In the vast landscape of California, amidst the glitz and glamour, lurks a shadowy presence – the Sureños gang. Known for their distinctive tattoos, blue attire, and fierce loyalty, the Sureños have left an indelible mark on the state's social fabric.
Originating from Southern California, the Surenos gang has deep roots in the Hispanic community, with affiliations stretching across the state and beyond. Their name, "Sureños," meaning "Southerners" in Spanish, reflects their allegiance to the Southern region of California.
But beneath the surface of their territorial identity lies a complex web of criminal activity, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crime. Their influence extends far beyond the streets, infiltrating neighborhoods, schools, and even prisons.
Despite law enforcement efforts to dismantle their operations, the Sureños gang continues to thrive, adapting to changing circumstances and maintaining their stronghold in California's urban centers.
Many people believe that the S thing graffiti style is directly associated with this gang. In an article for Vice, Julians Morgans asked Richard Valdemar: a former detective with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for his take on the matter. For the better part of 33 years, Richard was tasked with combating LA's Gangs, but according to Richard, the S has nothing to do with any gangs he's seen.
"While the letter appears in gang and tagger graffiti-style, I wouldn't say it's the most common style used by Southern California gangs," he explained. "Usually, Californian Latino gangs almost always use the S followed by the number 13, as in 'S-13.' This is because the 13th letter of the alphabet is M standing for Mexican Mafia. Either that or it's written 'SUR,' which is Spanish for South or for 'Southern United Raza.' The letter S, just standing alone wouldn't represent the Sureños."
Richard believe it is most likely derived from graffiti and the evolution of 3D lettering.
If anyone knows a gang member.....ahh just forget it.