“Santa Barbara’s Royal Presidio should be read widely as one of the great examples not only of Jackman’s sound leadership practices but also of the team effort that has preserved and developed a major historic site—at the center of one of the most beautiful coastal cities in America.”

– Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA, California State Historic Preservation Officer (2004-2012), Chairman Advisory Council of Historic Preservation (2010-2019)

“As a colleague of Jarrell Jackman in the prestigious Spanish Order of Isabel La Católica, I recognize the esteem in which he is held for his ability to write about Spain’s role in the founding of the Presidio of Santa Barbara. These important beginning chapters are followed by Dr. Jackman’s knowledge gained through active participation in the rebuilding of the Presidio. His experiences with the growth and development of the State Park make this accurate and lively written history a must read.”

– Iris H.W. Engstrand, Professor Emerita; University of San Diego

“The public/private partnership that took place at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park became a model operating agreement during my tenure as director of California State Parks, and Santa Barbara’s Royal Presidio provides Jackman’s invaluable thirty-five-year perspective of what it took to save ‘Spain’s last adobe fortress’—it is a powerful testimony to the efforts to preserve California’s diverse historical heritage.”

– Ruth Coleman, Director, California State Parks (2000-2008)

“Jarrell Jackman’s hands-on history of the Royal Presidio of Santa Barbara is just the pep talk park professionals need. Every park has growing pains, even when its mandate is secure. Literally brick by brick, we learn how to turn vision into reality. Take note and be inspired by this engaging and insightful book.”

– Dr. Alfred Runte, author of National Parks: The American Experience