The District 1 Team
Supervisor John Peschong
Supervisor John Peschong was sworn in on January 7, 2025 to serve his third 4-year term as the First District County Supervisor. The First District includes the City of Paso Robles as well as the communities of Templeton, Adelaida, Bern, Roblar, Heritage Ranch, San Miguel, Shandon, Cholame, Whitley Gardens, Bee Rock, Wellsona, and Oak Shores.
As a County Supervisor, he served three times as Chair of the Board (2017, 2018, and 2023). John serves on the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments/Regional Transit Authority as Past President, serves on the Cal-ID Board, Rural Counties Representatives of California (RCRC), the Golden State Finance Authority, and the Air Pollution Control District. He, also, serves on the Nacimiento Water Project Commission and Chair of the RCRC Legislative Committee. He previously served on the Latino Outreach Council, Homeless Services Oversight Council, the Economic Vitality Corporation, and as an alternate on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC).
A third-generation Californian, Peschong is the founder and co-owner of a small independent business that provides jobs for residents both in the region and throughout the state.
John has served as a member and supporter of local 4-H clubs, and he is a former Templeton Little League board, member and former YMCA board member, and currently sits as a member on the Creston Classic board. He is committed to ensuring that the children of San Luis Obispo County have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment. In addition to his contributions to local youth organizations, John is dedicated to preserving the agricultural character of San Luis Obispo County by serving on the board of the California Mid-State Fair's Heritage Foundation.
John was appointed to the California Mid-State Fair Board of Directors where he spent eight years coordinating the annual 12-day fair and programs which educate youth on the important role agriculture plays in the region.
John lives in Templeton with his family.
Lori Gallegos
Chief of Staff
Lori Gallegos is a lifelong resident of the Central Coast with a strong dedication to public service. She attended Cal Poly and Allan Hancock College, which provided a solid foundation for her career. Before transitioning to the public sector, Lori worked as a produce broker, specializing in floral and strawberry sales.
Lori's government career began as the District 4 Legislative Assistant for the County of San Luis Obispo. She later joined the County's Planning and Building Department, where she took charge of media relations, spearheaded the department’s social media program, and supported the leadership team.
Currently, as the Chief of Staff to the District 1 County Supervisor, Lori is committed to addressing local concerns and supporting the constituents of the district.
Outside of work, Lori is an avid sports fan. She and her husband cherish spending time with their family and enjoying all that the Central Coast has to offer.
Alex Villicana
Planning Commissioner
Alex has been a business owner and active member of the Paso Robles community for thirty years. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Communications. He started working in the Paso Robles wine industry, seasonally, in 1991 while working full-time in Pasadena and eventually San Luis Obispo, in real estate development and management. In 1996, Alex and his wife Monica purchased property on the westside of Paso Robles and began planting their estate vineyard. In 2002, they opened their winery and tasting room on Adelaida Road. In 2011, Alex and Monica, in an effort to be more sustainable in their agricultural practices, launched the county’s first craft-distillery.
Alex has served on multiple boards of directors including the Paso Robles Wine County Alliance (chair), the Wine Institute, Twin Cities Board of Governors, and currently serves on the Travel Paso Board (secretary).
Jed Nicholson
Civil Service Commissioner
John E.D. (Jed) Nicholson received his B.S.F.S. degree in International Politics from Georgetown University in 1990. He received his J.D. degree (cum laude) from University of San Diego in 1997. From 1990 until 1994 he was a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy stationed in San Diego. In 1997, Mr. Nicholson was admitted to practice in California, where he specialized in civil litigation.
Mr. Nicholson has practiced law for twenty years. He has been an attorney on the Central Coast since 1999. In 2013, Mr. Nicholson started his own law office in Paso Robles. Mr. Nicholson handles both trial and appellate litigation in federal and state courts. He represents clients in a wide range of disputes including all aspects of family law as well as civil litigation matters including breach of contract, insurance, business, real property, and construction.
Mr. Nicholson is a member of the State Bar of California and the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association. He served on the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association's Board of Directors from 2013 until 2015.
Mr. Nicholson is on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County and a past Chairman of the agency. He is a board member of the North County Boys and Girls Club. He is currently Vice President of Legacy Untied Soccer Club. He serves as Secretary of the Shelby Sudbrink Memorial Scholarship Foundation. He is active in coaching youth sports in Templeton, California.
Ann Cochrane
Parks and Recreation Commission
Ann Cochrane is a graduate of Cal Poly, SLO with a degree in Agribusiness Finance and Appraisal. She works as a commercial and agriculture relationship manager at a community bank in Paso Robles. Ann is very involved with many local volunteer organizations. She is the treasurer of the Rotary Club of Paso Robles, a Board Member of the Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee, Past President of the San Luis Obispo County CattleWomen and Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Tour Committee Member. She is a supporter of the American Heart Association, California Cattlemen’s Political Action Committee, Central Coast Cancer Support Community, Family Care Network, Jack’s Helping Hand, Special Olympics and the Studios on the Park.
As a sixth-generation landowner in San Luis Obispo County, she looks forward to serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission.