Bakersfield Nortenos: refer to subsets of the Norteño gangs or members operating in Bakersfield, California. These groups are affiliated with Nuestra Familia, a prominent prison gang. Traditionally, the borderline location between the Nortenos, and Surano gang territories is Bakersfield California. Bakersfield Norteno history tied to the Nuestra Familia, Bakersfield norteno roots trace back to the Correctional Training Facility a prison in Soledad CA, back in 1965. The gang formed as a protective alliance for rural northern hispanic inmates facing extortion and violence from the Mexican Mafia.
Gonzalo "Chalo" Hernandez, of Bakersfield, was a original member and co-founder of Nuestra Familia, and later became head of the NF organization. Rodolfo "Cheyenne" Cadena, was a prominent Mexican Mafia member from "Varrio Viejo gang." In early 1971, Chalo and Cheyenne forged an "La EME-NF" truce, which lasted around 6 months. Chalo was also, head of the "Varrio Jokers" street gang.
Gonzalo "Chalo" Hernandez, of Bakersfield, was a original member and co-founder of Nuestra Familia, and later became head of the NF organization. Rodolfo "Cheyenne" Cadena, was a prominent Mexican Mafia member from "Varrio Viejo gang." In early 1971, Chalo and Cheyenne forged an "La EME-NF" truce, which lasted around 6 months. Chalo was also, head of the "Varrio Jokers" street gang.
by Bakersfield History 101 February 6, 2026
Get the Bakersfield Nortenos mug.Bakersfield Nortenos: are subsets of the Norteño gang operating in Bakersfield, California, affiliated with Nuestra Familia, a prominent prison gang. They're involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes. Traditionally, Bakersfield's is the original location, the boarderline between the Northern and Southern California hispanic gangs.
by Bakersfield History 101 February 8, 2026
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