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.
Villa Park is a city in northern Orange County, California near Orange and Anaheim Hills that incorporated in 1962. It had a population of 5,999 in the 2000 census, achieving the status of the smallest city in Orange County by population (La Palma is Orange County's smallest city in area). Villa Park includes about 2,000 homes and the land is nearly 99% built out. The city is zoned for single-family residences; most house occupy half-acre lots. There is one small shopping center that includes a Ralph's grocery store, some banks, a pharmacy with a postal substation, a variety of stores and offices, City Hall and community room, and a branch of the Orange County Public Library. Three restaurants, including Rockwell's Cafe & Bakery, are located in the shopping center. Public elementary, middle, and high schools are operated by the Orange Unified School District. There are no public parks within the city limits. Many homes have pools or tennis courts, or both. Villa Park has winding streets, no sidewalks, nor any street lights. There are many trees and flowers planted that contribute to a rural, green ambience. Villa Park is an enclave within the city of Orange. Villa Park's geography is due largely to its unwillingness to annex land beyond Santiago Creek, to the east. The city of Orange annexed these lands around and beyond Villa Park.