My name is Lisa Moncur and I the Gold Star Mother of Sgt John Barcellano, United States Army. I grew up in Mission Viejo, moved away after college, then returned seven years later with my own family, living across the street from my parents and the house I grew up in. We lived in the Barcelona tract, on via Santa Maria, and John attended Barcelona Hills Elementary School, and played soccer at Barcelona Park.

After growing up and graduating from high school, John joined the Army as an Armored Tank Crewman. He served honorably and deployed twice before he was killed while serving in 2017. I miss him every minute of every day and have spent the last seven years honoring his legacy of service. 

A few years after John's death, I moved back to the house I grew up in to care for my aging father. I wanted to give back to the community where John spent so many happy years, so in 2022, I created a mobile library, the Sgt John Barcellano FREE LITTLE LIBRARY. On Fridays, I walk down the street to Oxford Prep Academy (formerly Barcelona Hills) and give books to students. As I walk past the park on my way to the school, I look at the sign and imagine "Barcellano Park" instead of "Barcelona Park." 

Next month, I plan to  present a proposal to the Mission Viejo city council and request that Barcelona Park be renamed  Barcellano Park in honor of my son. It's a small ask ... adding an "L" and transposing the "O" and "A." Most residents will never even notice the name change. But as John's mother, I'll know. And it will help me to know that my son's service and sacrifice won't be forgotten. 

I humbly ask your support and hope that you will sign this petition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at lisamoncur01@gmail.com 

Thank you for your support.