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Jafar Montazeri.

The comments, which don’t amount to an official dissolution of the unit, follow deadly unrest and protests that have challenged Iran’s theocratic leadership on a scale not seen since they took power after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Montazeri’s statement is unlikely to represent a major shift in policy and didn’t address protesters’ demands to scrap mandatory religious dress codes altogether, or deal with a broad list of grievances related to civil liberties, governance and the rule of law.

With mandates for how women must dress still in place, removing the Guidance Patrol also raises questions about how the rules will be enforced, and whether an alternative system will emerge.

In a sign that regulation of public life will not necessarily be relaxed, Montazeri said that “of course, the judiciary continues to monitor behavior in the community.”

In separate comments published in the moderate Shargh newspaper on Saturday, Montazeri said that the judiciary was working on a draft proposal for amendments to how laws “pertaining to chastity and hijab” should be enforced, referring to the Arabic word used to describe religious modesty codes.

“Following recent events, the relevant bodies are looking for a prudent solution,” he said, adding that Iran’s parliament and the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution plan to reach a decision on how to go forward within 15 days.

According to rights groups, more than 400 people have been killed by security forces in the protests, including scores of children. The United Nations said last month that more than 14,000 people have so far been arrested for taking part and many stand accused of serious offenses that carry the death penalty.

Since 2006, green and white Guidance Patrol minivans have regularly cruised busy streets, especially during summer months, arresting passersby, mostly young women, deemed to be improperly dressed.

Amini’s death sparked a public outcry, and many women began publicly shunning or destroying head scarves that have been compulsory for them since childhood. Many women are now seen out in public in Tehran’s more liberal northern enclaves without head coverings.

Iranian officials have repeatedly accused foreign countries, including the U.S., of instigating the unrest and have vowed to continue their heavy crackdown on protesters.

Last month, the United Nations said it would investigate Iran for human rights violations and called on the Islamic Republic to immediately end its targeting of demonstrators.

Parks

From Page One

this year reduced operations at Brannan Island. American Land & Leisure worked with the department to operate the state recreation area starting in 2013 but ended its operations April 1. From June through September, State Parks was operating the boat launch ramp and nearby beach area on Saturdays and Sundays.

Whether an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a new one, State Parks advises the public to make use of the recreation area responsibly and offers some tips: n Know before you go. Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions are in place. Have a backup plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you’re sick. n Play it safe. Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. If the visit includes water activities, remember to wear a life jacket. Life jackets may be borrowed for free at one of more than 100 local life jacket loaner stations throughout the state. To find those sites, visit https://dbw.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=29179. One of those sites is at Sandy Beach Park along the Sacramento River in Rio Vista. n Leave no trace. Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.

Additional safety tips are available online at https://www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=29142. For detailed information on Brannan Island State Recreation Area, visit https://www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=487.

Courtesy photos Brannan Island State Recreation Area fully reopened Thursday. Reservations for campsites may be made starting Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.

California Lottery | Sunday

Fantasy 5 Numbers picked

Match all five for top prize. Match at least three for other prizes. 8, 9, 19, 29, 38

Daily 4 Numbers picked 2, 3, 5, 9 Daily Derby 1st place 10, Solid Gold 2nd place 9, Winning Spirit 3rd place 4, Big Ben Race time 1:45.07

Robinson Kuntz/Daily Republic file The Hill Slough Wildlife Area spans both sides of Grizzly Island Road from Highway 12 south for about 2 miles.

Outings

From Page One

landtrust.org.

Registration is required and may be made at https://solanolandtrust.org/events. Select the event, then select the link to the registration form.

A nature hike

The other is a nature hike from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park in rural Fairfield.

Those who participate will have a chance to explore the hills between Suisun Valley and Green Valley and see sweeping views of Solano County and beyond. Scenic blue and live oaks, native wildflowers and what is characterized as “fascinating geology” make this “a truly unique hike.”

The hike is deemed moderately strenuous and covers 4 to 6 miles. Rain or extreme weather will cancel the hike.

Participants will meet at the red Ice House at the corner of Suisun Valley and Rockville roads.

Registration is required and may be made at https://solanolandtrust.org/events. Select the event, then select the link that is marked “Registration Required.”

Jorg Fleige/Courtesy file photo A view at the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi open space, which is managed by the Solano Land Trust.

Pandemic precautions

The Solano Land Trust maintains recommendations established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to slow the spread of the virus that causes Covid-19: n Avoid entering the facility if you are feeling sick, or have a cough or fever. n Maintain a minimum 6-foot distance from anyone who is not a household member. n Sneeze and cough into a cloth or tissue or, if not available, into one’s elbow. n Do not shake hands or engage in any unnecessary physical contact. n Wearing a face covering is strongly recommended.

Man

From Page One

streets, where he felt most comfortable. And his sisters, concerned for their brother, would be unsuccessful in their attempts to permanently bring him home.

For the past 35 years, his sisters would advocate with city, county, state and federal officials to make Mark’s plight known. But each time they were ultimately dismissed, rebuffed, turned away.

Still, they continued, creating the Mark of Vacaville group on Facebook, which has more than 2,000 members. Most are active, helping to track his whereabouts and lend a hand when needed whether a blanket, clothing or meal.

As his condition worsened, they refused to give up, showing up at various meetings, making phone calls, writing emails and letters en masse in partnership with community supporters. He required a special conservatorship, they said, adding that, as they are not well off, it’s disappointing that had they been wealthy he could have been helped instead of ignored.

“My brother’s life came down to dollars and lots of excuses,” RippeeHanson exclaimed.

The sisters did their best to still care for Mark, despite both being disabled, and often told him how much the community rallied around him.

And, they always told him how they were trying to help, so he wouldn’t be surprised.

“He knew we were trying to help him,” Rippee-Hanson emphasized.

Some progress has been made. A documentary is in the works, and Sen. usan Talamantes Eggman of Senate Dis-

Renée C. Byer/The Sacramento Bee/TNS file Mark Rippee shields his face from the sun while trying to take a nap in the shade along Markham Avenue as a pedestrian waits at a bus stop in Vacaville in July.

trict 5 is working on a bill to change the definition of the term “gravely disabled,” which could help others get care.

“There are so many families,” Rippee-Hanson said. “We are not the only ones. They’ve tried everything, just like we did.”

She expressed sadness that some people didn’t see her brother as human, but merely an inconvenience, “a piece of trash lying in the street.”

Mark, she continued, was a wonderful, funny man who loved nothing more than to make someone else smile.

“He loved his family,” she said in a whisper. “All he ever wanted was a family of his own but he didn’t have that opportunity.”

An outpouring of care streamed across the Mark of Vacaville page.

“Mark was part of our community. Unfortunately overlooked by the systems that are supposedly here to protect us, care for us and keep us safe,” wrote Loreli Coles. “But there were many citizens who cared about Mark. We tried to help when we could. I brought food and water to him when I could. I lead by example while my children were with me to show that everyone matters.

“I can’t imagine the suffering Linda, Mark’s sister, and their family have gone through. I only know of their struggles from Facebook. The frustration and at times hopelessness. But they were always there supporting, loving and advocating for Mark. I’m sure Mark is in a better place. I imagine free of pain and hardship. Rest peacefully Mark.”

Christina Thomas said the system “let him down in so many ways.”

“God Bless all the people that took care of him out on the streets he called home,” she added. “May his memory be eternal .”

Deborah Arsich shared that Mark’s story needs to be continued.

“His legacy will be improved education to the public regarding the critical need for appropriate care of our mentally challenged people in this country,” she advised. “What happened to him is shameful and the struggle his family has had fighting for him is a sin. Our country must do better! No family should suffer the way Mark and his loved ones have, but sadly there are thousands who are suffering the same way. “

Jen Antoniou said she was grateful that Mark’s no longer suffering, “yet so angry that the only way for the suffering to be alleviated was to pass into true rest. My heart goes out to all who loved him.”

Kathy Burchett is the mother of a homeless adult with schizoaffective disorder.

“No help for my son either,” she shared. “How long will it be until I’m in this same boat? I don’t want to know... I’m so sad about Mark. It was as if Mark’s story gave me hope that if his family was able to get through all the red tape, maybe there is hope for my D.

“Now with Mark’s passing, I feel as though I’ve lost a big part of that hope.”

Donna Erickson said she hopes that, with Mark’s death, people will now pay attention.

“There are too many other “Marks” out there who need help and are suffering,” she advised. “Maybe Mark’s suffering won’t be in vain, if his death leads the way to improving the very broken mental health care system in this country.”

Michelle Lynn Cornejo said that, as a medical professional, “It was an absolute honor and privilege to be able to take care of someone from my hometown as well as be a “Curbside Care Giver” for Mark. I will miss looking for him to feed him and simply be of some company. “

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral expenses: https:// bit.ly/3FlfCJt.

The community is also asked to attend Tuesday’s meeting of the Solano County Board of Supervisors, at 8:30 a.m. at the Solano County Government Center, 675 Texas St. in Fairfield, board chambers.

A vigil and memorial are also in the works.