4/2 Justice Gaut to Retire

From the Daily Journal, via Ben Shatz:

Gaut Announces Retirement
By Laura Ernde Daily Journal Staff Writer

Justice Barton C. Gaut of the 4th District Court of Appeal in Riverside announced Wednesday that he'll retire at the end of February.

During his 12 years on the appellate court, Gaut wrote 1,900 opinions, 105 of which were published and citable as precedent.

Presiding Justice Manuel A. Ramirez described Gaut as principled but open to different perspectives.

"Bart was any presiding justice's dream. Hardworking, productive, and always available," Ramirez said. "His colleagues and the entire court staff will miss him but wish him a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement."

Gov. Pete Wilson appointed Gaut to the Riverside County Superior Court in 1995. Two years later, a sixth seat was created on the appellate court and Wilson gave Gaut the nod.

Before joining the bench, Gaut spent 33 years with Best, Best & Krieger, specializing in complex civil trial and appellate litigation in the firm's Riverside office.

Gaut, 74, and his wife, Merla, have been married for 42 years. They have four children and six grandchildren.