The streets of downtown Los Angeles are expected to be flooded with people Saturday, the day after Donald Trump's inauguration, as the Women's March hits the pavement.
Though it appears nowhere on the site, the march appears to be in direct response to the election of Trump. But organizers have be clear to point out the march will be "pro-woman" rather than "anti-Trump."
"We stand together in solidarity for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families -- recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country," the site reads.
The march in LA is a sister march to a massive gathering planned in Washington, D.C., where more than 150,000 are expected to turn out, including Gloria Steinem as well as many celebrities like America Ferrera, Ashley Judd, and others.
Participants will begin meeting at Pershing Square at 9 a.m., and the official march will commence at 10 a.m. The march is expected to end at City Hall, and speakers including Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are expected to attend. Other notable attendees include Jane Fonda, Laverne Cox, Debbie Allen, Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande. Organizers said more than 100,000 had registered on their site.
As of Wednesday, 68,000 people on the event's Facebook page had pledged to attend. As organizers pointed out, the march is not just for women.
Organizers also said they have all the required permits and have been working with the Los Angeles Police Department.
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There will be a huge amount of congestion as well as street closures. The march ends at 4 p.m.
How to Get There
Free Shuttle to the Metro From West Hollywood
Anyone departing from West Hollywood planning on taking the Metro Red Line can take advantage of a free shuttle service courtesy of CityLineX.
Full details and locations.
Taking the Metro
If you are taking the Red Line, which is highly encouraged due to the amount of traffic expected, take the Metro Red Line toward downtown Los Angeles and exit Pershing Square (5th Street).
Here are some park and ride options from Metro.
Driving
Take the 110 Freeway toward Downtown Los Angeles and exit onto 6th Street.
Parking
Parking will be available under Pershing Square all day. Parking will be anywhere from $10-$30 in public lots surrounding Pershing Square.
Amtrak
Union Station is closest to the march start location, about 2.5 miles away.
Ride Share
If you utilize a ride share service like Uber or Lyft, note that streets will be very congested.
Rules
Backpacks are allowed, and signs on sticks are allowed, but the following are not:
- No alcohol
- No weapons of any kind
- No dogs or pets (service animals only, please)
Other rules about signage can be found here.
Weather
There will be break Saturday in a trio of storms hitting SoCal, NBC4's Meteorologist Fritz Coleman said.
Other Things That Are Good to Know
Restrooms will be located along the route and at the start and finish.
Water will also be provided along the route.
For more information, visit the organizer's website.
