Todd Martens is a features columnist at the Los Angeles Times who writes about theme parks and West Coast Experiences, among other topics. Martens joined the Los Angeles Times in 2007 and has covered a mix of interactive entertainment as its game critic and pop music as a reporter and editor. Previously, he reported on the music business for Billboard Magazine. Martens has contributed to numerous books, including “The Big Lebowski: An Illustrated, Annotated History of the Greatest Cult Film of All Time.” He continues to torture himself by rooting for the Chicago Cubs and, while he likes dogs, he is more of a cat person.
Latest From This Author
Think of the new Inglewood venue as a planetarium for the next generation.
July 25, 2024
Home to four major world-class theme or amusement parks, the Los Angeles area offers plenty of inventive ways to get soaked. From Disneyland to Knott’s and beyond, we rank SoCal’s water rides.
July 23, 2024
The term ‘Disney adult’ is often associated with an allegiance to a corporation or a refusal to grow up. But maybe the young at heart know something the rest of us don’t?
July 18, 2024
The Valencia amusement park is cherished for its mix of coaster styles — be it wooden, loop-based, single-rail or ones with mind-confounding seats that rotate 360 degrees.
June 27, 2024
For the “How Did This Get Made?” podcast host, Sundays are focused on the Clippers, watching movies with his family, choosing a winning spot for dinner and ending the day with pie.
June 21, 2024
What began in the 1920s as a family-run roadside berry and tea destination has become a thriving SoCal theme park — and a fried chicken haven.
June 20, 2024