Looking for an indoor activity to get a break from the California heat this summer? Consider going bowling. This classic activity can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with your family or a night out with your friends. To help you know where to go, our team at Longo Toyota created this list of some of the best places to go bowling in the El Monte, California, area.

Action Lanes

Action Lanes is a family-friendly bowling and entertainment center. This 35,000-square-foot venue has 32 synthetic lanes for bowling fun, and each lane features animated scoreboards. During your game, enjoy an environment fitted with top-of-the-line sound and lighting equipment. Action Lanes also has arcade games placed throughout the venue for added fun and offers a snack bar with refreshments and a bar lounge with beer and wine for of-age guests. If you’re looking to host a private party, it also has a separate area for birthday parties and special events.

Be sure you plan your visit to Action Lanes in advance by reviewing its rates and promos. It has different rates per game depending on the day of the week and time of day, and it occasionally offers promotions and discounted rates. It’s important to note that this alley charges for shoe rental, but it also has a pro shop available for all of your bowling needs.

Location: 10534 Lower Azusa Road, El Monte, CA 91731

Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, noon to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, and noon to 1 a.m. on Saturday

Highland Park Bowling

Established in 1927, Highland Park Bowling is the oldest bowling alley in Los Angeles. It began as a combination of doctors’ offices, a pharmacy, a music store, and a recreation space during the Prohibition Era. Patrons would visit a doctor at one of the upstairs offices to get a prescription for medicinal whiskey and then visit the pharmacy to fill it before going bowling.

An Italian immigrant named Joseph “Mr. T” Teresa purchased the building in 1966 and renamed it Mr. T’s Bowl. He renovated the space, covering the original designs and converting the area into a music venue. However, when 1933 Group acquired the building, it restored the space to its original appearance and refurbished the lanes to create the space Los Angeles residents love today.

Highland Park Bowling recommends making reservations before your visit. It recommends only one to six guests per lane but generally allows a maximum of eight guests per lane. And it’s only open to guests ages 21 and up after 8 p.m. Reservations are available in hour-long increments, and the alley charges different rates based on time of day and day of the week. Be sure to review its calendar of special events before planning your bowling outing.

Highland Park Bowling also offers a selection of food and drinks that celebrate its rich history. The venue’s menu includes a selection of pizzas, burgers, appetizers, and desserts. Pair your food with a beer, a glass of wine, or one of its signature cocktails.

Location: 5621 N. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday

XLanes

XLanes is a 50,000-square-foot venue with plenty of fun for the whole family. Located in Downtown Los Angeles on the third floor of the Little Tokyo Galleria, this alley is home to 16 state-of-the-art LED lanes for general bowling, as well as two VIP rooms with four lanes and one VIP room with six lanes. The spacious venue also offers billiards, 80 arcade games, and private karaoke rooms.

Be sure to stop by the dining room during your visit. The menu at XLanes offers a broad selection of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, wings, appetizers, and more. You can also head to the bar area, especially during the big game of the season. This space includes 11 LED televisions and three large projectors, so you never miss any important moments.

XLanes doesn’t require reservations, but it does recommend them. Bowling pricing varies by day of the week and time of day, but there’s a maximum of six people and a limit of two hours per party per lane. There’s a fee for shoe rental, but your entire party may receive a discount for booking an hourly rental. The venue also has space for hosting special events and has the option to buy out the entire venue.

Location: 333 Almeda St #300, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Hours: 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 am. to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday

Del Rio Lanes

Del Rio Lanes offers family-friendly bowling. It offers regular bowling most days and evenings and cosmic bowling on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 4 p.m. until close. If you’re looking to meet new people or compete, consider signing up for one of its bowling leagues or tournaments.

While Del Rio Lanes doesn’t require lane reservations, it recommends them. Pricing for lane reservations varies by day and time, limiting reservations to five people per lane. Reservations are available in 1-hour-and-20-minute or 1-hour-and-50-minute increments, and your reservation includes shoe rentals. Depending on availability, Del Rio Lanes allows you to rent up to eight lanes at a time, and it has special reservations for birthday parties and special events.

Location: 7502 Florence Ave, Downey, CA 90240

Hours: 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday

That concludes our guide about the best places to go bowling in the El Monte, California, area. At Longo Toyota, we’re proud to serve the El Monte area as the #1 Toyota dealership in the world. Know of another bowling spot locals may love? Drop us a line to share your recommendation. We may even update our list to include your suggestion.

 

Tags: Bowling, Fun Activities
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Who doesn’t love boba tea? Sweet, cool flavors and gummy tapioca work together to make the perfect summer drink. If you’ve got a boba craving in El Monte, you’re in luck because there are plenty of fantastic boba spots near you where you can get your fix. We at Longo Toyota have created a list of excellent restaurants and cafes in El Monte and the surrounding area for you to check out.

Hello Boba

For all your boba and dessert needs in El Monte, look no further than Hello Boba. The menu includes milk tea flavors like jasmine green, lavender Earl Grey, rose, taro, Thai, brown sugar, matcha, and strawberry. Fresh tea options include jasmine green tea, peach oolong tea, sea cream green tea, and sea cream oolong tea. Hello Boba also offers slushies and smoothies in flavors like mango, strawberry, piña colada, caramel macchiato, horchata cinnamon, and taro. You can request many of these delicious beverages as caffeine-free or dairy-free if you desire. 

The shop itself features bright pastel colors and a selection of cute chachkies you can add to your purchase. The teas here are affordable, especially if you stop by during Milk Tea Happy Hour, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays. You can also pick up a frequent customer stamp card to earn a free drink after seven purchases. 

Phone number: 626-361-7058

Address: 11230 Garvey Ave Ste C El Monte, California, 91733

Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday

Bopomofo Cafe

Located in San Gabriel, about a 13-minute drive from El Monte, you’ll find Bopomofo Cafe. This delightful and authentic cafe serves classic teas like jasmine green tea, Assam black tea, jasmine milk tea, and Assan milk tea with your choice of boba, egg pudding, or taro. You can also find premium signature drinks like brown sugar pudding milk tea, taro sweet milk, and strawberry basil ginger lemonade. Premium espresso menu items include coffee, milk tea, espresso, Americano, and cappuccino. You can ask for modifications like oat milk, larger sizes, or hot options for any of these drinks. 

At Bopomofo Cafe, you can also order delicious food like tater tots, vegetarian popcorn chicken, the honey walnut shrimp burger, or the spicy Taiwanese fried chicken. If you’re looking for sharable dishes, you might go for the Mapo tots or the spicy popcorn chicken. Currently, this establishment offers to-go and outdoor dining options. 

Contact: Contact via online form

Address: 841 W Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel, California, 91776

Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed on Monday

Sunright Tea Studio

For mouth-watering milk tea, visit Sunright Tea Studio in Arcadia, about a 20-minute drive from El Monte. The top milk tea drinks from this establishment include the Sunright boba milk tea, Sunright fruit tea, Oreo brulee boba milk, taro milk tea, grapefruit jasmine tea, and strawberry jasmine tea. You can also enjoy sweet treats like pudding boba milk, red bean boba milk, cheese foams, and frosties. If you’re looking for a sweet caffeine boost, you can always opt for the house Americano, latte, or coffee oolong milk tea. 

Finally, top off your tea with one of 12 delicious toppings, including Oreo, red bean, fresh taro, lychee jelly, cheese foam, creme burlee, brown sugar, grass jelly, pudding, boba, agar boba, and honey boba. While you’re at the store, you can also pick up the perfect gift for a boba-loving friend, including an instant boba milk tea kit, a tote bag, a T-shirt, or a water bottle. While you’re there, the interior design of this studio will win you over with its bright yellow color scheme and cheerful cloud design. 

Contact: Contact via online form

Address: 1220 S Golden West Ave. #A, Arcadia, California, 91007

Hours of operation: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day

Boba Ave Express

This fantastic boba shop is located in Arcadia, California, just a 17-minute drive north of El Monte. You can order delivery, takeout, or sip your tea in the shop. Milk tea flavors include brown sugar boba milk tea, Hokkaido milk tea, Thai milk tea, taro milk tea, almond milk tea, and jasmine milk tea. Fresh fruit tea flavors include peach and passion fruit green tea, grapefruit and orange green tea, strawberry and mango green tea, and winter melon tea with grass jelly. You can also add toppings like brown sugar boba, grass jelly, lychee jelly, crystal boba, and egg pudding. 

Outside of tea, you can enjoy smoothies, shakes, and even snacks like popcorn chicken, Takoyaki, fried fish balls, French fries, and sweet potato fries. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even try out the unique cheese foam fresh teas, with flavors like cheese grape, cheese jasmine green, and cheese Uji matcha. 

Phone number: 626-641-8090

Address: 1437 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia

Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Friday-Saturday 

Boba Bear

A quick 22-minute drive will get you from El Monte to the Rowland Heights Location of this excellent boba shop. The Boba Bear menu includes a wide variety of classic boba milk tea flavors like original, matcha latte, coffee, banana, strawberry, jasmine, almond, Thai, and matcha frappe. Classic fruit options include strawberry banana smoothie, honey green tea, mango berry green tea, passionfruit green tea, watermelon slush, and strawberry calpico slush. They also offer shimmering pink lemonade, and an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages, including Soju lemon tea, mimosas, wine, beer, and jello shots.

In addition to the Rowland Heights location, Boba Bear has two other California cafes, one in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles and the other in the West Los Angeles area. Outside of California, you can also find Boba Bear abroad, including in two locations in Hong Kong and one in Seoul, South Korea. The following information is for the Rowland Heights location. 

Phone number: 626-839-1177

Address: 18414 Colima Rd, Rowland Heights, California, 91748

Hours of operation: 4 p.m. to 12a.m. every day

There you have it. We’ve listed five of the best boba tea places in or around El Monte that you can check out this summer. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know. You can give us a call at 626-377-9741 or drop by our dealership at 3534 Peck Rd, El Monte, CA 91731. While you’re here, why not take a look at our wonderful collection of new vehicles and used cars available for purchase? Or, if you need help with your current car schedule a service visit, and one of our wonderful technicians will be happy to help. 

 

Tags: Boba, Refresher, Tea
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If you’re looking for a brand new vehicle with a bold presence, you’ll love the 2023 Toyota Sequoia. This full-size SUV balances daring style with maximal comfort. You can also enjoy all the latest technology at your fingertips, including state-of-the-art safety features and advanced entertainment options. Want to know more? We don’t blame you, so we here at Longo Toyota have created a review of all the new features you can look forward to with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia. 

Interior

The interior of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is spacious, with seating for seven to eight people and a sizable cargo hold, perfect for a large family or group of friends. The second-row seats come in either bench or captain’s style reclining chairs. In the third row, you’ll find the exclusive Sequoia sliding row with an adjustable cargo shelf system, which allows the seats to slide six inches to adjust spacing. Both the second and third-row seats can fold forward to allow more space for cargo, so you’ll have no trouble fitting everything needed for even the most equipment-heavy trip. 

If you’re looking for luxury, you won’t be disappointed. You can select the available leather-trimmed seating with heated and ventilated options for the first and second rows. You can also opt for a panoramic moonroof, which you activate with the push of a button, to enjoy the beauty of nature above you as you soar across the country on your adventures. 

Exterior

Exterior color options for the new Sequoia have increased from the six available for the 2022 model to 11 for the 2023 model. These include white, wind chill pearl, lunar rock, celestial silver metallic, magnetic gray metallic, army green, midnight black metallic, blueprint blue, smoked mesquite, and supersonic red. If you choose the TRD Pro trim, you can also access the exclusive solar octane orange. 

The design of this SUV is big and bold. You’ll radiate power as you roll down the highway in this towering car with a wide, squat stance perfect for off-roading. The front features a black and silver grille and a dark tinted windshield. Silver front and rear bumpers also add to the bold 2023 Sequoia look. In the back, take advantage of the hands-free liftgate that allows you to open the trunk via a motion-activated foot sensor so you can load in your gear with ease. 

Trims

The new Sequoia has distilled the number of available trim levels. The 2022 model is available in six trims: the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Edition, Platinum, and TRD Pro. On the other hand, the 2023 model comes in the SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and the Capstone trims. The different trims all feature unique styles and comfort elements. If you’re looking for a comprehensive option with plenty of pizazz, the SR5, and Limited trims are excellent choices. The TRD Pro, meanwhile, is perfect for adventurers, and those seeking interior luxury might enjoy the Platinum or Capstone trims. 

The TRD Pro also has several exterior features that make it a particularly exciting choice. You can enjoy the style and protection of a quarter-inch aluminum TRD front skid plate, the power of 18-inch TRD alloy wheels, and a wide stance that makes it an ideal off-roading vehicle. Alternatively, the brand new Capstone trim level offers the most luxurious Sequoia experience yet. This includes semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats in an exclusively black and white, dual-tone color scheme. It is also the first Toyota Sequoia to offer 22-inch chrome wheels. 

Power and Performance

This vehicle boasts a 437-horsepower 3.5-liter i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo hybrid engine with 583 pound-feet of torque and a maximum towing limit of 9,000 pounds. This adds a significant amount of power over the 2022’s 381-horsepower 5.7-liter i-FORCE V-8 engine, which has a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. While either model is certainly powerful, the 2023 might give you just the boost you’ve been craving. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle family road trips or solo off-road adventuring, you won’t be disappointed by the 2023 Toyota Sequoia. 

The new model also features a boxed frame and a contemporary chassis that provides the structure and comfort necessary for such power. New laser welding technology allows for a design that is more rigid yet more comfortable than ever before. It also offers state-of-the-art suspension and steering for a smooth driving experience. Also new with the 2023 model is the option to select your own drive mode. You can choose Eco, Normal, or Sport, depending on your driving conditions. 

Technology

The multimedia touch-screen display has grown from 7 inches in the 2022 Sequoia to 8 inches in the 2023 model. There is also an available 14-inch touch-screen display as well as a 10-inch head-up display that projects information directly onto the windshield for those looking for a striking technological advancement. You can enable voice commands for a truly hands-free entertainment experience. Just say, “Hey Toyota” to activate GPS directions, skip songs, increase or decrease audio volume, or change the climate control settings. 

In addition, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia offers an available trailer backup guide with a straight path assist that can make towing easier than ever before. 

Safety

The safety features in the 2023 Toyota Sequoia are the Sense 2.5 System shared between all Sequoia grades. They include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection that can sense bikers, oncoming cars, and even pedestrians in low light. Drivers can also rely on emergency steering assistance technology, dynamic radar cruise control, a lane departure alert, a road sign assist system, and automatic high beams to help keep you safe at night. Furthermore, there is a blind spot monitoring system, a parking assist system, and backup cameras to help you park safely. 

The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia will be available for the first time in the summer of 2022. If you’re interested in being one of the first people to drive the Sequoia, be sure to reserve yours today. Want to compare the 2023 Sequoia to other exciting new vehicles? Check out our inventory of new vehicles, then stop by our El Monte dealership for a test drive. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our friendly staff can answer all your new car purchase questions.

Tags: SUV, Toyota Sequoia
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If you love gardening, you’re not alone. There is nothing better than getting outside and seeing what you can bring to life with just a little dirt, sunshine, and water. If you’re gardening in El Monte, California, it can be particularly rewarding to keep a garden green and thriving amidst the hot summer days. To help you do so, our team at Longo Toyota has curated some tips to get your garden flourishing this year. 

Make a Plan

While it may be tempting to buy all the most eye-catching seed packets at the store, it can be extremely helpful to take a moment to plan your garden before you begin. Just a little planning can go a long way in helping you create a thriving and successful yard. First, consider what type of soil you have, your garden’s access to sunlight, and its access to water. El Monte in the summer is often hot and dry, so you might consider planting drought-tolerant plants. 

A few drought-tolerant flowers include the California Fuchsia, the California Redbud, and the California Yarrow. Drought-tolerant vegetables include quinoa, lima beans, corn, and okra. You can also consider what kind of plants you’ve successfully grown in the past. It can be a good idea to plan your garden this year with a mixture of reliable garden staples you know are likely to do well and new plants that might serve as a fun adventure or challenge. Next, decide how you plan to lay out your garden, then purchase the appropriate seeds and any other tools you might need. 

Use Compost

Composting can be a great way to help both your garden and the environment. Instead of throwing old food waste into the garbage, start a compost bin in your yard. You can make your own compost bin by filling a plastic storage bin with a base of mulch and leaves, then drilling holes in the top of the bin. Fill it with worms and some dirt, then toss in your food waste, turning it over occasionally. You can also purchase a compost bin set from a local home or garden store. 

Once you have your bin set up, let your food waste break down over the course of the year, then use the nutrient-rich compost that results in nourishing your garden. Adding worms can help speed up the process of decomposition. Once it’s ready, just spread the compost around the base of your plants with your dirt. This helps to balance the soil density, provide important nutrients, and help the plants develop healthy roots. 

Feed and Water Well

For each plant you add to your garden, make sure you research the proper amount of water to use. It can be helpful to group your plants by the amount of water they need. When you water, it is often helpful to water at the base of the plant rather than sprinkling the leaves. As California summers can be particularly dry, it’s a good idea to water your garden with plenty of water one or two times every week. 

You can also introduce plant food or fertilizer to your garden. This can help supplement the nutrients in your garden soil and help your plants grow strong and healthy. You can start adding fertilizer to your soil even before your plants emerge. Throughout the summer, it’s a good idea to keep a regular feeding schedule. How often you should feed them may depend on what type of plant you grow. For example, tomatoes, peppers, and many other vegetables might benefit from plant food every one or two weeks, while some flowers require fertilization only every couple of months. 

Look Out for Pests

As a gardener, it’s important to keep on the lookout for pests that might otherwise eat all your hard work. Larger pests, like deer and rabbits, can eat large amounts of plants from a garden at one time. Smaller pests, like slugs and snails, can infest garden plots and gnaw holes through your plants. In the El Monte area, small pests like ants, aphids, hornworms, spider mites, snails, and slugs are common. You might also contend with larger pests like gophers and rats. 

You can help protect your plants by taking preventative measures against garden pests. Consider using netting around your most appetizing vegetables, instituting floating garden beds, or using organic pest control substances on your flowers. You can include certain herbs in your garden that naturally keep away certain pests. For example, you can repel aphids with chives and coriander. You can repel ants with tansy and bean beetles with rosemary. You might do some research on the best options to repel the pests common in your neighborhood. 

Know When to Prune

Pruning can sometimes feel counterintuitive. After all, you’ve worked so hard to grow the plant; why should you cut some of it off? Appropriate pruning can, however, be highly beneficial to your plant’s health. By cutting off dead parts of your plant, you can help the plant focus its energy on the living areas. This may lead to a more flourishing garden in the end. If you’re not sure which plants to prune or when to prune them, you can research each one and find how-to training guides to help.

Start Delicate Plants Inside

If you are growing plants from seeds, the unpredictable outside conditions and changing temperature might be threatening in those vital first few months. For this reason, it can be a good idea to start some delicate plants indoors when you intend to grow them yourself from seeds. You can set up pots with seeds on windowsills or under heat lamps. As the seeds begin to grow, you can transfer the pots outside and, eventually, replant the plants into the ground. 

We’ve just listed six wonderful tips for gardeners in the El Monte area. If you’re a gardening aficionado, we hope these tips will be helpful to you. Speaking of helpful, if you need car assistance to get to the garden store this summer, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 626-377-9741. Whether you’d like to schedule a service visit, or browse our exciting collection of new cars or used vehicles, our friendly staff will be happy to help.

Tags: Compost, Gardening
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If you experience trouble with your car, it’s important to know which tow truck services are available to help you. A tow truck can help you if your car breaks down on the road, or if you encounter someone else’s car abandoned on your property or in a potentially hazardous position. A good tow truck company is timely and professional, and you can trust them to handle your car with care. Our team at Longo Toyota has created a list of the top tow truck companies in El Monte, California, that you can contact if you are ever in need. 

C.B.M. Towing Inc. 

This tow service was first established in 1990, and has been serving the city of El Monte, California, ever since. This company services cars and light trucks. Services include auto-recovery after towing, car lockouts, and roadside assistance. This means that, whether you need to tow your car away from a busy highway or if you need assistance with a tire change, you can call C.B.M. Towing Inc. If an unauthorized vehicle is parked on your private property or blocking your driveway, you can also call C.B.M. for private property towing assistance. 

C.B.M. offers 24/7 emergency service, and you can contact at any time by phone at 626-246-6003. You can also stop by the office at 2457 Durfee Ave., El Monte. All company drivers are trained and certified by the California Tow Truck Association. The company is also a member of the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce and the Business Consumer Alliance. 

Reyes Towing Inc.

Reyes Towing Inc. is a family-owned and operated towing business that provides affordable towing and roadside assistance services in the San Gabriel Valley. Founded in 2007, this company offers towing for cars, SUVs, trucks, and light-duty trucks. You can also call for auto transportation, lockout assistance, flat tire repair, jump starts, and dead battery assistance. You can also get a 10% discount on your auto transportation services if you mention the website at the time of your call. Vehicle owners, auto dealerships, body shops, and auction houses can all benefit from these services. 

You can call this company at 626-703-2307 at any time of the day or night, or visit their location at 11331 Stewart St., El Monte. Reyes Towing Inc. is licensed and insured. They also accept both credit card and cash payments. 

Angel’s City Towing 2

Angel’s City Towing 2 is a reliable El Monte tow company that can provide assistance with a wide range of vehicles, including cars, busses, boats, motorcycles, RVs, trailers, trucks, SUVs, and even commercial or oversized vehicles. They offer towing and roadside assistance with a 20-minute response time. After you make your request, you can expect text message updates until the tow truck arrives. Tow technicians are also happy to answer any questions you may have. 

This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and serves the El Monte area. The company is located at 3102 Seaman Ave, El Monte. You can call them at 323-571-6101.

Hawk Towing

If you’re looking for full roadside assistance coverage, you can call Hawk Towing. This company offers 24/7 emergency service and offers a 30-minute response time to requests. Specific El Monte services include auto mechanic services, gas refueling, flat tire assistance, car battery replacement, car lockout services, and towing. Hawk Towing covers towing for motorcycles and luxury vehicles. It also offers emergency towing, long-distance towing, and heavy-duty towing with flatbed trucks and tow dollies. 

You can call this company at 818-337-5393. Besides El Monte, Hawk Towing services Alhambra, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Downey, Gardena, Glendale, Manhattan Beach, Norwalk, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica, Torrance, Van Nuys, West Covina, and Buena Park. This company provides service 24 hours per day, seven days a week, every day of the year. All Hawk Towing drivers and operators carry licenses, insurance, and certifications. 

JVR Towing

Are you looking for a tow truck service that specializes in removing junk vehicles? If so, look no further than JVR Towing. Based in Los Angeles, this company offers 24/7 emergency towing and offers cash in exchange for junk cars. This means you can call with a car in any condition, have it removed, and even gain some money in return. JVR Towing also offers traditional towing and roadside assistance like car towing, motorcycle towing, truck towing, fuel delivery, and virtual consultations. 

To contact this company, call 323-299-0109. This company offers services from certified professionals in either English or Spanish. In addition to El Monde, JVR Towing services cities like Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Commerce, Downey, Whittier, Covina, and Arcadia. 

Pasadena Tow Truck

Pasadena Tow Truck is a company that serves the Pasadena area, including South El Monte. This is a towing referral service, which means you can call the Pasadena Tow Truck company if you experience trouble on the road, and they will connect you to a reputable tow truck company nearby. You can call for services like towing, hauling, fuel delivery, tire changing, car lockout, battery boosting, and other roadside assistance. You can also call for assistance with scrap car removal or fuel delivery if you run out of gas on the road. 

You can get in touch with this service by calling 626-587-3429. They are located at 115 W California Boulevard #1033, Pasadena. This company also services the areas of Torrance, Los Angeles, Burbank, Santa Monica, Hacienda Heights, Rosemead, San Gabriel Valley, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Carson, Palmdale, Long Beach, and Monrovia. 

And there you have it. These are six top tow truck services you can call if you run into car, truck, or motorcycle trouble in El Monte, California. We at Longo Toyota know how stressful it can be when your car breaks down, so we are proud to help connect our customers to reliable tow truck services to help them out. 

Need some more in-depth servicing after your tow truck rescue? Schedule a service with us and bring your car down to our dealership at 3534 Peck Rd., El Monte. Our experienced technicians will be delighted to help you diagnose and fix any issue you may be experiencing. If you’re looking to sell or trade your current car in exchange for one of our fabulous used vehicles of a similar value, we can help you with that as well. Give us a call at 626-377-9743 to get the ball rolling.

Tags: Tow Services
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If you love Japanese food, there’s no shortage of places to find it in El Monte, California. We’re lucky to have a variety of restaurants serving authentic, high-quality Japanese cuisine, from sushi and ramen to tempura and teriyaki. The next time you have a craving for miso soup, sashimi, or grilled unagi, use this guide to find some of the best Japanese food in El Monte.

TOMO Sushi and Teriyaki

When you’re in the mood for an authentic Japanese meal, look no further than TOMO Sushi and Teriyaki. While known for its sushi, the restaurant serves a variety of Japanese dishes, all made with fresh ingredients. The extensive menu features appetizers, tempura, salads, bowls, and teriyaki plates. Try the grilled unagi bowl, featuring grilled eel in eel sauce with avocado, cucumber, gobo, and masago, or the kalbi barbecue short ribs, which come with steamed rice and cabbage.

Of course, the restaurant offers dozens of sushi options, ranging from hand rolls to sushi and maki combinations. Choose from classic favorites, such as the California and spicy tuna hand rolls, or special rolls like the hot night roll, featuring crab meat, shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, gobo, and spicy tuna. The restaurant offers party platters for large groups, including a 64-piece California roll platter and a 56-piece special roll platter.

TOMO Sushi and Teriyaki is at 10910 Rush St. #5 in South El Monte. It’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and it’s closed on Sunday. Online ordering is available.

Daikokuya

For classic Japanese cuisine, visit Daikokuya in El Monte. It’s part of the Bishamon Group, which operates 15 Japanese restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area. The group’s founder, Takaaki Kohyama, strives to promote Japanese culture and cuisine in each restaurant, including the El Monte location.

The Daikokuya menu features a range of delectable dishes. Start with an appetizer, such as the homemade gyoza, made fresh daily. For an entree, try one of the restaurant’s specialty dishes. The Daikoku ramen features the restaurant’s famous tonkotsu soup and secret blended soy sauce. Other favorites include the chashu pork bowl, the spicy miso ramen, and the vegan white creamy ramen.

Daikokuya is at 9911 Garvey Ave. in El Monte. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining, to-go orders, and online delivery.

Sakura Grill

A favorite among El Monte locals, Sakura Grill offers a modern take on traditional Japanese dishes. The restaurant uses high-quality, fresh ingredients in its dishes. The menu features a range of options, including appetizers, fried rice, and hibachi.

Start your meal with one of the restaurant’s appetizers, such as harumaki, a fried Japanese spring roll. For a main course, try the restaurant’s specialty entrée, the super chicken katsu. The dish features deep-fried chicken served with homemade katsu sauce and comes with fried rice and a house green salad. If you prefer hibachi, you can’t go wrong with any of the options at Sakura Grill. Each hibachi dish comes prepared with the restaurant’s homemade teriyaki sauce or the house special hibachi sauce.

Sakura Grill is at 2534 Tyler Ave. in El Monte. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The restaurant offers online ordering for takeout.

Ramen Ichiraku

Satisfy your taste buds with a trip to Ramen Ichiraku for lunch or dinner. The menu features a wide range of classic and contemporary Japanese dishes. While it’s a favorite spot for ramen, the restaurant also serves a variety of rice dishes and other cuisines.

As an appetizer or side dish, choose the pork or chicken gyoza or shrimp tempura. If you’re craving hot pot, try the naruto chasu ramen, featuring sliced flavored pork and fish cake with pork broth, or the seafood ramen, made with grilled salmon, shrimp, and mussel squid with pork broth. The restaurant also serves a variety of jasmine green teas, with flavors ranging from mango to honey to lychee.

Ramen Ichiraku is at 10343 Garvey Ave. in El Monte. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Online ordering is available for pickup and delivery.

Tasty Bowl

You’d be remiss to pass up an opportunity to eat at Tasty Bowl. The restaurant features a wide-ranging menu with traditional Japanese favorites, including steamed rice bowls and seafood plates. With high-quality food and hefty portions, you’ll leave Tasty Bowl fed and happy.

For an entrée, try the shrimp tempura plate, served with cabbage, broccoli, and carrots, or a classic bowl, featuring chicken, beef, salmon, shrimp, or veggies over a bed of steamed rice. On a rainy day, nothing beats the restaurant’s ramen noodle soup, available with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tempura. Pair your meal with a bubble tea, known as boba. Tasty Bowl offers a variety of boba, including milk tea, strawberry green tea, and watermelon green tea.

Tasty Bowl is at 2603 Tyler Ave. in El Monte. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant offers online ordering for pickup, curbside, and delivery.

Sushi Ajiwa

For some of the best sushi in town, make plans to visit Sushi Ajiwa. With an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, everyone in your party is sure to find something they like. The menu also features appetizers, salads, and omakase for one or two people.

Start your meal at Sushi Ajiwa with a mouthwatering appetizer, such as the wasabi octopus, marinated with kizami wasabi. The salads are a meal in themselves and come served with house dressing or Japanese dressing. For a main course, try one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, which include the mango crunch roll with spicy crab meat and mango, the Baja roll with spicy tuna and cucumber, and the dragon roll with crab meat, cucumber, and avocado.

Sushi Ajiwa is at 10627 Main St. in El Monte. It’s open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. It’s closed on Monday. The restaurant offers online ordering for pickup.

Now you know where to find some of the best Japanese food in El Monte, California. Have you ever been to one of these restaurants? What’s your favorite dish to order? If we didn’t include your favorite Japanese restaurant on our list, make sure to send a message to Longo Toyota and let us know. We love showcasing some of the best places to visit in our hometown — especially when they involve food.

Tags: California Rolls, Japanese Food, Ramen, Sushi
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One of the best parts of being local to Los Angeles is your endless access to recreational activities. With so many towns incorporated within LA county, the region is full of rec centers and parks designed for community outdoor activity and events. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous outdoor excursion or a relaxing day at the pool, everyone in the El Monte area can find something fun to do with their free time right here in our community. 

Our team at Longo Toyota has put together this list of the top five recreation centers near El Monte, California, so you and your loved ones can have plenty of great options the next time you’re looking for a fun, local outing. 

Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

The first spot on our list is the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, located near the city of El Monte in South El Monte, California. This 1,492-acre park is one of the largest and most popular recreation areas in all of LA County. No matter your age, you can have a great time at Whittier Narrows. With a partner or group, you can play games on the park’s baseball fields, soccer fields, volleyball courts, and tennis courts. Or, you can enjoy the BMX track, equestrian center and trails, disc golf courses, fishing lakes, hiking and mountain biking trails, and fitness courses. 

The park also has plenty to offer your little ones, including tram tours and train rides, children’s play areas, and dance and theater arts lessons. Whittier Narrows has seasonal bike and boat rentals, a nature center, and the American Military Museum. There’s a vehicle entrance fee on weekends and holidays of $7 per day and annual permits of $150 are also available for frequent visitors. 

Location: 750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte

Phone: 626-575-5526

Peck Road Water Conservation Park

The next recreation center on our list is the Peck Road Water Conservation Park, located nearby El Monte in Arcadia, California. This humble five-acre park has served the El Monte, Arcadia, and Temple City communities for over 25 years and has become a symbol for local recreation in the area. Some amenities you can take advantage of at Peck Road Water Conservation Park include barbecues, picnic tables, and restrooms, offering everything you need for a successful picnic or park day. 

If you’re looking for more adventurous recreational activities, you can try the mountain biking trails and hiking trails at Peck Road. This park is what’s referred to as a “passive use park,” meaning there aren’t any scheduled activities led by the County. Instead, you can use the park’s amenities at your own discretion, whether that involves taking a bike ride along the park’s trail, going on a leisurely stroll, or grilling up some tasty treats on the barbecue. 

Location: 5401 N. Peck Road, Acadia

Phone: 626-334-1065

San Angelo Park

Just south of the City of El Monte is San Angelo Park, a recreation center in La Puente, California. This park is another great choice if your group includes a variety of ages, interests, and abilities.

Your sports enthusiasts can burn energy on their baseball fields, basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, and softball fields. The park also offers lessons for baseball, t-ball, cheerleading, flag football, martial arts, and dance. Or bring your little ones to the children’s play area or splash pad while you make use of the park’s complimentary picnic shelters and barbecues. 

The park also offers indoor community resources, including computer labs and multipurpose rooms for meetings and lectures. And they host other community amenities, such as their after-school programs, various sports lessons, summer lunch program, and free concerts. Whatever you’re looking for in a recreation center, we’re confident that San Angelo Park will surpass your expectations. 

Location: 245 S. San Angelo Ave., La Puente

Phone: 626-333-6162

Avenue Park

The next spot on our list is Avenue Park, which, like San Angelo, is located south of El Monte in La Puente, California. This park has plenty to offer in terms of recreation and is sure to satisfy your needs, regardless of your age or interests. Your young children can spend their time running around the park’s two large playgrounds. You and your older kids may enjoy the unique skate park, where local kids gather to exercise and practice. 

Much like the other recreation centers in LA County, Avenue Park has many complimentary amenities available to guests. These include picnic tables, restrooms, group picnic shelters, and barbecues.

This park also draws in visitors thanks to its beautiful and scenic walking paths with freshly manicured landscapes and native Californian flowers. Avenue Park takes reservations, so if you’re planning on hosting an event, like a birthday party or other gathering that uses one of their picnic shelters, secure your spot by calling ahead. 

Location: 553 S. Fourth Ave., La Puente

Phone: 626-333-6162

Reservations Phone: 888-239-6700

Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area

The final spot on our list of the top five recreation centers is the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area just north of El Monte. With the beautiful backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, this 836-acre area park is a great place for your whole family to find fun and scenic recreational activities.

If everyone needs a break from the heat, you can bring them to Santa Fe’s 70-acre lake to play in the water, boat, or fish year-round. There’s also a five-acre chlorinated “swim beach” and play area. There’s no better place to cool off on a hot day. 

You also may enjoy the park’s hiking trails, sailing areas, camping sites, and nature walks. Their Nature Center provides informative walking tours about the area’s native plant and animal species. Other amenities include boat launches, equestrian trails, concession stands, picnic shelters, biking trails, sports courts, bird walks, and pedal boating. 

Location: 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Baldwin Park

Phone: 626-334-1065

So, there you have it. That’s our list of the top five recreation areas in the El Monte area. We hope you found this article helpful and can use it the next time you’re searching for a fun rec center in our community. Did we leave out one of your favorite recreation spots in El Monte? Have a suggestion for a future article about fun things to do in the Los Angeles area? Contact us today at Longo Toyota, and a member of our dedicated team will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Tags: Local, Parks, Recreation Centers
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As electric vehicles become more popular, major car brands have started to take notice. Toyota is no stranger to the hybrid and electric vehicle market, and the release of its 2023 all-electric bZ4X marks the start of its new EV line. The innovative bZ4X will be available for purchase in 2023, but if you’re in the market for an electric car, then you might want to start researching this choice now. To help you learn more about Toyota’s upcoming electric vehicle, our staff has put together this overview of the bZ4X’s trim levels and features.

Exciting Trim Levels To Choose From

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X will be available in two trim levels, the XLE and the Limited. The XLE is slated to be Toyota’s entry-level model, with basic features and a lower price point than the Limited. This model also comes standard with front-wheel drive and a 250-mile range on a single charge. If you want an amazing electric vehicle that saves you money on the lot and at the pump, the XLE is a great choice.

If you need a car with more adept handling, you might want to consider the Limited model with its all-wheel-drive capabilities. The Limited comes with an estimated 230 miles of range, so it can travel slightly less distance on a single charge, but offers more control on rough terrain. Though it has a slightly higher price tag, the Limited model also has more standard features than the XLE model. But no matter what trim level you choose, you’ll benefit from Toyota’s innovative electric engine and spacious interior.

Stunning Exterior Design

The sleek and modern exterior of the bZ4X is another reason to get excited. The bZ4X modernizes the classic SUV exterior design by adding striking lines and electrifying accents. As a midsize crossover vehicle, the bZ4X combines the efficiency of smaller sedans with the comfort of full-sized utility vehicles. While many design options have yet to be finalized by Toyota, the car manufacturer has released the possible color options for the bZ4X: Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red, and Windchill Pearl.

Toyota describes the design of its first all-electric vehicle as “hi-tech and emotional.” You can see that its design philosophy is present in the bold and striking design of the bZ4X. With aerodynamic lines, the curved shape of the front bumper creates a distinct profile that separates the bZ4X from other cars on the road. Even at a glance, it’s easy to see the modern design influences on this car. The lithium-ion battery is tightly packed into the floor of the vehicle, so there’s plenty of room for storage on both sides of the car.

Electrifying Performance

Created with Toyota’s new e-TNGA platform, the bZ4X delivers outstanding performance on any road conditions. The electric Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) is the manufacturer’s design model for all of its upcoming electric vehicles. It features variable and non-variable elements for flexibility in the car’s dimensions. By utilizing this electric drivetrain system, the bZ4X builds on the legendary performance of iconic models like the Prius while introducing a completely electric motor.

Beyond the innovative electrical design, the bZ4X delivers impressive handling with its cross-framing structure. This design choice gives the car a lightweight body while maintaining structural rigidity. The combination of high tensile steel and enhanced suspension systems gives the bZ4X unrivaled responsiveness and agility when compared to similar models. A brand-new accelerator pedal design creates a smooth driving experience, and the intelligent throttle system maximizes traction on slippery roads. The all-wheel-drive model also comes with Grip-Control, which is Toyota’s solution for maintaining performance when off-roading.

Modern Tech Features

The interior tech features of the 2023 bZ4X are as advanced as the car itself. Drivers can enjoy the user interface that offers feedback from touch and voice controls. The navigation system not only delivers you safely to your destination but can also use real-time cloud data to find parking spaces in crowded areas. The digital key connects to your mobile device so you can lock, unlock, and start your car right from the palm of your hand. You can even transfer control of your car to family or friends with just the touch of a button.

To maximize smartphone compatibility, the bZ4X offers five USB ports as well as wireless charging technology. You never need to worry about your phone’s battery with this car’s intuitive integrations. The 12.3-inch touch screen gives you access to all of your device’s functionality from a single control center. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this touch screen works with all major media devices. With all these seamless integrations, you’ll never miss a beat with your bZ4X.

Safety Features You Can Trust

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X delivers comprehensive safety features that match the car’s stunning performance and comfort. The all-new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard on every model and provides an impressive array of safety features. You can trust this system to automatically prevent accidents before they occur with its new low-light cyclist detection and daytime motorcyclist detection. Lane recognition keeps you on track to your destination while the Lane Tracing Assist mode helps increase visibility even when driving under tough conditions.

As Toyota continues to develop new safety features, the bZ4X will automatically download updates from the cloud. By constantly refreshing its safety software, this vehicle stays up-to-date with all the latest innovations. This system also keeps you updated on all nearby charging locations, so you never need to worry about where you can refresh your vehicle’s battery. If you want a car that’s constantly adapting and improving itself, there’s nothing quite like the bZ4X.

This was just a brief overview of what we currently know about the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. As we get closer to the car’s release date, we will be able to provide more up-to-date information about pricing and available features. If you want to hear about all the newest information surrounding this exciting car or schedule a test drive, please give us a call. One of our team members would be happy to give you an update or assistance.

Tags: bZ4X, EV, Toyota
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