For Deb McLean, the No Kings turn-out in Mira Mesa, a community of about 80,000 residents, was a reason for optimism.

The protest remained peaceful, with participants obeying traffic laws and avoiding confrontation. Emotions ran high as demonstrators took to the streets in Victorville as part of a nationwide series of "No Kings Day" protests,

Millions of people turned out for "No Kings" protests nationwide on Saturday that were largely peaceful though there were some arrests and police had to disperse unruly crowds, including in Georgia and Los Angeles.