Final answer:
The number of Bloods and Crips members in Los Angeles can't be precisely determined as it is subject to change due to various factors and limited public data. These gangs have had a significant impact on LA street culture and mark their territories, an aspect reflected in the graffiti patterns in different neighborhoods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question about the number of Bloods and Crips gang members in Los Angeles is challenging to answer with precision due to the nature of gang affiliation and the lack of reliable, up-to-date statistical data. Gang membership fluctuates, and many variables can affect these numbers, including law enforcement action, community initiatives, and changes within the gangs themselves. Statistically accurate numbers are not usually published for the public.
In historical context, these gangs have been significant to the landscape of Los Angeles street culture, with the Crips originating in the late 1960s and the Bloods forming in response during the early 1970s. Over the decades, both gangs have established numerous subsets known as 'sets,' which operate in different territories. Figure 7-1 highlights how gangs like these use graffiti to mark and dispute territorial boundaries in areas like East Los Angeles.
It is important to acknowledge that these entities are linked to criminal activity, and discussing their size or scope could potentially glamorize or misrepresent serious issues of community safety and well-being. If you are looking to understand the impact of gang violence or gang-related activities on communities, it would be more beneficial to focus on prevention, intervention programs, and the societal factors that contribute to gang membership.