I arrived at the North Hollywood metro station about 15 minutes before the train to the No Kings Protest, and stood alone on the platform. But not for long. Suddenly I was surrounded by folks with signs and posters, and by the time the train got there we almost filled it.

People along the way would have to wait for the next train.

The feeling was festive; like we were on our way to camp or a day outing. Yes, the underlying fear and anger was present; the fact that these days we are all traumatized constantly by what’s happening to us and to everyone around the world by Trump’s actions; but we were all so happy to be together! And that we had finally found a collective activity that we could all join in as a community.

Yes! That’s what the day meant!

The goal was to participate in what would hopefully be the biggest showing of solidarity against the current regime ever!

When we reached our stop at the top of Grand Park, we poured out of the train cars, posters held high, chanting “No Kings”!

The California sun had come out to greet us and shine on hundred’s of thousands of people! And the diversity! People of all ages, cultures and colors. Music and speeches came from several trucks parked throughout the 12 acre park. At the time of this writing there is still not an official number, so I won’t guess. But there were hoards of people! It did feel more like a celebration than a protest, although the signs everywhere expressed people’s anger, fear, determination and hope.

We all knew why we were there. It was not forgotten under the smiles.

At about 3:30 pm, we broke off into a march through the streets of the city center. I was told that it reached about a mile and a half. A lot of people. There was the typical music and chanting, and the festive feeling prevailed.

I noticed a few things that I thought were odd. First, I didn’t see any police. I’ve been on a lot of marches in my life. Sometimes the police presence was lighter, and sometimes scary. But this is the first time I didn’t see any. Not only that, but the streets hadn’t been blocked off from traffic. So this huge column of people approached intersections that had not been secured, walking through red lights, with the cars at the intersections stopped and honking. There was no one to direct traffic or to halt the marchers.

Where was the security? Where was the organization?

I did hear that later in the day, there was some trouble at the jails, and the police were there dishing out teargas per usual, but nothing at the protest or the march.

Still and all, it was a good day. Still waiting for numbers, and to find out what if anything comes of it all.

And always waiting for results in November. We need to hold strong.