rios-Ellis credits the success to the community within their education system. "We just feel so blessed to be part of ensuring that our graduates thrive," Rios-Ellis said. First-generation students make up about 73% of Stanislaus State's student body. "Education is freedom," York said. "It frees you from poverty, it frees you from abuse and so from many other things that I've lived throughout my life. So I am so grateful again for the education and opportunities that were afforded to me here." After graduating with her degree, York went on to educate through the Modesto City School District. In 2022, she returned home to Stanislaus State. "I love this place," York said. "I love what it does for our students because it doesn't just change one life. It changes communities, right? It provides that opportunity for children and then grandchildren, and it just continues." The top five universities are California State University, Los Angeles, California State University, Dominguez Hills, California State University, Stanislaus California State University, Bakersfield and California State University, Fresno.
