Empathy learned at a young age

I want to thank you for using Claire Powers’ and Hope Mains’ letters in your “Editor’s Notes” in the March 21 E-R. The title, “Out of the mouths of babes comes wisdom,” caught my attention. Then I realized Claire’s letter and drawing were included. As usual, I found your writing to be interesting and informative.

I am Claire’s proud grandma. She was 3 when I noticed her empathy for others. She is very aware of others’ feelings and will often take action and reach out to help others.

Claire is concerned about people who are homeless and were being told to move from one place then another. I commented there were a lot of letters in the newspaper from people who didn’t care about how the homeless were being treated and several people were elected because they were against the homeless. She went to her desk, wrote her letter and drew the picture. I helped her address the envelope, then hesitated to mail it. I am so glad I did!

You write about local issues with a complete analysis of a controversy which I really appreciate. So many who send letters seem to be adamant about their opinion and lack an awareness of any ramifications of a controversy. As a retired elementary teacher with a strong interest in Chico Unified School District, I appreciated your notes about getting kids back in the classroom.

You covered the issue well.

You are doing an outstanding job as the editor of our newspaper!

— Sharon Delgardo, Chico