The Rise and Fall of Pomona’s 12th Street Gang – Documentary

n the heart of Pomona, California, a neighborhood once known for its vibrant community became infamous due to the emergence of the 12th Street Sharkies gang. Originating in the 1940s, the gang took its name from 12th Street, a residential area nestled between Garey Avenue and Reservoir Street. By the 1950s, the gang had adopted the moniker “Sharkies,” a nod to their stronghold, Madison Park—colloquially known as “Sharkie Park.” This park, initially intended as a community space to deter youth from gang involvement, ironically became the epicenter of the gang’s activities.

The 12th Street Sharkies were predominantly a Mexican-American street gang that exerted significant influence over South Pomona. Their presence was marked by territorial disputes, most notably with rival gangs such as Cherrieville and Sur Olive. These feuds often escalated into violence, contributing to the gang’s notoriety. One of the most tragic incidents linked to the gang was the 2004 shooting of California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Steiner by a 16-year-old aspiring gang member seeking to gain credibility within the Sharkies.

Over the years, law enforcement initiatives and community efforts have aimed to curb the gang’s influence. Operations targeting gang activities, combined with urban development and community programs, have led to a noticeable decline in gang presence. Madison Park, once a symbol of gang dominance, has been renamed Tony Cerda Park in honor of a local Chicano activist. Today, the park stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and transformation, with little to no visible signs of its tumultuous past.