Sonoma County's senior judge retires, sort of

As a Sonoma County judge the past 30 years, Lawrence "Gary" Antolini is accustomed to people rising to their feet when he enters the room.

But a standing ovation? Not so much. Lawyers snapping photos of him with their cell phones? Never.

That's what happened Friday when the retiring Superior Court jurist took the bench in Dept. No. 3 for the last time in his regular tenure.

"It was in this courtroom where I spent most of my career," said a wistful Antolini, 69, after he was greeted by applause. "So it's meaningful to me that it is from this court that I am leaving my time as a sitting judge."

Like many judges, Antolini is expecting to return on a temporary basis from time to time. He and his wife, Mary, plan to keep busy raising German short-haired pointer rescue dogs.

But Antolini said even after more than 40 years in the legal profession, he won't be able to resist the urge to don the black robe again. He took the chance to apologize to those on both sides who may have suffered when he "acted like a jerk."

"I know, people say, &‘Get a life,'" said Antolini, surveying the room of well-wishers in suits and criminal defendants in jailhouse blues. "This is it."

Antolini began his Sonoma County law career in 1967 when he became a lawyer in the public defender's office. He switched sides and spent 14 years as a prosecutor.

In 1980, Antolini was elected to the Municipal Court and five years later was appointed to the Superior Court bench by Gov. George Deukmejian.

Over the years, he's served as a civil and criminal judge, handling many high-profile cases including a portion of the Richard Allen Davis murder trial before it was moved to a different venue.

Most recently, he presided over the trial of five men accused of murdering Matthew Toste in a downtown Santa Rosa parking garage.

Presiding Judge Gary Nadler said Antolini - the oldest and most experienced judge - has been a mentor to all.

"He's loved by everyone," Nadler said. "It will be a huge personal loss for me."

"He's a defender of the Constitution. He's a great believer in people's rights," Nadler said. "At the same time, he knows when punishment is appropriate."