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.
Pomona is the fifth largest city in Los Angeles County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 149,473. In 2005, its population was estimated as 160,815. Pomona is home to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) and the Western University of Health Sciences. Pomona College is in neighboring Claremont. The city is the site of the Fairplex, which hosts the L.A. County Fair and the NHRA POMONA RACEWAY Powerade Winternationals Drag Racing competition. and the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. Since the 1980s, Pomona's newest neighborhood Phillips Ranch, experienced rapid growth with homes still being built in the hilly area between Downtown and Diamond Bar. Today, Phillips Ranch is nearly all residential. Northern Pomona has seen some gentrification with additional housing units added and revamped streetscapes. Pomona is located in between the Inland Empire and the San Gabriel Valley.