Veteran Code Officer Faces Termination for Putting Residents First

Officer Choi keeps watch in the direction where he chased two pit bulls that were attacking an elderly man only minutes before.

ARTESIA, CALIFORNIA - Local Code Enforcement Officer Sam Choi—widely regarded by residents as a dedicated public servant—is now fighting to keep his job, not for misconduct or poor performance, but for refusing to abandon a philosophy that has defined his career: treating people with fairness, respect, and common sense.

For over a decade, Choi has practiced what he calls “voluntary compliance”—working with residents and businesses to resolve code issues without immediately resorting to citations, fines, or court action. It’s an approach rooted in cooperation rather than punishment, and by all accounts, it has worked. Choi has maintained a strong record, including a consistently high case-closure rate.

Cite First, Ask Questions Later

That approach now stands in direct conflict with a new direction from the City's management—one that can best be described as “cite first, ask questions later.”

Rather than encouraging resolution, the new model prioritizes immediate enforcement. And for Choi, that’s a line he refuses to cross.

“I was trained to look for friendly resolutions before turning anything into a full-blown citation,” Choi said. “I believe that’s how you build trust with the community.”

Instead of being recognized for that commitment, Choi is now facing what appears to be a coordinated effort to push him out.

Discipline Over Minor Issues

In recent months, he has been written up for minor, arguably trivial infractions—clocking in one minute early, signing out minutes late, and even responding to a supervisor’s email after hours to ensure the department wasn’t left unprepared during his absence. He has also been criticized for not fully embracing new procedural tools, such as updating cases via tablet in the field.

Supporters argue these actions are not about performance, but about pressure.

Karla Salazar, Business Representative for AFSCME Local 1520, did not mince words.

“We have an outstanding employee with over 10 years of service and virtually no issues,” Salazar said. “Now he’s being subjected to a stressful environment where minor things are magnified. The question is—why? Because he won’t immediately cite residents and businesses? That’s not public service. That’s revenue-driven enforcement.”

Giving People A Chance

For residents, the implications go beyond one employee.

Choi’s approach gives people a chance—to correct a mistake, to come into compliance, to be treated with dignity rather than immediately penalized. A shift away from that model means more citations, more fines, and less trust between the City and the community it serves.

Despite the pressure, Choi has not changed course.

“I love this city, and I care about the people here,” he said. “I treat them the way I would want to be treated—with understanding and respect.”

That mindset isn’t just theoretical—it has shown up in moments that had nothing to do with code enforcement.

In 2021, Choi intervened when two pit bulls were attacking an elderly man at Artesia and Pioneer. Without hesitation, he placed himself between the man and the dogs until the situation was under control.

“His actions prevented a tragedy,” said a witness who captured the moment, pictured above.

City leadership recognized that same dedication at the time. Mayor Rene Trevino publicly praised Choi, stating that he “always goes the extra mile for residents.”

More recently, Choi assisted an elderly man injured in a hit-and-run, catching him before he collapsed and staying with him until emergency responders arrived.

Paramedics help an elderly gentleman after Officer Choi (his vehicle in the foreground) called 911.

These are not the actions of an employee who needs to be pushed out—they are the actions of someone deeply committed to the well-being of his community.

Disclosure: The author of this article serves as President of AFSCME Local 1520, which represents Artesia employees.