Sunday, September 28, 2008

The gangs of Napa

An imaginary line in Bakersfield divides two of California’s major street gangs, the Norteños and Sureños. Members born in the north part of the state line are labeled Norteños. Those born in the south are Sureños.

Napa has 800 registered gang members, 75 percent of whom live in the city of Napa.

Sureños

Comprise 55 percent of gang members in Napa County

10 percent are non-Hispanic

Wear blue and identify with the number 13

Norteños

Comprise 45 percent of gang members in Napa County

40 percent are non-Hispanic

Wear red and identify with the number 14

Source: Napa County District Attorney’s Office

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