California appellate Justice J. Anthony Kline, a cornerstone of the state judiciary for more than 40 years, will retire in mid-December to pursue what he called “a third act that is a little more inclusive.”

The presiding justice of the First District Court of Appeal, Division Two, in San Francisco notified staff and colleagues of his decision this week. His official last day will be Dec. 15, although Kline said he may sit pro tem for a couple of months to wrap up unfinished business.