Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos: No Shirts & Short Shorts At Pershing Square's Polar Bear Skate
The Polar Bear Swim is a popular, if not slightly insane, way to ring in the new year. But those who participated in the "Polar Bear Skate" at the Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink skated on top of frozen water, rather than plunging into it head-on.
LAist's Annie Lesser reported a much smaller turnout this year than in previous years, in which people dress up in bikinis and sunglasses (mimicking the Polar Bear swim) to skate around the ice. Only two guys, Socrates Segundo and Matthew Krogen showed up in short shorts and polar bear hats at first, and people enjoyed snapping photos with the brave, and likely cold, souls. But they were joined about 45mins later by four teenage boys, who arrived in swimming trunks and t-shirts.
The Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink is open until January 18, so you've still got some time to lace up some skate if you've got the urge. And if you don't want to head downtown, here are some other options for seasonal ice skating.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’
-
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research.
-
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best.
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out.
-
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings.
-
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.