A civil right is an enforceable right or privilege, which if interfered with by another gives rise to an action for injury. Examples of civil rights are freedom of speech, press, and assembly; the right to vote; freedom from involuntary servitude; and the right to equality in public places. Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class. Statutes have been enacted to prevent discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, previous condition of servitude, physical limitation, national origin, and in some instances sexual preference. Civil rights attorneys handle cases involving the rights of individuals to be free from unequal treatment (or discrimination) based on legally-protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, and religion. Civil rights cases can arise in a number of settings -- including employment, housing, lending, and education.
Discovery Bay is a census-designated place (CDP) in Contra Costa County, California in the United States about 60 miles (97 km) from San Francisco. As of 2006, the town's population was about 16,500. Discovery Bay is based on a waterfront community of 3,500+ homes with private docks with access to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Now Discovery Bay has grown and added Discovery Bay West which features gated and non-gated "off-water" communities with homes from 1,400 square feet (130 m) up to 4,700 square feet (440 m). In July 2007 Discovery Bay celebrated its maturity into its own community by changing the zip code from 94514 (which it shared with the neighboring town Byron) to 94505. A huge town celebration ensued with a world record-setting paddle boat raft-up.