Over the decades, the St. Johns neighborhood has earned a reputation as the poor man's Gotham--a place where babies are likely to carry switchblades in their diapers, where dog fights are around every corner, and murder, rape, and infanticide are as common as a repeat episode of Law & Order.

BUT THE FACTS TELL A DIFFERENT STORY.

A quick look at St. Johns' crime statistics paint a much friendlier, sunnier, safer picture. A place where you can leave your wallet on a park bench, your keys in your car, and your girlfriend drunk and passed out on the pavement.

Did you know?

While picking up your double-whipped Frappacino at the Pearl District Starbucks you are three times as likely to have your SUV stolen than when parked at the St. Johns Starbucks?

Did you know?

Compared to the pyromaniacs in the Hawthorne District, there were no reported arsons last year within five blocks on either side of Lombard?

Did you know?

There were NO homicides at all in St. Johns during the past year!

Did you know?

You are more likely to be sexually assaulted within a few blocks of Portland's City Hall than loitering in the shadows around Club Rock (formerly Shagnasty's)!

Take that, Vera Katz!