What can I do to contest the divorce and attempt to get her to reconcile and save the marriage?

You seem to be saying two contradictory things: (1) you do not want a divorce, and (2) you do want a divorce but want to protect your property from her. These are complicated matters which cannot be adequately discussed in this form. Contact an experienced family lawyer in your area and tell him or her all the facts.

California is a no fault state so no actions included in your question would qualify as a reason to prevent your wife from receiving half of the community estate. If one spouse wants a divorce you can only mark a box on the Response that you believe the marriage is not over. Otherwise if your wife wants a divorce there is nothing in the law that will prevent her from moving forward.

If she doesn't want to reconcile, you cannot reconcile. Won't happen, don't' try. As for the divorce, there is only one type of divorce. There may be different grounds, but they only matter on the margin. For example, if she has been committing adultery, you might be entitled to a little more than half the property, but probably not a lot more. In any event, assuming she just doesn't want to be married to you, you are each entitled to half of the community property and half of the community debt.

It's unclear if your goal is to reconcile or to attempt to preclude her from ending the marriage except on your terms financially. You can not compel a person to stay married. If she is intent on terminating the marriage, it will be terminated. It may take longer, it may be more expensive, but the end will come, unless both parties truly desire to reconcile. As to getting everything, that only happens when one side of the equation is so hell bent on getting out of a marriage the party would rather give up most everything than remain in the marriage a day longer than absolutely necessary. Otherwise, marriages end with an equitable division of marital property and debts. If children are involved, custody, support and visitation are also decided.

If she is resistant to reconciliation and marital counseling, etc., then there is really no grounds for defense if she claims irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (no-fault divorce). If the divorce drags on, meaning it is vigorously contested on the equitable distribution, maintenance, custody , etc., the emotional and financial toll it will take on both of you will make living apart more inviting unfortunately.