Street Gangs have been heavily influenced by prison gangs. They have now evolved, however, into their own unique identities.

One of the most prominent street gangs identified is the "Crips." They originated as a Black gang from Los Angeles, but now have crossed cultures to include Asians, Hispanics, East Indians, Samoans, Whites, etc. They are characteristically identified by the color blue which may be seen in the form of handkerchiefs, athletic jackets and hats, beads in the hair, blue fingernails, shoe strings, and graffiti.

Another identified street gang is the "Bloods" who are also known as "Piru's". Traditionally they are an opposing Black gang to the "Crips" and also originate from Los Angeles. This gang has also evolved into a cross-cultural street gang.

They are characteristically identified by the color red seen in the form of athletic apparel, including jackets, hats, shoes, etc., and red handkerchiefs.

In the Hispanic barrio culture there is a division of the State of California into North and South. The imaginary dividing line is Bakersfield. The gang north of this line is referred to as North, Norte, Norteno, or the number 14. The number 14 represents "N" the fourteenth letter of the alphabet standing for North. These gang members identify with the color red, as seen in red handkerchiefs. The gang south of Bakersfield is an opposing gang referred to as "Surenos, Sur, Southerners, or the number 13 which stands for "M" referring to the Mexican Mafia. They identify themselves with the color blue in the form of blue handkerchiefs as well as athletic apparel.

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