Protesters in Berkeley disperse

BERKELEY, Calif. (KTVU and BCN) - The large crowds in downtown Berkeley related to the "No to Marxism" rally have dispersed, with small crowds remaining in the city's Civic Center Park and Ohlone Park, police said.

The West Crescent at the edge of UC Berkeley, where a counter-demonstration was held, is clear of activity.

There are still some residual traffic delays, according to police. Most roadways are now open, police said. Caution is advised when driving due to heavy pedestrian traffic in the downtown area.

Many protesters left the Civic Center Park around 3 p.m., marching north on Martin Luther King Jr. Way to Ohlone Park about five blocks away.

Hundreds of people are gathered for the demonstration called "Bay Area Rally Against Hate".

At least four people have been detained by police; two for allegedly wearing masks. Protesters can bring masks into Civic Center Park, however, they are not allowed to wear them.

It is taking place on the West Crescent lawn on campus. More than 3,000 people have said they will attend on the event's Facebook page. 

Police have promised to take steps to keep people safe if demonstrators show up. 

Police have set up cement barricades around Civic Center Park and city workers have boarded up the windows of city buildings. 

The event billed as a No to Marxism in America event was cancelled after the city did not grant a permit. Officials were concerned the protest would attract white supremacists and nationalists causing violent confrontations. 

Joey Gibson with the free-speech group Patriot Prayer has said he will be in downtown Berkeley all day today.

According to police, individuals planning to attend the rally are not allowed to bring backpacks or bags, weapons, firearms, simulated firearms, dirks, daggers, ice picks, ammunition, tasers, stun guns, mace, pepper spray, shields, fireworks, baseball bats, balls or other projectiles, illegal drugs and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

Police said helmets and masks of any kind, including gas masks, are prohibited. Liquids are not allowed in the demonstration area, with the exception of water in a factory-sealed, clear plastic bottle.

Some counter-protesters have setup a banner at Civic Center Park reading "Bay Area stands against hate and white supremacy" at the park in preparation for the No to Marxism supporters to show-up.

Due to the barricades, two streets are closed off to traffic next to the park; Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Alston, and Center are closed off. 

Transit systems have re-routed bus routes.

We will continue to get more information and update this story.