Lieber receives death threat Lieber receives death threat (September 24, 2004)

Incident is under CHP investigation

Julie O'Shea

State Assembly member Sally Lieber received a death threat last week over a smog check bill she is trying to get the governor to sign.

Someone called the National Guard office in Sunnyvale on Sept. 16, saying they had a rifle and were coming to shoot her, Lieber said.

The controversial bill would require vehicles made in 1976 and later to undergo smog checks every two years until they turn 50 years old. Vehicles made in 1975 or earlier would be exempt. Lieber anticipates Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will sign the bill soon.

It is unclear why the threatening call was placed to the National Guard, but Lieber was immediately evacuated from her Mountain View office when her staffers were told about the threat. She called both local police and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), which is responsible for the security of state buildings, officials and visiting dignitaries.

CHP Officer Christian Oliver said his office was aware of the Lieber threat but declined to say how or if it is protecting the former Mountain View mayor. Oliver did acknowledge that the matter was still under investigation by the CHP.

"We are definitely taking [the threat] seriously," Lieber said last week, adding that a police deputy has been protecting her since the call was reported.

This is not the first time Lieber has received a death threat. Last spring she was threatened over her support of a non-discrimination marriage bill.

"It's better for people to write or call if they are upset about a bill," Lieber said.

E-mail Julie O'Shea at joshea@mv-voice.com

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