New information shows hundreds of gangs now call the Sacramento area home, with thousands of gang members operating in the area, law enforcement officials said Thursday.

Standing next to guns seized in crimes, the area's top law enforcers -- including district attorney -- revealed just how extensive the gang problem is becoming.

"You know, you can't pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV without seeing a story about someone being shot," Elk Grove Police Chief Bob Simmons said.

In the city and county of Sacramento combined, prosecutors now estimate that there are at least 226 validated gangs with a 7,000 validated gang members.