Name: Cypress Park Boys
Also Known As: Cypress Parque, CP Boys, Cypress Park 13, CP,
Location: Cypress Park, Los Angeles, California
Region: Northeast Los Angeles
Ethnicity: Predominantly Mexican-American
Founded: Mid-20th century
Affiliation: Sureños (13)
Prison Affiliation: Mexican Mafia (La Eme)
Territory: Cypress Park neighborhood; Los Angeles River corridor
Symbols: CP, CPB, Cypress Park markings, “C” and “P” hand signs
Mascot: Western Exterminator man
Rivals: The Avenues, Frogtown Rifa, Toonerville Rifa,
Notable Figures: Marcos Salas
The Cypress Park Boys (CPB), also known as Cypress Parque, CP Boys, and Cypress Park 13, is a long-standing Mexican-American street gang based in the Cypress Park neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles, California. Unlike larger Los Angeles gangs that expanded across multiple neighborhoods, Cypress Park Boys have remained closely tied to the community that gave the gang its name.
Foundation and Early History
Cypress Park Boys emerged in the Cypress Park neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles during the mid-20th century and gradually developed into an established neighborhood street gang. Its early membership was closely tied to the residential streets and public spaces surrounding the Los Angeles River corridor.
As Cypress Park Boys became established, the group developed alongside nearby street gangs including The Avenues, Frogtown Rifa, Toonerville Rifa, and Highland Park groups. The close proximity of these communities contributed to repeated conflicts between neighboring gangs, particularly with The Avenues. By the early 1970s, Cypress Park Boys was recognized as an established neighborhood gang.
By the 1980s, Cypress Park Boys had become part of the conflicts affecting surrounding communities. During this period, Cypress Park and nearby areas became the focus of increased gang enforcement efforts, including CRASH and the Community Law Enforcement and Recovery (CLEAR) program.
Territory & Identity
Cypress Park is bounded by the Los Angeles River, the Arroyo Seco, rail corridors, industrial districts, and major thoroughfares including Figueroa Street, San Fernando Road, Eagle Rock Boulevard, Verdugo Road, and Fletcher Drive.
Cypress Park Boys’ traditional territory stretches from Figueroa Street to Division Street between Isabel Street and San Fernando. The compact geography of Cypress Park is bordered by neighboring gangs including The Avenues, Frogtown Rifa, Toonerville Rifa, and Highland Park 13.
The Cypress Park Boys are associated with the Western Exterminator man, who has been adopted as the gang’s mascot. Members have also been associated with Chicago Cubs clothing because of the letter “C” connection.
Documented Incidents
The Burbank Retaliation Case (1985)
One of the earliest documented incidents involving Cypress Park Boys occurred during a 1985 homicide investigation in Burbank. According to reporting from the period, prosecutors alleged that Burbank gang graffiti had been crossed out and replaced with “CP Boys” and other Cypress Park markings, which was interpreted as a challenge by rival gang members.
The dispute escalated into retaliation, resulting in a homicide. The case showed that Cypress Park Boys markings were recognized beyond the immediate neighborhood during the 1980s.
The Mexican Mafia Racketeering Cases (1990s)
During the 1990s, Cypress Park Boys appeared in broader investigations involving Mexican Mafia influence throughout Los Angeles. A 1997 Los Angeles Times report on a Mexican Mafia racketeering case documented convictions connected to an attack on Cypress Park gang members. The case illustrated the growing connection between neighborhood gang conflicts and prison-gang influence during the 1990s.
The 2006 Cypress Park–Avenues Conflict
One of the most detailed documented incidents involving Cypress Park Boys occurred in 2006, during a violent confrontation tied to the old rivalry between Cypress Park Boys and The Avenues. The case later provided extensive court testimony regarding Cypress Park’s territory, symbols, membership, and rivalry with The Avenues.
According to records, the incident involved a shooting in an area claimed by The Avenues. The confrontation resulted in two deaths and another person being injured. Testimony presented during the case described references to Cypress Park affiliation, gang identifiers, and the rivalry between the two gangs.
The Marcos Salas Shooting and Drew Street Conflict (2008)
One of the most widely reported incidents involving Cypress Park Boys occurred on February 21, 2008, during a period of heightened conflict between Cypress Park and the Drew Street clique of The Avenues.
According to federal court records and news reports, Marcos Salas, identified as a Cypress Park gang member, was shot and killed in Cypress Park while holding the hand of his two-year-old granddaughter.
Following the shooting, LAPD officers located a vehicle connected to suspects in the killing. The encounter escalated into a gun battle involving police and suspected Avenues members, leading to a larger investigation involving the Drew Street clique.
Alliances & Rivals
Cypress Park Boys’ oldest rivalry is with The Avenues. This rivalry escalated during the 2000s, when disputes between the two groups resulted in shootings and investigations involving The Avenues’ Drew Street clique. Cypress Park Boys have also feuded with other nearby gangs, including Frogtown Rifa, Toonerville Rifa, and Highland Park 13.