It didn’t start with a defining moment 40 years ago on a crisp fall day—although that would make for a great story. Truth is, I’ve had some experience with firearms here and there. I remember going to a shooting range as a kid with a friend and his dad. We lived in Los Angeles, so finding a range wasn’t easy. I don’t recall the exact model, but we shot a revolver. I kept the empty casings in my room for the longest time. They were cool.

As an adult, I occasionally went shooting with friends. It was fun, but it wasn’t something that defined me. Guns were dangerous, after all. They were tied to crime, violence, and murder. Or at least that’s how I saw it. (We’ll dive into crime statistics in another post.)

Progressive Values and a Turning Point

I’ve always voted blue. I believe in people’s rights and their ability to self-determine. I was raised to support others and uplift marginalized communities. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by a diverse and inclusive group of friends.

Eventually, I got married and we settled in a quiet, low-crime part of California to raise our family. Crime wasn’t on our radar—until it started creeping in. Homelessness increased. I was once chased by a homeless person after asking if he needed help when I saw him trying to break into a nearby facility.

But none of that was the tipping point.

Then a white supremacist came to town.

Yes, a literal white supremacist. Clad in all black, face covered like a coward, waving a flag and goose-stepping through my neighborhood like he owned the place. I always thought this kind of extremism didn’t exist in places like ours—this was California, after all.

I called a friend in law enforcement. He laughed—not because it was funny, but because his hands were tied. “First Amendment,” he said. “As long as he’s on public property, there’s nothing we can do.” That conversation was sobering. He told me how common these extremists actually are—and where they live.

It was a wake-up call.

My neighborhood is beautifully diverse—Chinese, Korean, Indian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, Christian—you name it. We celebrate holidays together, host potlucks, and have amazing Fourth of July gatherings. This was no coincidence. This was a message:

YOU DO NOT BELONG HERE.

A Call to Action

That was my trigger. I’m part of a marginalized group. This wasn’t just symbolic—it was a direct threat to me, my family, and my community. I know people who survived mass shootings. I know people who were killed while attending religious services.

I asked myself: What happens if this guy decides to act on his hate?

That’s when I started down the rabbit hole. I talked to my spouse. I began researching. And I realized that it’s time we talk more openly about this side of the Second Amendment—because self-defense, especially armed self-defense, isn’t owned by the political right.

The Second Amendment protects all Americans. But let me be clear—owning a gun doesn’t automatically make you safer. If you buy a gun and leave it in a drawer “just in case,” you’re not prepared. In fact, you might be putting yourself at more risk. Owning a firearm requires responsibility, training, and a deep respect for what that tool can do.

What This Blog Will Cover

This blog is about my journey. From buying my first firearm in 2023 to building my own AR-15, I’ve learned a lot. I’ll share:

• What to expect when buying a firearm in California
• How to choose your first gun and store it safely
• Thoughts on California gun laws and Federal regulations
• Steps toward getting a concealed carry permit (CCW)
• Useful links, tools, training aids, and non-lethal self-defense options like pepper spray

This is a guide for the new or curious gun owner—especially if you’re liberal, progressive, or just never thought this path made sense for you. I’m not a lawyer or firearms instructor, but I’m a Californian, a parent, a spouse, a neighbor—and now, a responsible gun owner.