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Moving to a new city can be a big decision, so it's essential that you make the right one. Before you move somewhere new, you'll most likely start by researching the area you're considering. This helps you decide whether to move there and gives you a chance to get to know the new city. If you're considering relocating to El Monte, California, then you'll want to learn more about the community. So, to help you make your choice, we've created this list of reasons we think El Monte is an excellent place to live and why we love our town. more Walkability and Public Transit Image by Matthew Cooksey is licensed by Unsplash License The options for getting around your new neighborhood may be part of your decision-making criteria. Your commute time, location of kids' schools, and distance to shopping contribute to how you structure your day, so you'll want to know how long it will get from one place to the next. You'll be happy to know that El Monte ranks as a very walkable city. This makes it easy to get to many locations without requiring a car. The less you have to use your vehicle, the less frequently you'll need to fuel up, saving you money. If you have a bike, it will make getting around that much easier and faster. You also have the option of using the city's public transportation system. The Metro – Los Angeles bus system has over 60 bus stops in El Monte, and there's also one Metrolink rail stop here, so there are plenty of ways to get where you need to go. The I-10 and I-605 freeways are nearby when you need to drive yourself. Employment The business-friendly attitude in El Monte attracts employers to the area as well as entrepreneurs. Von's Distribution Warehouse, the Wells Fargo Operations Center, and our business, Longo Lexus, are some of the area's largest employers. But, of course, there are other great companies to work for and many large retail establishments, such as Sam's Club, Home Depot, and Sears Essentials. If you're thinking about opening your own business, then El Monte might be just the place for you. You'll feel welcome in El Monte, whether you bring a restaurant, specialty store, or house cleaning business to the area. Because it's Los Angeles' largest outlying community, you'll find no shortage of people wanting to support you and your small business. Growing Community With an expanding population, you can expect even more benefits to living in El Monte. More people means more businesses and industries will move here too. This, in turn, means that more jobs will be available to residents, so they don't have to travel as far to get to work. When things are closer to home, it gives us more time to spend with our families. As El Monte attracts more families, it helps build up the excellence of the local school systems because more parents are rallying behind the quality of their children's education. The more people insist on a better education for their kids, the better that education will be. El Monte's diverse population also brings different viewpoints together regarding what will be best for the community, making it a comfortable place for everyone. New housing is another factor in helping the area to flourish, especially since the housing cost in El Monte is much lower than in other regions of California. Close to Everything As we said earlier, you won't spend as much time getting around when you're close to everything you need. In El Monte, your shopping options are varied and close by. Your weekly groceries can be found at a traditional grocery store, and you'll even find specialty food stores that carry hard-to-find items. In addition, there are plenty of clothing stores, churches, doctor's offices, and banks nearby, making it convenient for every need you may have. Nothing is too far away, whether it's a new pair of shoes or a tool to fix the house. When you want to spend time in Los Angeles, you can easily catch the train or make the drive yourself, as it's only 12 miles away. That means you can see a show, go on a shopping trip, and visit attractions in the city just about any time you like. And whenever hunger strikes and you're looking for a good place to eat, there are plenty of great restaurants right here in El Monte. In fact, you can find nearly any cuisine you can think of without having to leave the area. Weather Weather is another reason to move to El Monte. Temperatures here never get too hot or too cold. The average high in January is a balmy 70 degrees, while the lows only get down into the 40s, so you won't have to worry about shoveling snow. It can get close to 90 degrees during July and August, but averages are in the mid-80s. Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and forests, where the temperatures remain cooler. The summer lows are in the 60s, ideal for opening windows to enjoy the breeze. The mild weather attracts many people to the area. Winters can be wet and cloudy, but moisture is often welcome after the dry weather in summer. You'll enjoy sunny days during most seasons in El Monte. Although storms can happen, our weather is usually fantastic, and it's part of what many love about living here. If you'd like to live near Los Angeles but don't want the city's busyness and high cost of living, we highly recommend El Monte. It's perfect for families and those just starting out. We'd love to have you here. Make sure you look into everything our area offers so you can make the right decision. Everyone wants to live in a place that feels like home. So come visit El Monte; we're sure you'll want to be a part of our community. While you're here, stop by Longo Lexus, and we'd be happy to tell you more about the area.

If you have other financial goals you'd like to meet this year and don't have a lot of cash lying around at the moment, you may be interested in financing a new vehicle with Longo Lexus. Many customers enjoy financing their vehicles with us so they can start on the path toward vehicle ownership without making a large upfront payment. Read on to learn about why you should finance your Lexus vehicle with Longo Lexus. more Become a Proud Lexus Owner With Convenient Financing Options Longo Lexus If you've always dreamed of owning a Lexus vehicle, our team at Longo Lexus can help you realize this aspiration. We have convenient financing options for all interested customers. Our typical loan periods range from 24 to 72 months, and each has distinct benefits. For example, a 24-month loan period will result in higher monthly payments, but you won't pay as much interest. If you opt for a 72-month loan period, you won't have to pay as high of an amount each month, but you'll end up paying more interest over the entire period. Our team understands that customers are in different financial situations and have different goals, so we're able to offer you a loan that's right for your circumstances. If you're able to, you can make a larger down payment and pay less interest over your loan period. If you aren't able to make a down payment, we may be able to secure you a loan regardless. Finance New or Used Vehicles When you browse our inventory at Longo Lexus, you're sure to find a vehicle that catches your eye. Whether it's a brand-new 2023 model or a more modest model from the 2010s or earlier, we can help you secure a loan for your desired vehicle. Our team offers financing options for new and used vehicles, so you don't have to worry about paying out of pocket. Choose a new car, a pre-owned SUV, or anything in between. Thanks to the flexibility of our financing options, you can secure a loan for a vehicle that Lexus no longer makes. You can also secure a loan for a brand-new model. If you ever want to sell your financed vehicle, we encourage you to return to Longo Lexus to complete your sale. We'll provide you with a fair offer for your financed vehicle based on current market conditions. You can dedicate the cash you receive to financing the next best vehicle on our lot. Shop for a New Vehicle and Secure Financing All in One Place When you shop for a new vehicle at other dealerships, you may have to tediously apply for financing through another business. This can make the financing process confusing, and you may experience a longer wait period for approval. When you shop for a new vehicle at Longo Lexus, you can secure financing with us as well. You won't have to go to a third party to apply for financing. Instead, our financial representatives assist you with the paperwork process and help you receive quick and efficient approval. They'll also take the time to discuss different loan periods and interest rates so you can decide on the loan terms that work for you. Protect Your Investment With Maintenance Plans Through Longo Lexus When you finance a vehicle with Longo Lexus, you can take a few minutes to sign up for a maintenance plan through our dealership. Getting on our maintenance schedule is a wise move, as you can protect your investment for years to come. Depending on the type of vehicle, its current condition, and its expected usage, you can sign up for the appropriate maintenance schedule. Some customers may come in every year, while others may come in when their vehicle hits a certain mileage. If any unexpected mechanical or cosmetic issues arise when you're enjoying your newly financed vehicle, you can bring it into our service center. One of our experienced technicians will diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate repair to get you back on the road efficiently and safely. Don't Worry About Your Credit Score We help customers with varying credit scores obtain a loan for their desired Lexus vehicle. If you have a poor credit history, there's no need to shy away from applying for a loan. Our team has years of experience with understanding individuals' diverse financial circumstances and helping them secure manageable loans. We can also help an applicant apply with a co-applicant to decrease the interest rate they'll be responsible for once the loan period begins. Enjoy the Benefits of Leasing Here at Longo Lexus, we understand that not everyone wants to purchase their vehicle outright. They may want to lease it instead, which is a type of financing. When you lease a Lexus vehicle, you pay for the right to use it for a specified period. While you have restricted mileage on your vehicle and customization limitations, many customers happily accept these minor restrictions so they can benefit from lower monthly payments. Customers who lease also enjoy extra peace of mind, as their vehicle has coverage under the Lexus New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage. If you notice defects in the materials or workmanship that aren't caused by misuse, a lack of maintenance, or other Lexus-specified factors, Longo Lexus will address them free of charge. When you lease, you can choose a lease period that works for your situation. Most leases are two-, three-, or four-year periods, but Longo Lexus can help you decide on the most suitable option if you're not sure what's right for you. A longer lease period will result in lower monthly payments, so you may choose to select a longer period if you want to keep your month-to-month costs as low as possible. Once your lease period expires, you have several options. For instance, you can extend your lease if you really liked your vehicle but aren't ready to commit to purchasing it. You can also buy the vehicle to become the permanent owner. Additionally, you can return the vehicle to Longo Lexus and get a new one. Many customers who lease prefer the return option, as it gives them the chance to drive a brand-new vehicle every couple of years. Are you ready to finance your next vehicle with Longo Lexus? Contact our team today to discuss financing options and explore our inventory of vehicles so you can find the one that's right for you and your family.

California is the country’s healthiest state, according to a 2022 study from Innerbody Research, with its residents more likely to seek out gyms and healthy dining options than anywhere else in the country. Regions like the El Monte neighborhood support a healthy lifestyle, with gyms that help you have fun while you’re working out. Whether you’ve always been active or you’re turning over a new leaf in 2023, these fantastic local gyms can help you achieve your fitness goals. more Entity Fitness Entity Fitness Interior Entity Fitness provides a personal gym experience to help you identify and achieve your fitness goals. Its personal trainers customize programs to help members improve their physical and mental strength. The on-ramp program introduces you to Entity’s personal and group training and nutrition sessions, so you can learn what works best for you. It caters to beginners, people with advanced fitness, and everyone in between, so you never feel out of your depth. Entity runs small group fitness classes to support you better and open gym sessions where you can work out with your choice of equipment. Anyone who comes in and mentions this blog can receive a free InBody scan, a $30 value. An InBody scan is a non-invasive body composition analysis that provides a detailed breakdown of a person's body composition. During an InBody scan, the individual stands on a specialized device and their hands and feet are wiped down with a tissue to increase conductivity. The device then measures their weight and sends an electrical signal through the body to calculate the impedance of various tissues. The results of an InBody scan can help individuals track their fitness and weight loss progress, and can also provide valuable information for healthcare professionals in managing certain health conditions. Location: 212 E. Pomona Ave., Monrovia. Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends. Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing and Youth Fitness Gym The Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing and Youth Fitness Gym is a haven for young people right here in El Monte. Named after the late Jerry Ortiz, a former El Monte resident and Los Angeles County deputy sheriff killed in the line of duty, it aims to engage young people in Mr. Ortiz’s favorite sport: boxing. The gym has a special interest in helping at-risk youth, but all children are welcome to try the facilities and discover boxing in this safe, supervised environment. Location: 4557 Lexington Ave., El Monte. Hours: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Hidden Strength Gym If sweating it out in front of a bunch of strangers intimidates you, Hidden Strength Gym might be for you. It’s open by appointment, so there are usually fewer people on the premises than in traditional gyms. Just DM the team on Instagram or complete the online contact form, and they’ll set up a training time for you. The gym features traditional and high-tech fitness equipment to make you fitter and stronger, including bars, dumbbells, kettlebells, leg extension and hamstring stations, stair masters, bikes, and more. Trainers are also on hand to help you with any equipment that’s unfamiliar to you. Location: 1442 Arrow Highway, Unit K, Irwindale. Hours: Open by appointment. Speakeasy Fitness Speakeasy Fitness is a small California chain with seven branches. El Monte residents have an easy drive to the Pasadena gym, which features weights and equipment in a cool, nightclub-style space with bold lights, cinema screens, and upbeat music to keep you motivated. The Pasadena location is also one of three Speakeasy Fitness gyms with exercise classes. Sessions like Bikini Bootcamp help you vary your workout routine. Location: 39 S. Altadena Drive, Pasadena. Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. South Pas Fitness Touted as the number one gym in South Pasadena, South Pas Fitness boasts 20,000 square feet of workout space, with strength machines and free weights to help you tone and build muscle and a functional training section with battle ropes, punching bags, and more. Improve your cardio workout with a virtual or instructor-led session in the cycling room. South Pas Fitness also has a variety of other instructor-led group fitness sessions, including Bodylicious, Zumba, kickboxing, and HIIT circuits. After your workout, unwind in the sauna or with a nutritious beverage at the Kafana juice and coffee bar. Location: 220 Pasadena Ave., South Pasadena. Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends. Studio Physique Athletic Club Studio Physique Athletic Club is a boutique gym developed by Super Bowl champion turned personal trainer Justin Watson. As a small fitness club, the team at Studio Physique can work with you to set goals and lead you through training sessions. Its workout options include circuit training, martial arts, Pilates, and sports-specific training to ensure you’re never bored. There are also youth training options for kids and massage and acupuncture therapy for pain management. Location: 315 N. San Marino Ave., San Gabriel. Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. 3volution 7itness 3volution 7itness is another excellent fitness option in San Gabriel. Its female trainers take a holistic approach to health, offering one-on-one and group training sessions to help members lose weight and tone their muscles in tandem with nutritional meal plans. 3volution 7itness offers a complimentary first class via its website so you can try the gym before committing to a membership. Location: 5214 Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel. Hours: 6 a.m. to midday and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to midday and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to midday Saturday. 99 Barbell 99 Barbell is a gym with a difference. While it offers memberships like a commercial gym, it bills itself as a private training facility. The owners invite you to tour the indoor and outdoor training areas before signing up to decide whether it’s the right fit for you. 99 Barbell focuses on supporting members of the community who come from all walks of life. You’re free to use the equipment independently or work with a personal trainer. 99 Barbell also has an in-house rehabilitation team who can help you manage pain and recover from injuries more effectively. Location: 36 W. Live Oak Ave., Arcadia. Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. For a sophisticated vehicle with enough space for all your workout essentials, come visit the team at Longo Lexus in El Monte. We can get you to your favorite gym in style with one of our modern new vehicles or a high-quality pre-loved car. We’re open every day until late for your convenience, so there’s no better time to meet your next vehicle at Longo Lexus.

If you love breakfast foods but hate early mornings, brunch is the perfect meal for you. Thankfully, there are plenty of great cafés in the El Monte, California, area that serve delicious brunches. So, enjoy your sleep-in, then check out these excellent local brunch options. more Annia’s Kitchen Fruit Salad on Grey Bowls photo by Brooke Lark is licensed with Unsplash License If you’re catching a flight or just arriving home, make sure you stop by Annia’s Kitchen in the lobby of El Monte’s San Gabriel Valley Airport. This humble eatery serves its breakfast menu all day, so it’s always a good time for brunch. The menu celebrates American and Mexican fare, with breakfast burritos, French toast, Eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, and more. Expect quick, friendly service that gets you where you need to be with a satisfied smile on your face. Location: 4233 Santa Anita Ave., El Monte. Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Flo’s Coffee Shop Flo’s Coffee Shop is another local brunch spot you shouldn’t underestimate. While it’s not flashy, its perfect five-star TripAdvisor rating at the time of this writing shows that this mom-and-pop place gets the basics right. Satisfied diners rave about the pancakes, huevos rancheros, and enchiladas verde. With warm, welcoming service and generous, fresh meals, eating here might be as close as you’ll get to a home-cooked brunch when you’re eating out. Location: 4597 Peck Road, El Monte. Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. El Pescador Family Restaurant For more Mexican vibes, head to El Pescador, a family restaurant that’s proud of its heritage. It serves omelets, chilaquiles, and breakfast specials from 8 a.m. Although the omelets and chilaquiles aren’t available after 11 a.m., you can get the breakfast specials until 3 p.m. for a small surcharge. If you value a substantial meal after a sleep-in, you’ll gladly pay extra. Each one comes with beans, rice, homemade potatoes, and warm tortillas. Good luck finishing it all, but you’ll certainly enjoy trying. Location: 11740 Valley Blvd., El Monte. Hours: 8.am to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The Benediction by Toast The Benediction by Toast is another place to come if you love your brunch on the hearty side. Although there are standard light options, such as omelets and avocado toast, it also offers more substantial fare, including the ribeye and filet mignon. You can also enjoy sides of country potatoes, fried green tomatoes, unique hash brown chips, and more. Try a specialty tea or coffee or indulge with mimosas, margaritas, or a Bloody Mary. This café is located in Industry, 12 minutes from El Monte, and has a cool hipster vibe and plenty of outdoor seating for taking in that California sun. Location: 17051 Colima Road, Industry. Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The Peach Café In Monrovia, 13 minutes north of El Monte, The Peach Café serves up artisanal breakfasts, brunches, and lunches daily. It puts the focus on fresh ingredients showcased through classic dishes. Try one of the house specialties, such as Life Rice, made with brown rice, egg whites, and plenty of veggies, or the house-made granola. There’s also an extensive list of caffeinated brews. It’s a small café, so expect a little wait, especially if you visit on the weekend. Satisfied repeat diners insist brunch at The Peach Café is always worth it. Location: 141 E. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia. Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Café de Olla With the opening of Café de Olla’s new Monrovia eatery, you needn’t travel to Burbank for your fix. Despite the expansion, Café de Olla remains a family-owned and operated establishment focused on showcasing traditional Mexican/American dishes at all times of the day. Make sure you try their famous chilaquiles poblanos, either on their own, in an omelet, or as part of a combo meal. They’re perfect with the signature Café de Olla, a cinnamon-infused coffee. Location: 423 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Millie’s Café Millie’s Café serves breakfast and lunch all day, so it doesn’t matter what time you arrive or what food you enjoy for brunch. Those menus have so many choices, including many gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Millie’s will also help you eat healthier by substituting whole eggs for whites, swapping fruit cups and side salads for potatoes, or adding sauteed veggies to your eggs. If you want to indulge, this café also has you covered with waffles, French toast, bacon, and sausages. Millie’s has two locations, but the Pasadena café is the closest option for El Monte residents. Location: 1399 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Edwin Mills by Equator Two words: bottomless mimosas. Edwin Mills by Equator offers unlimited mimosas during its weekend brunch sessions. Enjoy the standard mimosas for $18 or get adventurous with specialty fruit options for $22. There’s a two-hour booking limit to meet demand. Although mimosas are the drawing card, the food is always exceptional. The quirky meal names like Confused Burrito, That’s a Lot of Protein, and Get Saucy with Sage add to the fun atmosphere. Location: 22 Mills Place, Pasadena. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for brunch. The Lost Parrot Take the 22-minute drive to South Pasadena for the generous brunch options from The Last Parrot. It might be a little way from El Monte, but the café serves brunch until 2 p.m. so you don’t have to rush. The menu offers something for everyone, from avocado toast and veggie omelets for the health-conscious to French toast sticks and the classic American, with eggs, bacon, toast, and potatoes for people wanting to indulge. You’ll also find American classics and Mexican-influenced options, such as chilaquiles and the breakfast burrito. Juices, teas, and coffees, including the creative Lost Lattes, complement the meals. Location: 1929 Huntington Drive, South Pasadena. Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily for brunch. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday for tacos and margaritas. The team at Longo Lexus can’t resist these brunch spots. Have we missed one of your favorite places for brunch? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us online or visit our El Monte dealership to tell us all about it.

The El Monte, California, area offers an abundance of delicious dining options to satisfy cravings of any type. Whether you’re interested in a hearty meal or a sweet treat in El Monte, you’ll have a wide range of choices at your disposal. The selection of Chinese food here is no different. If you’re in the mood for orange chicken, beef and broccoli, or fried rice, we know where you should go. more China Great Buffet Mongolian Beed, FoodJets Express by logan jeffrey is licensed with Unsplash License When you simply can’t decide which delicacy you want, there’s nothing better than a Chinese buffet where you can have it all. China Great Buffet offers all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner, so you can sample everything and indulge in all your favorites. You can also order ahead for carry-out if you prefer to take your meal home. The menu features all your favorites, including beef teriyaki, orange chicken, salt and pepper shrimp, snow crab legs, and beef and broccoli. Round out your meal with classic sides, such as fried rice, spring rolls, and lo mein. You can also enjoy some dishes that depart from typical Chinese cuisine, including coconut shrimp, churros, chicken wings, french fries, and Cajun seafood. These diverse options make it easy to bring the whole family and find something for everyone. Location: 11860 Valley Blvd., El Monte Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily Sunny Express Sunny Express offers a wide selection of Chinese food classics, including Mongolian noodles, teriyaki chicken, broccoli beef, orange chicken, shrimp chow mein, kung pao shrimp, fried rice, hot and sour soup, and fried duck among dozens of other options. Sunny Express distinguishes itself with a selection of American snack foods as well. You’ll find chicken tenders, fries, spicy wings, onion rings, corn dogs, pretzels, fish sticks, mozzarella sticks, and more. The drink menu includes milk tea, Thai tea, and lemonade chia drinks, so there are plenty of fun options to round out your meal. You can even add boba to your drink of choice for bubbly fun. Sunny Express makes it easy to feed a crowd. If you’re buying for a group, you can get all your favorites in great quantities with a family meal or party tray. Location: 9928 Garvey Ave., El Monte Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday Sakura Grill Sakura Grill maintains a small, simple menu that allows them to truly excel at every dish. This Chinese restaurant gets rave reviews for the quality ingredients and outstanding flavor in its convenient meals. You can order chicken, steak, and shrimp in any combination of two proteins with fried rice for a simple and satisfying supper. If you’d like something more filling, you can order a combination of two or even three meats with fried rice, a house green salad, and your choice of a spring roll or kani cheese. Sakura Grill offers a hibachi grilled meals as well, with steak, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables prepared in a teriyaki or house hibachi sauce. Hibachi meals also come with fried rice, a house green salad, and your choice of kani cheese or a spring roll. Sakura Grill has everything you need to build an easy meal that’s amply enjoyable. Location: 2534 Tyler Ave., El Monte Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily Dim Sum King El Monte Build your own well-rounded meal from a seemingly endless range of options on the extensive menu at Dim Sum King El Monte. Most of the regular dishes are around $4, so you can pick and choose an assortment. Options include steamed beef balls, garlic spareribs, BBQ pork buns, rice noodle rolls, chicken sticky rice wraps, sesame balls, and much more. The restaurant’s combos include a preserved egg and salted pork congee with your choice of a sweet rice cake, haim sui gok, or turnip cake. Dim Sum King offers a variety of full entrees if you’d rather opt for a premade meal. You can choose from several classic options like broccoli with beef, chicken with string bean, and shrimp with pepper salt. For rice and noodles, you’ll find fried rice, chow mein, and chow fun ready to satisfy. Location: 11230 Garvey Ave., El Monte Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to Wednesday Sunny Shine BBQ Meals are easily customized at Sunny Shine BBQ, where you can get your noodles or rice of choice with chicken, shrimp, beef, roast pork, or vegetables. Choose from chow fun, Singapore vermicelli, Singapore fried rice, chow mein, and other options. If you’d prefer noodle soup, start with roast duck, BBQ pork, fish ball, or wonton with your choice of udon, mei fun, chow fun, or noodle soup. The entrees allow you to indulge in a number of distinctive flavors, including spicy salty tofu, roast pork belly, pork stomach, clams, and fish cakes. You can also enjoy flavorful combinations, such as pork ribs with bitter melon, winter melon with roast pork belly, braised bean curd with brown sauce, and fish cake with celery and lotus root. Location: 3948 Peck Road #7, El Monte Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday 798 House 798 House offers filling meals featuring all your favorite meats. You can enjoy delicious main dishes based on lamb, beef, pork, tofu, chicken, and seafood. Or why not try tasty dishes, such as grilled lamb rack, Szechuan boiled beef, sweet and sour pork ribs, and spicy fried clam. Fill out your meal with handmade dumplings or fried rice. If you’d prefer a vegetable dish, you’ll find an abundance of options at 798 House. Try the sauteed potato, green pepper, and eggplant, vegetable pie, or scrambled eggs with tomatoes. This restaurant offers outstanding variety in its expertly prepared dishes. Location: 10632 Lower Azusa Road, El Monte Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily Do you know of an outstanding Chinese restaurant in El Monte that we missed? Contact our team at Longo Lexus and let us know! We want to have all the best recommendations in the city.

The El Monte area offers an abundance of delicious options for all your dining needs. From filling meals to sweet treats, you can find it all. When you're craving a hot pizza, though, nothing else will do. Fortunately, El Monte offers numerous local options for this specialty. Here are our top picks. more The Post Pizza Image by Brenna Huff is licensed with Unsplash License The Post Pizza offers a decadent menu that goes above and beyond your average pie. You'll find wings, sandwiches, pastas, salads, zucchini sticks, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, garlic bread, fries, and rounders to help you create the ultimate meal. The Post Pizza offers a dozen specialty pizzas. Make broccoli appealing by piling it on a signature pie with potato, mozzarella, cheddar, bacon, and garlic. If you're looking for something bold and unique, order the Baby J's Pizza with pepperoni, bacon, jalapeno, pineapple, and BBQ sauce. You can also build your own pie at The Post Pizza, where you can choose from a selection of 17 toppings that include all the standard offerings, such as pepperoni and sausage, as well as some original additions, such as shrimp, spinach, and fresh garlic. Pizzas come in six different sizes, ranging from 10" to 20", so there's something for everyone. The restaurant even offers catering, so you can count on The Post Pizza for your special events. Location: 4368 N. Peck Road, El Monte. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Baby Bros Pizza Baby Bros Pizza strives to bring families together and operates under the slogan, "We don't discuss business at the table." You're sure find plenty of other things to talk about at this outstanding pizza joint, where every pizza features fresh, premium ingredients, and the restaurant's TVs offer ample entertainment while you dine. Baby Bros offers an abundance of specialty pizzas with distinctive flavors. The pastrami pizza features pastrami, pickles, and mustard for all your sandwich favorites baked onto a pizza crust. If fancy trying a bit of everything, order The Works with pepperoni, sausage, ham, mushrooms, onions, olives, and bell peppers. The menu also includes original wings, boneless wings, and salads to round out your order. Location: 11007 Lower Azusa Road, Unit C, El Monte. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. Pizza Co. El Monte The pizzas at Pizza Co. El Monte are rotated by hand for that expert touch that ensures your pies are cooked just right. You can order either pick-up or delivery and have an outstanding dinner on the table with no effort at all. You can choose from 10 specialty pizzas, including bar-b-que chicken, teriyaki chicken, Alfredo chicken, buffalo chicken ranch, pastrami, and Mexican pizza. You can get anything, from a mini personal pizza to a jumbo 20-inch to serve any size party. One of Pizza Co.'s specialties is a heart-shaped pizza that's sure to delight your special someone with a dinner to remember. Complete your order with such additions as wings, breadsticks, cheese bread, chicken strips, potato wedges, or pizza bread. Location: 3944 Peck Road, El Monte. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday. Rio's Pizza Rio's Pizza began as a Barro's Pizza franchise in 1979. In 1992, the family decided to take the joint out of the franchise and put it under the family name, creating Rio's Pizza. The restaurant has since become a local favorite. The family-owned and operated business serves hearty pizzas made from high-quality ingredients, such as fresh Italian sausage. You can build your own pizza or order one of the three specials. The Rio's special comes with pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. If you order the veggies special, you get all the produce, including mushrooms, olives, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The meat lover delivers plenty of proteins with pepperoni, ham, Canadian bacon, bacon bits, sausage, and meatballs. You can also order pasta, sandwiches, salads, wings, and other sides, such as garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, and potato wedges. Location: 1949 Durfee Ave., South El Monte. Hours: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Super Pizza Veloz Super Pizza Veloz has proudly served the residents of the El Monte area since 1986. The menu includes a variety of outstanding pizza combinations that are anything but ordinary. Try the Hot Cheetos pizza topped with pepperoni, mozzarella, yellow cheese, and Cheetos. The pastor features garlic, onions, cilantro, and al pastor meat. If you're feeding a large group, you can order one of the family packs, featuring pizza, potato wedges, wings, and soda to meet everyone’s needs. Super Pizza Veloz offers wings with a selection of nine sauces, including BBQ, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, citrus chipotle BBQ, sweet red chili, mango habanero, Tabasco chipotle, green habanero, and house habanero. You can even order desserts, including tiramisu, cheesecake, and gelato, for a sweet finish. Location: 1611 Durfee Ave., South El Monte. Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Pizza Oven The Pizza Oven, established in 1990, has a long history of feeding the El Monte area. The pizza menu includes several traditional specials, such as Hawaiian pizza, BBQ chicken, and the meat lover pizza. You can also build your own pizza from a dozen different toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, Canadian bacon, salami, onions, olives, mushrooms, and more. The Pizza Oven also serves both hot and cold sandwiches, pasta, salads, wings, and garlic bread. You can even start your day with a breakfast pizza, breakfast calzone, or breakfast sandwich. The Pizza Oven has something for every meal. Location: 9060 Telstar Ave., #201, El Monte. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. These are our top picks for pizza in the El Monte area. Do you know of other outstanding options that we missed? Contact our team at Longo Lexus and let us know, so we can update our listing with your suggestions. We love having the best recommendations in the area for our customers as they drive off t

If you're tired of shopping at the same old place and you'd like to purchase unique pieces, it's time to step up your shopping game. To do that, you need some local advice. Luckily, as one of the oldest and most reputable dealerships in the area, we know El Monte like the back of our hands. In this post, we're discussing some different shopping spots you may love, thanks to the wide range of options. We hope you enjoy shopping at these special spots. more The Shops at Santa Anita Image by Josué Goge is licensed with CC BY 2.0 If you're after a fun shopping experience while eating great food along the way, making a stop at The Shops at Santa Anita is mandatory. There are over 300 businesses here, including popular retailers, but you’ll also find some unique garments and items sold by indie shops and small businesses. In fact, by buying products from these stores, you're not only getting something that fits your personality, but you're also contributing to El Monte's economy, so it’s a win-win situation. The mall's indoor shopping area has enough shops to explore for days, though there's also a smaller outdoor shopping area you may want to check out. It’s the perfect location to do some outdoor shopping on spring days. At these shops, you’ll find some original and unique plushies. They also sell everything from handmade shoes to vintage collectibles and chic garments. The mall has plenty of entertainment options as well, including a movie theater, gym, arcade, and karaoke. Visitors have access to free Wi-Fi, parking, ATMs, Amazon lockers, a play space, pet-friendly areas, and charge points. The Shops at Montebello The Shops at Montebello is another of El Monte's superb shopping spots. They strive to be the go-to option for families who want a quality shopping experience without having to break the bank. Although there are some popular department stores, the mall is known for being a regional shopping center that highlights local work, so you'll be supporting our community when you shop there. The mall also has a food court full of restaurants offering a wide variety of dishes, as well as several entertainment options. According to most people, shopping at this mall can save you a few thousand dollars, especially if you go off-season. We can say this is the best option if you're trying to find locally made objects and garments, in addition to clothing, accessories, shoes, and gifts, for half the price. Keep in mind this is a big mall, so you may want to get there a bit early to ensure you have plenty of time to explore. Citadel Outlets Citadel Outlets is the perfect place to shop for amazing gifts at great discounts. As its name suggests, this is an outlet mall that provides customers with the best shopping experience possible. The shops offer daily savings of 30% to 70% off regular retail prices. In other words, you'll be buying high-quality items at outlet prices. On top of that, customers can download the mall's Savings Passport for free and enjoy even more discounts. Visitors can enjoy free parking, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, valet parking, gift wrapping at stores, domestic and international shipping, stroller rentals, and a complimentary baggage check. Huntington Oaks Center Huntington Oaks Center may be the right shopping spot for you if you love cozy malls. This is the kind of place you go to on a Friday afternoon to unwind and enjoy the pleasant and calm atmosphere. At this mall, you’ll find all the big names, including popular ones in the food industry. That’s not all, though. There are also local small businesses, so it's the best of both worlds. Additionally, there are also establishments, such as banks, dry cleaners, and educational centers so that customers can run their errands there, too. As you can see, this isn't just a large mall with hundreds of boutiques. It also offers all the essentials for a nice day of shopping, and it’s a great spot to pick up some last-minute Christmas presents. South Coast Plaza South Coast Plaza South Coast Plaza is the ultimate center for those looking for an upscale shopping experience. Many people compare it to an art museum due to its visually pleasing environment. Additionally, this establishment changes its interior based on the holiday, even lesser-known ones. This exclusive shopping center houses all the popular brands, including high-end shops. However, if you don't want to spend a significant amount of money but still want the experience, the shopping center also houses retail brands like Sephora, H&M, and Victoria's Secret. To give you an idea of how big this shopping center is, it not only has over 250 boutiques, but it's also home to award-winning restaurants, the admired Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the Orange County Museum of Arts. Clearly, South Coast Plaza is one of the largest shopping centers in the area. In fact, it's so famous among tourists that it provides translation services in over 40 languages and a standard currency exchange service. We hope you enjoyed our list of some unique shopping spots in El Monte, California. Did you like it? We'd love to know your thoughts. If you've already done some shopping at any of these shopping centers, please let us know about your experience and tell us what unique items you bought. We'd like to remind you that Longo Lexus has been serving the El Monte community for quite some time, and it's our mission to provide you and everyone in the area with superb service. As one of El Monte's most trusted dealerships, we can help you in many ways, from finding your dream car to getting it serviced. We can also work with you if you want to trade your current vehicle, and we offer a wide range of financing options. Whatever you need, we’re here to help. If you wish to speak to any of our customer representatives, please get in touch, and we'll get back to you in no time.

Christmas is the most universally celebrated holiday in the world, and for many people, seeing Santa is a family tradition that they can’t skip. In fact, even during the hardest years of the pandemic, families that followed health preventive measures were still allowed to see Santa through a glass. Luckily, restrictions are now lifted, and while the pandemic is still with us, the overall situation is less scary and harmful to all of us. more Here at Longo Lexus, we’ve compiled a list of the places you can meet Santa this holiday season. Just keep in mind that at the time of writing this post, there wasn’t much information available. For that reason, we suggest you regularly check the official social media accounts of El Monte, California, to learn about any new dates and locations. The Shops of Montebello Image by Richard Gillin is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0 The Shops of Montebello is a beautiful shopping center in El Monte that houses a wide variety of shops and restaurants. They are the go-to mall for many families in El Monte because of their good prices, offers, and options. This is a mall for the community and was one of the first establishments to announce a Santa meeting, which will take place every day from November 19 to December 24, except on Thanksgiving. Santa will be waiting for you and your family Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Just don’t forget that Santa takes a one-hour daily break from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., except on Sundays when he only takes a 30-minute break from 3 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. Santa will be located at the lower level at Center Court, and although walk-ins are allowed, reservations are highly encouraged. This is because walk-in customers will have to wait in lines, with wait times that could exceed one hour, while reservations have priority. If you decide to make a reservation, it’s best to do it online, as you’ll be able to choose a convenient time. When you make your reservation, you’ll need to pay a deposit of $20 that includes your time with Santa and a $20 credit toward any digital photo purchase. In addition, you can purchase prints of different sizes, photo key chains, rustic wood frames, fiber optic frames, 5”x7” letter to Santa frames, holiday musical snow globes, lighted resin frames, and laser-cut wooden frames. The mall has free parking, and you can reschedule your visit online if your plans change. Santa in Town Although there hasn’t been an official announcement yet, we’re all expecting the Santa Claus is Coming to Town show to take place with Santa and his elves traveling through our city as he has in the past. We could expect a similar show to the one in 2020, when Santa and his elves sleighed down the streets in the neighborhoods of Kranz School, Arceo/Fletcher, Cherrylee, and Mountain View over four nights from December 10 to December 17. If this event happens again, the kids of our city will be able to make their wishes and bask in the holiday cheer, especially as this always tends to be a free event. Other Places to Meet Santa As we already mentioned, we’re waiting for other establishments to announce their Santa meetings; however, based on past years, we can suggest some places you may be able to meet Santa this holiday season: Malls There are over ten shopping centers in El Monte, California, and, like The Shops of Montebello, many of them hire a Santa so that families can take pictures and celebrate the Christmas spirit. For example, the South Coast Plaza is known for its eccentricity, so we’re almost sure they’ll have a Santa there. The Shops at Santa Anita and Citadel Outlet are other malls worth checking out, as they also like to carry on this tradition. Department Stores Some major stores, such as Macy’s and Walmart, are known for hosting their own Santa meetings, so you should definitely check them out. Better yet, ask any customer representative whether the store plans to host a Santa meeting or not. Bookstores, Parks, and Hotels Christmas marketing is very important for many businesses, and most affluent establishments use this technique to drive more sales, so there’s always at least one bookstore, hotel, or supermarket hosting Santa meetings. Parks are also used for the same purpose, with events usually run by independent businesses. As you can see, it’s essential to keep up with local news and social media accounts to know which establishments are bringing Santa to town. DIY Alternative Did you know you can hire Santa? Well, there are freelance Santas who offer their services so that you and your family can have a more unique Christmas experience. This is perfect if you’re not sure where to take your kids and their friends to meet Santa or if you want a more personal experience. What’s more, there’s a ton of advertising online from these freelance Santas. Just make sure to read their guidelines before hiring one. There you go, a few places in El Monte, California, where you can go with your family to meet Santa and rejoice in all the Christmas cheer. We hope this post gives you some good ideas for planning your Santa visit. If you’ve met Santa before, drop us a line, as we’d love to know where you saw him and hear all about your experience. At Longo Lexus, we’re committed to helping our community become its most advanced version yet, and since the best way to lead is by example, we’re pleased to say that Longo Lexus is among the top dealerships in El Monte. We want everyone living in our city and adjacent areas to have access to quality auto service, including purchasing or selling a vehicle, and we will guide our customers on their journeys to their dream car.

Longo Lexus has proudly served the El Monte community since its inception in 1990. Every year since then, we've earned the #1 Lexus Retailer in the Western U.S., and since 1992, we've been named an Elite of Lexus dealership, the most prestigious honor awarded to dealers for delivering excellence in sales, service, guest experience, and client satisfaction. Hard work and focus on our customers contributed to these accolades. However, we know we owe our success to the community we serve. We value your trust in us to take care of you at the time of sale and throughout your Lexus ownership experience. more As a result, we continuously search for ways to contribute and give back to our community. Our partnerships with various community organizations and charities continue to provide needed resources for families in crisis, whether they need medical attention, food, or funding. El Monte Emergency Resources Association Image by U.S. Department of Agriculture is licensed with Public Domain Mark 1.0 One significant relationship we've established close to home is with the El Monte Emergency Resources Association. This organization, also known as the Red Cross of El Monte, provides much-needed food, clothing, furniture, appliances, counseling, and more to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. The El Monte Emergency Resources Association began over 60 years ago to support needy residents. Today, Lillian Rey heads the organization, providing leadership and direction that helps thousands of people every year in various ways. El Monte has struggled, having been hit hard over the last few years by the pandemic. Workers have lost their jobs, and families have doubled or tripled up in cramped apartments. Many unemployed men have gotten into trouble as a result and been deported, leaving a wife and children born here behind. These people come to Lillian for aid. Her case management approach helps her understand the people and families she serves. So, when she drops off a food box, she also notes other needs. For example, a family might sleep on a mattress without a bed or have no dining room table to eat at. With this knowledge, she can immediately send donated furniture to someone who needs it. In other cases, she might find a family without money to buy toys for their children on their birthday or at Christmas. As a result, when toys are donated, she knows exactly where to send them. Sometimes, people come to her needing a place to stay or help with a medical issue. In these cases, even though she doesn't run a medical clinic or a homeless shelter, she has connections with them. The bottom line is that when you go to Lillian for help, she gives you the support you need or finds someone who can assist. Support El Monte Emergency Resources Association Today Lillian Rey runs the non-profit organization on donations from individuals and businesses in the area. Longo Lexus proudly assists her efforts, donating money and time. However, many people in jeopardy of hunger, homelessness, and medical support demand more help from others. If you're interested in donating time, money, or resources, call 626-444-7269 and do your part. We've listed some essential needs below, but anything you can provide would help. Bedding and Linens Donations Some families might not have sheets for their beds or even a mattress for their linens. So, rather than dispose of your old mattress or bedding, donate them to the El Monte Emergency Resources Association. Clothing Donations Any gently used clothing helps others who may not have enough. Children often outgrow their clothes long before they wear out, making them ideal donations. In addition, any dresses, suits, or professional attire can help others dress appropriately for job interviews and work. Formula, Baby Food, and Diaper Donations Formula and baby food cost more than regular groceries yet are vital to the healthy development of babies. Perhaps you've moved on from diapers and have a box or two left you can donate. Maybe you have some baby food and formula left over. Or, perhaps, you're in the grocery store picking some up as a random act of kindness. In any case, El Monte infants benefit significantly from these donated items. Food Donations Recent statistics show that 42 million Americans are food insecure, including 13 million children. Donating food to the El Monte Emergency Resources Association puts it directly into the hands of people that need it most. Canned and dry goods make excellent donations, but don't be afraid to bring groceries, such as milk, cheese, and bread. Personal Grooming Supplies Donations Supplies such as soap, deodorant, and shampoo, get expensive, and struggling families often go without these items. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss also become unaffordable, so donating personal grooming supplies can help those less fortunate experience good personal hygiene. Furniture Donations Having a crib to lay your infant in every night is only a dream for some young parents. However, your old crib can make someone's dream a reality. Likewise, your old box spring, mattress, or bed frame can do the same. Other furniture items people need include couches, tables, and chairs. Lillian can put all sturdy, gently used furniture to good use and help someone complete furnishing their home. Appliance Donations In her home visits, Lillian often finds families without a working refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher. If you're fortunate enough to remodel your kitchen, you can donate your old appliances and help families. However, your donations don't have to be major appliances. Toasters, coffee makers, and blenders can make life easier for needy families. Toy Donations Donating toys to El Monte Emergency Resources Association guarantees children will smile on their birthdays and celebrate holidays joyfully. As your children grow out of their gently used toys, consider donating them. It costs you nothing but means the world to children in need. Longo Lexus wants the El Monte community to thrive and support one another in every way. We hope this article was informative and perhaps even moved you to act. If you're interested in learning more about our community involvement, we invite you to check out our blog.

There's nothing better than biting into a freshly made donut topped or filled with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer it with some fruit, a little chocolate, or even adorned with crispy cereal pieces, these donut shops in El Monte, California, have you covered. Bring your family and friends and grab some of the most delicious pastries El Monte has to offer for your snacking enjoyment. more Birdies Image by AJEL is licensed with Pixabay License Recently opened in downtown Los Angeles, Birdies offers fresh, fun, and all-natural food, including their artisanal donuts. These donuts are all made with King Arthur flour and locally sourced ingredients to produce flavors such as Candied Maple Bacon, Triple Dark Chocolate, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Horchata Twist with Dulce de Leche. Location: 7900 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California. Hours: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 24 hours on Friday and Saturday, and until 8 p.m. on Sunday. California Donuts Family-owned and operated since 1982, California Donuts creates fresh donuts and croissants daily. Choose from more than two dozen different varieties of classic donuts, such as toasted coconut, raspberry, Boston cream, and chocolate buttermilk. You'll receive a discount if you purchase at least six donuts. You can also try one of their numerous specialty donuts, which include Blueberry Toast Crunch, Chocolate Strawberry, Cheesecake Crumble, and Maple Bacon. Location: 3540 W. Third St., Los Angeles, California. Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Donut Friend Donut Friend has several locations in the Los Angeles area, but the closest one to El Monte is in the theater district. This local establishment is the brainchild of music industry veteran Mark Trombino, who had a vision of one day opening a donut shop. In 2011, he put his music career on hold to make his dream a reality and opened his first shop in Highland Park. The downtown location came next, followed by Creamo, a sister shop with a menu of plant-based milkshakes and ice cream built on popular Donut Friend flavors. Their signature donuts are made fresh every morning, so you can be sure that the donuts you select are the very best. If you're in the mood for some fruit with your donut, try the Compassion Fruit, Banana-versary, Lemon at Work, Polar Berry Club, Strawberrylab, or Yo La Mango. To get your chocolate fix, check out the X-Ray Speculoos, Rites of Sprinkles, Old Fashioned, or Custard Front Drive. A few of their other offerings include Jimmy Eat Swirl, Lavender Arms, Fritter Seems Forever, Poppy-Ghandi, and MC5 Spice. Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Location: 543 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California. Lêberry Bakery & Donut Created in 2018 to introduce health-conscious living via plant-based ingredients, Lêberry Bakery & Donut offers some of the best gluten-free and vegan donuts in the area. Stop in to try their plant-based blueberry cake donut or espresso yeast donut, both of which were winners of the 2020 LA DonutFest award. Another popular choice is their plant-based strawberry yeast donut topped with powdered sugar. Location: 445 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California. Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Saturday (the shop may close earlier if they sell out of donuts). Primo's Donuts Boasting L.A.'s best donuts since 1956, Primo's Donuts began when the Primo family experienced a disappointing day of house-hunting, and the family's three-year-old boy spotted a giant plywood donut sitting atop a strip mall storefront. Patriarch Ralph Primo needed a second job and reached out to the shop's owner about part-time work, but the shop's owner said he was planning to sell in six months’ time. After some discussion, Primo purchased the shop for $2,000. Over the past 60-plus years, Primo's Donuts has added a second location in Westwood Village. The shop's extensive menu includes more than 50 types of donuts, so you're bound to find something you like. All donuts are made fresh daily on-site. They offer several types of sprinkle donuts, such as Cherry Cake, Chocolate Cake, and Blueberry-Raised. Other popular donut options include Chocolate Devil's Food Pretzel, Maple Long John, and Sourdough Glazed Maple Pecan. If you stop by on the weekend, try one of their gluten-free donuts. Location: 2918 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, California. Hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. The store may close earlier if they sell out of donuts. Randy's Donuts One of the most iconic donut shops in the Los Angeles area, Randy's Donuts attracts visitors from across the globe, thanks to its giant rooftop donut. They started serving donuts in 1952 and have since expanded throughout Southern California and across the globe. Prices for donuts are based on single-item purchases, but you can save $2 off any dozen. You can even mix and match the categories when you purchase a dozen donuts. Take a look at their menu, where you'll find more than a dozen classic donuts, such as Maple-Raised, Cinnamon Crumb Cake, Pink Sprinkles Iced Cake, and Powdered Sugar Cake. You can also opt for one of their 16 deluxe donuts, some of which include Blueberry Iced Cake, Chocolate Long John, Glazed Old Fashioned, and Maple Iced Cruller. Their fancy donuts include Roasted Coconut-Raised, Bear Claw, Lemon Jelly-Filled, and Maple Long John with Cream. For a top-of-the-line donut, try the Matcha Tea-Raised, S'mores-Raised, Texas Glazed, or Red Velvet Cake. Location: 230 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, California. Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. There you have it — the best donut shops near El Monte, found for you by Longo Lexus. What did you think of this list? Did we highlight your favorite spot to enjoy some fresh and delicious donuts? If not, please let us know, and we’ll add your selection to our list. We want to make sure everyone knows where they can stop to pick up a dozen mouth-watering donuts in the El Monte, California, area.

After a long week of work, you have a limited amount of time to unwind and relax. Naturally, you want to get the most out of your weekend, though you may wish to avoid spending too much to do so. Luckily, there are plenty of low-cost and no-cost activities available to those who look for them. Here are our recommendations for budget-friendly weekend activities near El Monte, California. more Los Angeles Badminton Meetup Image by Salman Hossain Saif is licensed with Unsplash License The Los Angeles Badminton Meetup is a group of badminton enthusiasts who regularly get together to practice the sport. Even if you've never played badminton, you're welcome to join the group and learn the game. The cost to you is minimal: a few dollars for a decent racket and some shuttlecocks. As a new player, you can attend a one-hour Saturday welcome session to learn the basics of the game and become oriented with the group. From there, you can continue to play casually or take advantage of group resources to level up your play. Locations may vary depending on the occasion. The group reveals venue addresses to members who wish to attend specific events. If you have any questions, contact the group moderator via the Meetup platform. Vincent Price Art Museum Named after the legendary actor Vincent Price, the Vincent Price Art Museum is an eclectic collection of artistic creations built on a foundation of donations from Price's own art collection. Today, the museum houses more than 9,000 pieces, including paintings, prints, and objects spanning multiple traditions and artistic idioms. The permanent collection features pre-Columbian artifacts from Central and South America, including fascinating ceramics and statues. There is also an ever-evolving series of temporary showings, so check the upcoming exhibitions page to stay up to date. To get to the Vincent Price Art Museum, head to East Los Angeles College at 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez in Monterey Park, California. Admission is free. Though currently closed for August in preparation for fall exhibitions, the museum will return to regular hours in September — Wednesday to Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Call 323-265-8841 or email info@vpam.org if you have any questions. Shaolin Temple Cultural Center USA If you've never spent a Saturday doing kung fu, here's your chance. Shaolin Temple Cultural Center USA is a cultural organization whose mission is to educate others about the philosophies and practices of the Shaolin Temple, known as the principal temple of Shaolin Buddhism. The center offers multiple specialized programs. The Kids and Adults programs focus on teaching the principles of confidence, leadership, responsibility, and goal-setting tailored to the respective age groups. The Teens program focuses on purpose, accountability, self-control, and mentorship. The Health program is about mental clarity, holistic well-being, self-esteem, and motivation. As suggested, kung fu is a key component of each of these. Full participation in a program involves a fee, but you can enroll in a free trial class to gauge your interest. Shaolin Temple Cultural Center USA is located at 9143 La Rosa Drive in Temple City, California. It operates seven days a week. Inquire about enrollment and class schedules by calling 626-283-0011 or submitting a message via the contact page. Bridgetown DIY Now let's head about 7 miles southeast to La Puente. There, we'll find Bridgetown DIY, a community center designed to serve as a resource center and meeting space for members of the community. As such, Bridgetown DIY serves as a conduit for arts and music in La Puente. It operates via an open collective, which includes anyone who attends meetings and participates in events. Art shows and live music frequently feature at the center, and the space provides amenities for various artistic endeavors. Basically, come here, meet interesting people, and enjoy yourself. It costs nothing, though the center does accept donations. To get to Bridgetown DIY, head to 1421 N. Valinda Ave. in La Puente, California. You can reach out to the organization via email at bridgetowndiy@gmail.com. Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours The Los Angeles Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings in Greater Los Angeles. If you're interested in getting an up-close look at some of the amazing structures in the area, consider taking one of the conservancy's regular weekend walking tours. There are several to choose from: Angelino Heights: the first Saturday of every month, starting at 9:45 a.m. Art Deco: every Saturday at 10:15 a.m. Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District: every Saturday at 10 a.m. Historic Downtown: every Saturday at 10 a.m. Modern Skyline: the second Saturday every month, starting at 10:30 a.m. Past Meets Present: the fourth Saturday of every month, starting at 10:30 a.m. Union Station: every Saturday at 11 a.m. With that kind of variety, you can take a different walking tour every week for almost two months. You even have the option to arrange a private tour or a group tour. The walking tours aren't free, but they're rather affordable. Conservancy members pay just $10 per tour, while non-members pay $15. To become a member, sign up on the conservancy's enrollment page. The meeting location varies depending on the tour in question. The conservancy sends location details to participants after registration. If you have any questions about walking tours or other programs, call 213-623-2489 or email info@laconservancy.org. If you have any questions about membership, email member@laconservancy.org. There you have our choices for budget-friendly activities around El Monte. If you give any of these a try, we'd love to know how it went for you. Let us know by submitting a form through our contact page with your name, email address, phone number, and message. If you'd prefer to speak with an associate directly, feel free to call us at 626-539-2109. Should you need a vehicle to get to any of the destinations mentioned here, consider browsing our inventory of new Lexus models and used vehicles. When you find something you like, come down to our dealership for a test drive. We're at 3530 North Peck Road here in El Monte, California, and operate seven days a week. Let us help you find the perfect vehicle for your weekend jaunts.

Halloween is an exciting time of the year for both the young and the young at heart. They get to exercise their imagination through dress and play while getting rewarded for it with candy. If you have kids, you're probably looking for ideas to celebrate the holiday — something fun but accessible, scary but not too terrifying. To that end, we've compiled this list of the top spooky activities to do with the kids this Halloween around El Monte, California. more Halloween Club Spook Show Image by Eleanor Brooke is licensed with Unsplash License The Halloween Club Costume Superstore's ninth annual Spook Show will soon be here. This is an outdoor gathering where small businesses and community members can get together not only to celebrate Halloween but also to support local entrepreneurs. A host of vendors will be present at the event, though preparations are ongoing at this time. The organizers encourage guests to dress up. Registration is required but also free. Location: The ninth annual Spook Show will be at the Halloween Club store on 14447 Firestone Blvd. in La Mirada, California. Date and Time: The date of the event is Sept. 17. It starts at noon and ends at 6:30 p.m. Contact: If you have any questions or concerns, or if you're interested in donating or sponsoring, contact marketing@halloweenclub.com. Trunk or Treat Cruise If you and the kids would like to get an early start on Halloween festivities, head to Whittier for the Trunk or Treat Cruise, presented by the Kustom Oldies Car Club. Specifically designed as a fun family event, the Trunk or Treat Cruise will feature classic cars, a costume contest, a parade, music, food vendors, and literal trunk loads of candy. The entry fee is $5. The organizers recommend bringing candy to distribute during the event. Location: The Trunk or Treat Cruise takes place at the Crossing Foursquare Church, 8410 Washington Ave. in Whittier, California — approximately 11 miles south of El Monte. Date and Time: The event is on Oct. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. Cars may be set up from 4 to 6 p.m. The costume contest begins at 6 p.m., and the trunk-or-treat portion starts at 7 p.m. Contact: You can post questions on the event's social media page. The link is available through the site provided here. Haunted Night of Destruction and Fireworks Show Shortly before Halloween day, the Irwindale Speedway will put on a holiday-themed Haunted Night of Destruction and Fireworks Show. The event itinerary includes several attractions, including a Jet Car Burndown, multiple races, and a stellar fireworks show. Get there by 5:45 p.m., and you can head down to the track for an autograph session. The cost of admission for adults is $25 plus a $2.50 fee per ticket. Children's admission (ages 2–12) is $10 plus a $1.00 fee. Tickets are already on sale and are available until Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. Location: The Irwindale Speedway is the venue for this event. Head to 500 Speedway Drive in Irwindale, California — about 7 miles northeast of El Monte. Date and Time: The Halloween Night of Destruction and Fireworks Show takes place on Oct. 29. It starts at 7 p.m., but the doors open at 4 p.m. Contact: Call 626-358-1100 or email info@irwindalespeedway.com to get in touch with the venue. The Haunted Rose For something a bit less mild, we'd recommend returning to Whittier later in the month for The Haunted Rose, a production team renowned for its annual Lovecraftian haunted house–style attractions. In collaboration with the Whittier Historical Society, Haunted Rose's theme for Halloween 2022 is "Beyond the Gates of Turnbull," which refers to the eerie legends of Whittier's Turnbull Canyon. One such legend involves a fire that broke out at the Hidden Hills Asylum, causing many inmates to perish and allowing others to escape. Some say the spirits of those doomed in the fire stalk the grounds to this day. Though the attraction can be spooky, families do bring their children to Haunted Rose attractions. Should you decide to attend, you can purchase tickets at the door. Location: This year, The Haunted Rose will be set up at the Whittier Museum at 6755 Newlin Ave. in Whittier, California. Date and Time: The "Gates of Turnbull" attraction will take place on Oct. 28, 29, and 30. Follow The Haunted Rose on social media or send a message for information regarding start times. Contact: You can contact The Haunted Rose via email at scaredinibros@gmail.com. You can also drop a message through one of the team's social media pages, the links for which are available on the website. Temple City Halloween Carnival For a family-oriented Halloween experience, go to nearby Temple City, approximately 5 miles northwest of El Monte, for its annual Halloween Carnival. On Halloween day, the city will transform Live Oak Park into a haunted party, replete with candy, games, attractions, and prizes. Preparations for the event are ongoing, so information about the event should be forthcoming as the weeks progress. However, judging from previous iterations of the event, we can bet on free admission and probably a few food trucks, too. Location: The Temple City Halloween Carnival takes place at Live Oak Park, located at 10144 Bogue St. in Temple City, California. Date and Time: The carnival will take place on Oct. 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. Contact: If you have any questions, refer to the Temple City directory. Do you know of any other great Halloween happenings in the El Monte area? We'd love to know about them. Drop us a message through our contact page by providing your name, email address, phone number, and comments. After you submit your message, we'll reach out to you as soon as we can. If you're interested in a new ride to get you to these haunts, we'd be happy to help. Browse our online inventory of new Lexus models as well as our diverse selection of pre-owned vehicles. When you find something you like, give our sales department a call at 626-539-2109 to schedule a test drive. Alternatively, you can just drop in at our dealership to speak with one of our skilled associates. Find us at 3530 North Peck Road right here in El Monte, California. Here, you'll get no tricks from us, only treats.