Garry’s List held a big event on Sunday to talk about restoring the California dream, co-hosted by Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.  Filling the China Lounge in San Ramon were people who believe in that dream—if you work hard, you can build a life and pass it on to your family.  This event gave people a chance to have great conversations with the things that are impacting our schools, our safety and our prosperity, core issues for all of us.  Attendees came to hear from Forrest Liu, a cofounder of Garry’s List, and Denise Kalm, VP, CoCoTax.

Community College Board Trustee Andy Li and Community Organizer Kyle Politz kicked off the event where about 100 people had gathered to enjoy conversation and delicious Chinese appetizers before speakers came up. 

Forrest Liu left his finance career in 2021 to become a full-time advocate against anti-Asian hate and violence, where he started a volunteer patrol in Chinatown.  His work galvanized the large, but unrepresented group of people determined to foster change.  Garry’s List is helping the rational majority gain political power to achieve what we all want. 

He spoke movingly about his journey to focus on how Asians too often are mistreated, abused and marginalized.  It brought tears to some eyes to have the stories of his family repeated, realizing that in some ways and despite their hard work in the community, Asians aren’t a concern of politicians.  Especially in California, there is a disconnect between what Asians and other moderate folks want and need and what the government is doing instead.

Forrest is a powerful force in this movement and has the gift of being able to energize people to support his work and join in. 

Denise followed, having been asked to speak about the initiatives we all have to vote on in November, particularly Proposition 40, the Billionaire Tax.  She offered the real reason that this tax was proposed (to give more to government unions, propping up a state budget that has expanded past all sanity.  And she explained five good reasons why it should not pass, particularly noting that the bill, if passed and signed, gives the state power to inflict the costs every year while lowering the threshold.  It is likely unconstitutional, but it takes time to overthrow bad law at the Supreme Court.  And all of us could fall victim to the greed of our state government if we don’t defeat it. 

Following the prepared talks, conversation continued and it was obvious that many attendees are ready to step up and do more, to save the California Dream. 

All readers should strongly consider attending the next Contra Costa Taxpayers Association meeting on October 23^rd at Denny’s in Concord to learn more about what can be done to defeat bad taxes (see below).  And also consider joining Garry’s List Garry's List, an important organization with the power to make a difference.

Upcoming Event

CoCoTax Lunch, October 23: November Tax Ballot Measures with Rob Gutierrez, CalTax
Friday, October 23, 2026 | 11:45am – 1:15pm PDT | Denny's, 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord