Amid the last two years of the pandemic, pickleball has grown in popularity for many households as a way to ward off the pandemic blues, get some exercise, and have fun all at the same time.  The sport combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. The game can be played both indoors and outdoors, doubles and singles, and by all ages and all skill levels.   According to The Economist, pickleball is the “fastest growing sport in America.”  There are currently about 30 locations in Orange County—including parks, sports facilities, and housing developments—that have pickleball courts.  The Newport Beach City Council voted to construct a new pickleball court at the Newport Ridge Community Park at the end of last year. And the “Tustin Winter Classic Pickleball Tournament” starts Jan. 15 and runs through Jan. 17.  Los Angeles County also has seven locations.  Created by Joel Pritchard, a politician from the state of Washington, …