The Work of Tom Harrison, Tackling Graffiti in Downtown

Take a stroll through Downtown San Rafael and you’re likely to spot local Tom Harrison quietly taking care of eyesores that many people pass right by: graffiti & stickers. Tom has been volunteering to help our Downtown since 2015, first helping with litter cleanup. In 2023, he took on a new “hobby” - removing graffiti and stickers from public surfaces.

In 2025, the BID was able to contribute some beautification fundraising dollars to help cover his supplies, though we wish we could do even more. Tom has devoted thousands of hours to cleaning graffiti and stickers off trash cans, streetlights, fire hydrants, parking meters, and traffic control boxes.

Tom’s selfless efforts help keep San Rafael clean and welcoming, supporting the economic vitality of the 4th Street corridor. The next time you see Tom out beautifying public spaces, be sure to thank him for his ongoing service to our community. Here are a few before-and-after photos of his recent work on our utility boxes.

THANK YOU TOM!!