COUNTYWIDE : Human Relations Panel Appointment

Robert Jensen, chancellor of Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana, has been named to the Orange County Human Relations Commission, it was announced Thursday.

Jensen was named to replace commissioner Irma Rodriguez, who several months ago moved out of the North County area she had served for nearly 15 years.

Rodriguez, dean of admissions and records at Fullerton College, said Thursday that she will continue to assist the commission as a volunteer and will continue to speak out for the “unempowered” in the community.

Rusty Kennedy, executive director of the commission, said Jensen’s appointment will be made official by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

The Human Relations Commission was created in 1971 to diffuse racial, ethnic and religious tensions and promote interaction among community members.

Six of the commission’s 11 members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors and five by the Orange County division of the League of California Cities.

Kennedy said that Rodriguez had continued on the board until Supervisor Don R. Roth, who represents the North County district, found a replacement who lives in the area.

Jensen, who lives in Orange, could not be reached for comment late Thursday.