Link to CALO News (Jan. 13, 2026) | At the end of 2025, the Lopez family received a free new heat pump mini-split, a highly efficient heating and cooling electric system not powered by natural gas, as part of the program “Healthy Homes for Wilmington.”
The Lopezes have lived in Wilmington for more than 40 years. They have experienced first-hand the poor air quality and contamination due to high industrial pollution. Their house is next to a container truck yard and near a refinery and the railroad tracks.
Samuel Lopez, head of the family, said they have tried unsuccessfully for years to fight against these pollutants. He was diagnosed with cancer years back and pointed to at least eight immediate neighbors who have cancer or have died due to cancer.
…One day, while visiting his local senior center in Wilmington, Samuel saw someone providing information on free heat pump mini-splits, heat pump water heaters, and EV chargers.
…The program was developed by the Green Homes California initiative, which aims for greening single-family and multifamily housing in communities on the frontlines of climate change. The Green Homes California initiative was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC California) … (Read full article)
