Hey there, pickleball fans and community members! Welcome back to Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report, where we keep you in the loop about all things pickleball. Today, we’re serving up a controversial topic that’s making waves over at El Quito Park in Saratoga, California. Grab your paddles and a snack as we dive into the noise — and not just the joyful sound of pickleball!

The Pickleball Factor

Thanks to a booming interest during the pandemic, Saratoga recently added two brand-spankin’-new pickleball courts to great fanfare. But what started as a way to enjoy the game has quickly turned into a cacophony that has some locals reconsidering their living arrangements. As reported by Isha Trivedi in the East Bay Times, the sound from the courts has led to complaints from nearby residents about what they describe as a “bombardment of noise.” Even long-time locals like Zack Petersen, who’s enjoyed three decades in the area, are expressing their frustrations. Zack went as far as to say the noise sounds like “shotguns” — yikes!

Check out the article: https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/09/16/pickleballs-bombardment-of-noise-rule-breakers-and-fence-climbers-at-saratoga-courts-lead-to-100000-soundproofing-and-lock-costs-after-neighbor-complaints/

It’s not just the noise that’s causing concern. With no installed lights on the courts, players often bring their own lighting, keeping matches going late into the night, sometimes past midnight. With the city struggling to enforce playtime limits, it’s clear why some residents are feeling overwhelmed.

In response to the uproar, Saratoga’s City Council has earmarked a whopping $100,000 to install soundproofing panels and a new magnetic locking system to keep the courts quieter and more organized. But here’s the catch — Zack fears this might just be a “band-aid” on the real issue. He’s observed that dedicated players have been known to climb over fences to keep the games alive even after the gates are locked. A real pickle indeed!

Despite the pushback from some neighbors, not all pickleball players are brushing off the complaints. Local pickleball ambassador Jason Tseng recognizes the need for soundproofing that works for both players and residents. He pointed out that how the city implements these sound-dampening measures could actually create an echo chamber within the courts, enhancing the noise inside rather than reducing it outside. Double yikes!

So, where does that leave us? With pickleball’s rising popularity, it’s clear something needs to be done to keep the spirit of the game alive while respecting the local community. We’re eager to hear your thoughts!

Do you think pickleball noise is a real issue for local neighborhoods, or is it just part of the game’s charm? Should the city invest in soundproofing and locking systems, or is that a waste of funds? We invite you to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and work towards solutions that benefit everyone involved!

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Until next time, keep it friendly on the courts and consider your volume levels — your neighbors will thank you! And don’t forget… Let’s Pickle!

—Sleeves

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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The world of pickleball never ceases to amaze, offering up transformative stories that span cultures, continents, and competitive spirits. “People of Pickleball,” the popular podcast hosted by Michael “Sleeves” Sliwa, gives listeners an insider’s peek into the lives and adventures of pickleball personalities. In the latest episode, Sleeves sits down with Daniel Gold, a player who shines bright in the National Pickleball League with the Austin Ignite.

From Wimbledon to Pickleball Glory

Daniel Gold might currently be lighting up the pickleball courts, but his journey began on the lush, iconic grass of Wimbledon. A former pro tennis player from the ’80s, Daniel didn’t just play any tennis; he had a stint as what he modestly refers to as “bad pro tennis.” However, his post-tennis career is anything but ordinary, having spent 35 years building entrepreneurial businesses across Europe and the USA.

A Life Lived Full and Fast

Daniel’s conversation with Sleeves explores more than just pickleball tactics. It delves into a life filled with ventures and adventures, highlighting his prolonged entrepreneurial career. This episode doesn’t just skim the surface but dives deep into what it means to transition completely from one competitive arena to another later in life, and what drives someone to keep pursuing new peaks.

Family, Fun Facts, and Elton John?

Aside from business and sports, Daniel Gold gives listeners a glimpse into his personal life. Married to his teenage sweetheart, Stephanie, and a father to three daughters, Daniel’s life off the court is as full and fascinating as his athletic endeavors. And if you’re in for a bit of a quirky twist, get a load of this—Elton John once dedicated the song “Daniel” to him in front of a crowd of 100,000 at the British National Stadium, a fun fact that makes for an amusing and delightful tidbit in this engaging conversation.

Pickleball and Beyond

In this episode, Daniel shares his experience with the Austin Ignite and what it’s like playing in the thriving National Pickleball League. The discussion also veers into the growing popularity of pickleball, how the sport is evolving, and why it appeals to former athletes like him. As pickleball continues to ascend in the sports world, stories like Daniel’s provide a personal touch to the broader narrative of this fast-growing sport.

An Episode Not to Miss

“People of Pickleball” is known for bringing forward stories that inspire, entertain, and inform. Michael Sleeves Sliwa, with his engaging style and insightful questions, makes sure that every episode, including this latest with Daniel Gold, is not just about pickleball but about the people who give the sport its heartbeat. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a pickleball player, or just someone who loves good storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune into the People of Pickleball Podcast to catch this fascinating episode with Daniel Gold. Discover the intersections of sports, entrepreneurship, and personal growth—all through the lens of pickleball.

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https://sleeves-spr-people-of-pickleball.castos.com/episodes/from-wimbledon-to-pickleball-daniel-golds-journey-audio-podcast?_gl=11frkh4w_gcl_au*MTk1NTU0NjE5MS4xNzI0MDE3Nzcw

You can also watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F1_cWhA2CYA

For more stories and episodes, visit the People of Pickleball Podcast website or find the podcast on your favorite streaming platform. Don’t forget to subscribe for more engaging content from the ever-expanding universe of pickleball.

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

Sign up for the SPR Newsletter and get news and episode release info right into your inbox: https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/sleeves-spr-newsletter-sign-up/

Hey, “People of Pickleball” fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We’ve got you covered! Just head over to this link for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners. Don’t miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices! https://stm-store.online/spr-affiliates-and-partners/

Sleeve’s SPR on the web: https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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Andrea Carter, Adler University

Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have become increasingly visible in U.S. workplaces, especially over the past five years. However, DEI has recently come under attack, with companies scaling back their DEI plans.

As a professor of organizational psychology, I believe businesses should refine rather than abandon these efforts. Introducing a powerful concept, “belonging,” could hold the key.

Although people mistakenly use “belonging” and “inclusion” interchangeably, their differences matter a lot – and can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction and organizational success.

What DEI is and why it’s struggling

Diversity initiatives have a long history in American workplaces, but it’s only recently that “DEI” has become a buzzword. DEI refers to policies and initiatives implemented by organizations to ensure fair treatment of and full participation by all people.

Adoption of formal DEI programs has seen significant growth. In 2019, around 64% of organizations had some form of DEI initiative. By 2023, this rose to 89%, demonstrating a clear upward trend.

Research shows that companies with diverse teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets and are 87% better at making decisions. Additionally, 85% of CEOs report diverse workforces improving profitability. Despite this, a trend of businesses and schools significantly or completely eradicating their DEI initiatives has become prevalent in 2024.

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What happened? While external factors contributed to the backlash, including political pressure and a changed legal environment, research suggests that problems with how DEI is conceptualized and practiced also bear a fair share of the blame.

Misunderstanding DEI

While diversity and inclusion are often well-intentioned, many organizations that approached change initiatives solely through diversity metrics have failed. Effective DEI strategy focuses on learning and development, mentorship, and allyship, extending beyond race and gender. The challenge comes from narrow views of DEI, driving oversimplifications and zero-sum thinking.

For example, people have multiple intersecting identities, with complex traits that often depend on social context. But some DEI efforts ignore that complexity, reducing employees to a single category, such as gender, race, age or disability status. That leaves people, regardless of whether they feel included in “ingroups” or “outgroups,” feeling diminished.

Similarly, research shows that people’s actions and opportunities are strongly influenced by their environment. But too often, DEI efforts place the responsibility for growth entirely on individuals. That actually reinforces people’s biases because group dynamics and social structures shape collective behaviors.

When models fail to distribute accountability and responsibility effectively, collective behavior will uphold toxic environments.

To be fair, not all organizations have fallen into these traps. Those with leaders that adopted a more contemporary understanding of power and bias have developed more effective strategies for employees to thrive.

My research suggests that for DEI initiatives to succeed, respect and fairness must be present. These requirements are rooted in the foundations of belonging.

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DEI’s evolution: Integrating belonging for lasting impact

While belonging is related to inclusion, research shows it’s much more than just a synonym.

Inclusion may focus on being seen, accepted and valued within a team or community. Belonging goes deeper, involving a genuine sense of connection and identity within a group.

To truly experience belonging, it’s not enough to feel included; my research shows that five critical indicators must also be present.

These elements ensure that individuals feel a deep, meaningful attachment to the group, which inclusion alone cannot fully achieve. This distinction underscores that belonging is a unique and essential experience, distinct from inclusion, and critical for fostering a truly cohesive and supportive environment.

So what are the five indicators of belonging? They are comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety and well-being, and all of them can be measured.

When an environment is high in each of the five indicators, and the measured gap between the ingroup and outgroup is low, it suggests an environment where responsibility for creating opportunities to thrive are shared and balanced. Let’s unpack these concepts:

1. Comfort. When an organization is high in comfort, people feel seen for who they are. This requires them to accept that others have complex, sometimes contradictory identities, and to adopt a mindset of awareness. Perhaps counterintuitively, achieving comfort requires being a little uncomfortable, too. That’s because respectfully seeing and being seen means acknowledging other people’s discomfort.
2. Connection. Connection is the need to be known and trusted. For an organization to score high on connection, people will be aligned on values and goals. Connection creates a shared sense of responsibility and accountability. This shared responsibility is a foundation for empathy, since trust and fairness are born from understanding and empathizing with the social and emotional needs of others.
3. Contribution. An organization high in contribution values its members for the unique and diverse attributes they bring to the table. In belonging environments, an individual’s contribution is evaluated through curiosity and openness; ideas and perspectives are shared to influence and challenge the status quo, driving innovation and creativity. When someone is genuinely acknowledged for their contributions, both they and their team feel fulfilled.
4. Psychological safety. When a person is genuinely accepted into a group, making a mistake or even failing is seen as a chance to learn and grow, not an opportunity to shame, blame or exclude. This is the essence of psychological safety. In cases where people’s perspectives are dramatically different, psychological safety requires everyone to reflect and put themselves in the shoes of the other to respect their differences and be accountable for behavior.
5. Well-being. In an organization high in well-being, members’ experiences are considered and cared for. This requires everyone to share responsibility for caring for individuals, groups, teams and the organization as a whole, each with their authentic needs.

Belonging, based on my research, is not just a buzzword; it’s the bedrock of a thriving, innovative workplace. Leaders who understand this and take action can enhance individual well-being while unlocking the full potential of their teams.

By committing to building environments where the indicators of belonging are prioritized, leaders can ignite passion, loyalty and excellence in their workplaces.

Andrea Carter, Adjunct Faculty in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Adler University

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This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge