The practice or policy of discrimination against persons by reason of their age, color, disability, familial status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin or ancestry, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other factor protected by law (“protected class”) is a matter of concern to the City, since such discrimination not only threatens the rights and privileges of the inhabitants of the City but also menaces the institutions and foundations of a free democratic state. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the City, in exercise of its police power for the protection of the public safety, health and general welfare, for the maintenance of business and good government, and for the promotion of the City’s trade and commerce, to eliminate and prevent discrimination or segregation based on a protected class. It is further declared to be the policy of the City to assure equal opportunity and encouragement for every person, regardless of their membership in a protected class, to secure and hold, without discrimination, employment in any field of work or labor for which the person is otherwise properly qualified; to assure equal opportunity for all persons within this City to full and equal public accommodations and the full and equal use and enjoyment of the services, facilities, privileges and advantages of all governmental departments or agencies; and to assure equal opportunity for all persons within this City in housing. (Ord. 20276 § 2, 12-15-20.)