West Hollywood’s usually lively Saturday afternoon took on a different tone today as protesters filled the streets, marching from West Hollywood Park to the Sal Guarriello Veterans’ Memorial in a demonstration led by the Democracy Action Network (DAN).
Chants of “Defend democracy!” and “No one is above the law!” echoed along Santa Monica Boulevard, where a crowd of several hundred waved signs demanding government accountability. Some messages were direct—”Checks and balances, not blank checks”—while others took a more pointed approach: “You work for us, not yourself”.
The protest, organized in collaboration with Indivisible and the 50501 movement, focused on concerns that recent federal policies are eroding constitutional safeguards and weakening oversight mechanisms.
The march began at noon at West Hollywood Park, where activists gathered near the east side of the park—one of the few accessible areas, as much of the space remained closed in preparation for an upcoming Elton John fundraiser.
At the rally’s first stop near Holloway Drive, DAN founder David Comfort addressed the crowd.
“We’re here because democracy isn’t just a word in a textbook—it’s something we have to protect,” Comfort said through a megaphone, his voice met with cheers. “We’ve seen policies that bypass Congress, dismiss oversight officials, and weaken protections for workers and marginalized communities. That’s not how a government ‘for the people’ should operate.”
Speakers drew attention to other concerns, including:
- Executive orders that may circumvent congressional authority
- Dismissals of independent oversight officials
- Changes to labor relations and anti-discrimination policies
- Actions affecting independent federal agencies
One protester, Marisa Gomez, 34, from West Hollywood, said she joined the march because she fears that government decisions are being made behind closed doors.
“If there’s nothing to hide, then why remove watchdogs?” she said. “We need to shine a light on this stuff before it’s too late.”
Despite minor traffic disruptions along the march route, the protest remained peaceful. West Hollywood Sheriff’s deputies were present but mostly observed from the sidelines, with no visible confrontations. Many passing drivers honked in support, while a few onlookers stopped to ask what the protest was about.
One local shop owner along Santa Monica Blvd, who declined to be named, stood outside watching as the crowd passed. “West Hollywood has always been a place where people show up when it matters,” he said.
This was the first of two planned rallies, with the next one scheduled for March 22. Organizers hope that today’s turnout will build momentum leading up to the second demonstration.
“Voting is important, but so is making your voice heard in between elections,” Comfort said. “This fight doesn’t stop here.”
For now, the signs are coming down, the megaphones are switching off, and Santa Monica Boulevard is returning to business as usual. But if today’s energy is any sign, West Hollywood’s activist spirit isn’t fading anytime soon.
Upcoming Protest Details
- Next Event: March 22, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Starting Location: Downtown LA (An announcement as to exact location and time will be forthcoming.)
Not only will this work as we see now the current administration
actually back peddling on some very serious issues. Going back to the 1960’s it was protests & political action independent of elections that really drove social/political change because, the white elite in power fully accepted racism & sexism as a social norm that was even codified into law. The protests of the 60’s were so effective, that even some of the most reactionary racist politicians and even judges were forced to make concessions that brought about an era that set the greatest number of progressive legal precedents the… Read more »
Ya. This will really work – like zero is too low a number. This kind of bizarre show actually puts a target on the city’s back for quickly pulling federal money and no one outside this bubble wanting their kid to grow up anything like this. Believe it. It’s what made people – lots more than here and that have tons of kids that vote – say “we’ve just had enough!”. But like 3 year olds when chided, we cross our arms and pout “I’LL SHOW YOU” and make the situation even worse. Ok. Ok. This place is well known… Read more »
People who lived in the 60’s KNOW how to do this right! And we remember how and why we did it. It’s time to do it again…even better!!!
This was a great protest against Trump Imperialism expanding our borders into Canada, Panama, Greenland, Gaza, Musk and Theil Oligarchy, racism, autocracy, fascism. Lots of focus on President Musk and President Putin. Great for closeted far right traitors to democracy to see and have to digest. I loved it.
“Defend democracy!” they bray…… “demcocracy” being code for “one-party left-wing rule.”
We elect local idiots who want to defund the police and take away traffic lanes on Fountain, then worry about the President cutting government spending. This city needs to learn local elections can have a much greater impact on your quality of life than who is in the White House.
“Voting is important, but so is making your voice heard in between elections.”
People made their voices heard in November.
I wonder where these people get their news.
I will be there on March 22. Thank you for the heads up. God bless America, we certainly need all the help we can get. F**k Trump.
That’ll do it! I expect Elon will run and hide now that a few mask-wearing weirdos have stomped their feet.