SLO County’s newest judge formally sworn in

Though she’s been working at her new job since November, the county’s newest judge was publicly welcomed to the bench for the first time Friday.

Gayle L. Peron had previously been sworn in during a private ceremony immediately after Gov. Jerry Brown appointed her. But Friday she was “enrobed” in a public ceremony attended by more than 100 people, including judges, attorneys, her family and other county officials.

Peron, a former court commissioner and family law facilitator, joins a roster of 12 judges, replacing Jeffrey Burke, who retired from the bench in December 2014.

“The best thing about it is that I don’t have to explain what a commissioner is any more,” she joked.

She was publicly sworn in by Superior Court Judge Dodie Harman, who said Peron has taught judges and been a mentor for young women.

“She’s a champion of women,” Harman said.

Peron is a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law and UC Santa Barbara. She is a founding member of the Women Lawyers Association.

Despite Peron’s appointment, there is another vacancy on the bench. In December, Brown appointed Superior Court Judge Martin Tangeman to the Second District Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, Peron’s replacement as a court commissioner has yet to be named. Earlier this month, Tim Covello, former assistant district attorney in the county, was appointed to the commissioner seat formerly held by Stephen Sefton, who passed away.

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 5:52 PM with the headline "SLO County’s newest judge formally sworn in."