A new novel titled “Seacliff Park” by author Mark Marinovich delves into the history of the infamous SS Palo Alto, a cement ship that has captivated visitors at Seacliff State Beach for nearly a century. The book, which combines elements of noir fiction with themes of corruption and the pursuit of the American dream, is now available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.
History of the SS Palo Alto
The SS Palo Alto was constructed during World War I but launched too late to see active service. After being mothballed for a decade, the ship found its new home off the coast of Seacliff in 1929. The vessel has since become a permanent fixture, often described as a ghostly remnant of its former self. Today, it serves primarily as a habitat for seabirds and marine life, having sustained significant damage in recent storms.
Marinovich’s novel is set against this backdrop, featuring a fictional story about a young couple, Charlie and Lily, who come to the Santa Cruz area from Reno, Nevada. Their plans for a family amusement park on top of the ship become complicated by the presence of bootleggers operating a speakeasy, igniting a conflict between rival crime syndicates.
Marinovich, who has been writing for over 50 years, previously authored “The White Boats” and “A Boutique Safari”. He draws inspiration from literary giants such as John Steinbeck and Mark Twain. His career has spanned journalism, screenwriting, and marketing, including a notable role as a senior copywriter for eBay.
Inspiration Behind the Novel
After an accident in January left him with a broken arm and confined to a chair for four months, Marinovich decided to channel his time into writing. He recalled fishing on the SS Palo Alto during his teenage years and believed its rich history provided ample material for a compelling narrative. “I have great familiarity with that region and the lore and legends surrounding the ship,” he explained.
Through extensive research, Marinovich uncovered fascinating details about the SS Palo Alto, which was constructed out of reinforced concrete due to steel shortages during the war. He said, “German U-boats left, right and center, so they had to come up with a cheap alternative.” The ship was initially intended to operate as an entertainment venue, featuring a restaurant and a ballroom that once hosted prominent bandleaders like Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.
Despite its vibrant beginnings, the ship’s entertainment status declined during the Great Depression, leading to its eventual sale to the California State Parks Department for just $1. Over the years, the ship faced cycles of public access and retrofitting, with recent storms causing further damage and leading to the demolition of the nearby pier.
Marinovich’s writing process was both research-intensive and creative. He noted that he does not typically outline his novels, often allowing characters to lead the narrative. The result is a story that feels organically developed. “The most fun thing for me was bringing characters to life,” he remarked, reflecting on the writing journey.
After its release, “Seacliff Park” has received positive reviews, with many readers praising its engaging storytelling. While Marinovich does not anticipate the novel being widely available in local bookstores, he hopes it will be sold at the Seacliff Visitors Center as an educational resource. He emphasized the thorough research behind the book, stating, “It reveals a lot of information about the ship that you wouldn’t ordinarily find.”
For those interested in exploring this fictional narrative inspired by historical events, “Seacliff Park” can be purchased on Amazon. For more details about the book, visit SeacliffParkNovel.com.
