After the tragic shooting death of Dante Meniefield by a Moreno Valley Police Department officer, his family members and friends mourned his loss. And the community rose up and marched the streets demanding that justice be served so that another life will not be lost at the hands of the police.

My name is Karsten Barnes, the reporter assigned to cover the funeral of Mr. Meniefield last Saturday. First, I'd like to express my deep dismay with your calling out our publication in your March 19 article because of percieved concerns about our lack of coverage of this incident. I am not removed emotionally from this issue by any stretch. I, too, share much concern and anger over the injustices that continue to plague our communities nationwide. Being at Mr. Meniefield's funeral, I was compelled both professionally and personally to allow the family to grieve in their own space as much as possible. I did not, and still do not, regret that decision. I have great confidence that when all is said and done, the Press-Enterprise will have covered this story with much integrity and fairness. Journalistically, it is our (and your) greatest responsibility, especially when dealing with the dynamic, complex issue of "racism."

Let me make it clear that I am NOT speaking on behalf of The Press-Enterprise with these comments. However, as an African American journalist, I take much care in reporting on the community in which I come from. Mr. Gryka could not have said it better in his statement to you. We (and you) have to take time to examine all the facts, because as we all know, there ARE two sides to every story. It will indeed take time to do this. Our commitment, as I hope yours is, is to allow both sides to tell their story. And if we have the opportunity to educate those we feel don't have a clue, then let's do so. But I would sincerely ask that you please be more cautious in your reporting of what WE'RE doing. The answers will not come from what we or you report. And, frankly, what we say is not all together the most important thing. What is is whether we've done our job in getting down to, and reporting, the truth.

Thanks for your time..

Karsten L. Barnes

PE Community Reporter