Viewing for ex-LAPD chief Daryl Gates to begin at noon

A closed-casket viewing for fomer LAPD chief Daryl F. Gates, who died April 16 of bladder cancer at age 83, will begin at noon today at police headquarters.

The viewing will last until 8 p.m. in the Ronald F. Deaton Civic Auditorium at LAPD headquarters, 100 W. First St.

A white hearse carrying Gates coffin arrived around 9:30 a.m., escorted by several officers riding motorcycles.

The viewing is the first part of a two-day tribute to Gates. A funeral procession to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels and an elaborate ceremony will take place Tuesday morning.

Hill Street, Broadway and Spring Street will be closed south of the Santa Ana (101) Freeway for the 8:35 a.m. procession, and the closure is expected to last about 20 minutes. First Street between Main and Hill streets will also be closed briefly, at about 8:30 a.m.