The Ito Family

The Ito Family. . , Following their dream after being interned in Manzanar, Atsuo James and Hiroko Ito came to San Juan Capistrano in 1959. Jimmy, as he was known and Hiroko met and married in Manzanar during world war two. Their eldest son Braven was born there, Douglas, their second son, was born in Los Angeles. After losing everything during internment, Jimmy wanted to own land he could turn into a nursery that also be a wonderful legacy business and property to leave to their sons. The search landed Jimmy and Hiroko in San Juan Capistrano where they bought property from Eugene Oyharzabal that became the Ito Nursery. , Opening in 1970, the four of them worked together to build Ito Nursery into a successful business selling outdoor plants to both retail and wholesale buyers. The nursery supplied other nurseries, cities festivals, schools and parks with its plants, as well as homeowners. The nursery started without electricity, telephone or plumbing. It was only piped with water lines to hand water the plants and trees it grew. Retiring in 1979, Jimmy and Hiroko spent time perfecting the art of Sumi-e, a Japanese style of ink painting, and growing fruits and vegetables in a section of the nursery, Jimmy loved sharing the produce from his garden with friends and neighbors. , Carving the mantle of what their parents began, Braven, Doug and Doug's wife Sheree continued running the nursery. It became more difficult for Braven to work as he had been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and it was taking its toll on him. After 48 years of doing business, Doug and Sheree decided to close the nursery and retire. Having enjoyed the nursery grounds they looked for someone that would create a place for the community and visitors to be able to also enjoy the property.