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
Posted in Local | No Comments »

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
Posted in Local | No Comments »

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
Posted in Local | No Comments »

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
Posted in Electric Vehicle | 1 Comment »