1. Santa Cruz NorteÑo Graffiti
The following local photographs represent
Norteño criminal street gangs in Santa Cruz -
North Side Santa Cruz and
West Side Santa Cruz/West Side Chicos.

2. Why Gang Graffiti is Dangerous
The purpose of gang graffiti is to
glorify the gang.
Gang graffiti is meant to create a
sense of intimidation
and may increase the
sense of fear
within a neighborhood.
Gang members use graffiti
to mark their territory or turf, declare their allegiance
to the gang, and to challenge rivals.

3. North Side Santa Cruz “NSSC” stands for North Side Santa Cruz.
NSSC claims 17th Avenue in Live Oak as their territory.
“Norte” is the Spanish word for north.

4. The photo to the left shows “NS” which stands for North Side
The photo to the left shows “NS” which stands for North Side. The “S” with a small line through it is a sign of disrespect towards the Sureño criminal street gang. The number 14 is a numerical symbol for the Norteño criminal street gang as it stands for the 14th letter of the alphabet, “N.”
The photo to the right shows “NSSC” which stands for North Side Santa Cruz. The small lines through both of the S’s are a sign of disrespect to Sureños. The X4 stands for 14 as the X is the roman numeral number 10.

5. This graffiti illustrates two rival gangs attempting to claim territory. The first tagging (in blue) was done by the Sureño gang Beach Flats Sureños in blue “BFS” and includes “Sur 13.” Sur is the Spanish word for Southern and 13 is for the 13th letter of the alphabet, “M,” which is for the Mexican Mafia. The Mexican Mafia is the prison gang that ultimately controls street-level Sureños.
The second tagging was done by the Norteño criminal street gang NSSC (North Side Santa Cruz) with the S’s crossed out as a sign of disrespect towards the Sureño gang. In addition XIV was tagged which is the roman numeral number 14.
The initial tag by the Sureños was a claim of territory and the second tag by the Norteños was a sign of disrespect and challenge to the Sureños.

6. West Side Santa Cruz

7. “SC” with the “S” crossed out is a sign of disrespect towards the Sureño criminal street gang. The one and four dots stands for the number 14 along with the actual number 14 which is the 14th letter of the alphabet, “N.” The letter “N” stands for Nuestra Familia which is Spanish means “Our Family.” Nuestra Familia, also known as “NF” is the prison gang that controls street-level Norteños. “Norte” is the Spanish word for North and the “WS” stands for West Side.

8. West Side Santa Cruz Note: the “S” is crossed out

9. Common Norteño Symbols
Depicted in the drawing below is a bird that is known as the “huelga” bird which was originally used as a symbol for Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. Norteños have adopted this symbol and use it to represent themselves. “XIV” is also drawn here.
Norcal clothing and writings are commonly used by the Norteño criminal street gang as signs or symbols. The star is also a symbol that Norteños use.

10. What should you do if you see this kind of graffiti in your child/student’s belongings?
Talk to your child/student. Ask open-ended questions, listen with an open-mind. Encourage an honest discussion.
Ask questions to understand their level of involvement.
Understand who is influencing them (friend, neighbor, relative) and set limits accordingly.
Discuss the consequences and dangers of being in a gang.
Set clear expectations.
Parents: talk to a teacher, school counselor or administrator at your child’s school and ask them if they have noticed any changes. Make sure they are aware of your concerns. Teachers: talk to the school counselor, administrator and to the student’s parents.
Get your child/student involved in extra-curricular activities like sports, clubs, music, volunteer work, etc. Make sure to have positive, fun family time.

11. What should you do if you see this kind Of graffiti in your neighborhood?
Within the City of Santa Cruz:
Call the Graffiti Hotline at
24-hours a day, 7 days a week
Report graffiti tagging on public or private property within City limits
Call 911  If you see someone “tagging” or suspect vandalism is going to take place, do not hesitate to call 911.
Adopt-A-Spot  Do you keep seeing the same pole on your street getting tagged? Get a free graffiti removal kit as a volunteer for your home or work place. You can make a direct difference in your community with the convenience of a no-hassle volunteer program. Call the hotline at for more details about getting the free graffiti removal kit.

12. For more information: