nq2.htm



 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM N-Q

QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY
 
Investment Company Act file number 811-10197
 
Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
Nuveen Investments
        333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606         
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
 

Kevin J. McCarthy
Vice President and Secretary
        333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606         
(Name and address of agent for service)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:         312-917-7700        
 
Date of fiscal year end:            2/28          
 
Date of reporting period:         11/30/11         
 
Form N-Q is to be used by management investment companies, other than small business investment companies registered on Form N-5 (§§ 239.24 and 274.5 of this chapter), to file reports with the Commission, not later than 60 days after the close of the first and third fiscal quarters, pursuant to rule 30b1-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30b1-5). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-Q in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
 
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-Q, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-Q unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 
 
 

 
Item 1. Schedule of Investments
 

 

           
   
Portfolio of Investments (Unaudited) 
     
   
   Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 (NVX) 
     
   
November 30, 2011 
     
Principal 
   
Optional Call 
   
Amount (000) 
 
Description (1) 
Provisions (2) 
Ratings (3) 
Value 
   
Consumer Staples – 7.2% (4.8% of Total Investments) 
     
$     535 
 
California County Tobacco Securitization Agency, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed Bonds, Sonoma 
6/15 at 100.00 
BBB 
$    499,594 
   
County Tobacco Securitization Corporation, Series 2005, 4.250%, 6/01/21 
     
3,940 
 
California County Tobacco Securitization Agency, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed Bonds, 
6/12 at 100.00 
Baa1 
3,324,927 
   
Stanislaus County Tobacco Funding Corporation, Series 2002A, 5.500%, 6/01/33 
     
7,540 
 
Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corporation, California, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed 
6/17 at 100.00 
BB+ 
5,330,328 
   
Bonds, Series 2007A-1, 5.750%, 6/01/47 
     
9,940 
 
Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corporation, California, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed 
6/22 at 100.00 
BB+ 
6,204,449 
   
Bonds, Series 2007A-2, 0.000%, 6/01/37 
     
21,955 
 
Total Consumer Staples 
   
15,359,298 
   
Education and Civic Organizations – 10.3% (6.9% of Total Investments) 
     
2,000 
 
California Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Stanford University, Series 2001Q, 
6/12 at 100.00 
AAA 
2,026,480 
   
5.250%, 12/01/32 
     
2,745 
 
California Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, University of Southern California, 
10/18 at 100.00 
Aa1 
3,338,195 
   
Tender Option Bond Trust 09-11B, 18.383%, 10/01/38 (IF) (4) 
     
   
California Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, University of the Pacific, 
     
   
Series 2006: 
     
125 
 
5.000%, 11/01/21 
11/15 at 100.00 
A2 
132,528 
165 
 
5.000%, 11/01/25 
11/15 at 100.00 
A2 
171,199 
2,250 
 
California Educational Facilities Authority, Student Loan Revenue Bonds, Cal Loan Program, 
3/12 at 100.00 
Baa1 
2,251,575 
   
Series 2001A, 5.400%, 3/01/21 – NPFG Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
2,500 
 
California Municipal Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds, University of La Verne, Series 2010A, 
6/20 at 100.00 
Baa2 
2,567,925 
   
6.250%, 6/01/40 
     
2,945 
 
California State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue Bonds, University of California Regents, 
3/18 at 100.00 
Aa2 
3,124,586 
   
Tender Option Bond Trust 1065, 9.234%, 3/01/33 (IF) 
     
850 
 
California Statewide Communitities Development Authority, School Facility Revenue Bonds, 
7/21 at 100.00 
N/R 
841,186 
   
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, Series 2011A, 7.000%, 7/01/46 
     
605 
 
California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Notre Dame de Namur 
10/13 at 100.00 
N/R 
591,769 
   
University, Series 2003, 6.500%, 10/01/23 
     
3,000 
 
Long Beach Bond Financing Authority, California, Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds, Long Beach 
5/12 at 101.00 
BBB 
2,917,500 
   
Aquarium of the South Pacific, Series 2001, 5.250%, 11/01/30 – AMBAC Insured 
     
2,680 
 
University of California, General Revenue Bonds, Series 2003A, 5.000%, 5/15/33 – 
5/13 at 100.00 
Aa1 
2,719,798 
   
AMBAC Insured (UB) 
     
1,315 
 
University of California, Limited Project Revenue Bonds, Series 2007D, 5.000%, 5/15/41 – 
5/16 at 101.00 
Aa2 
1,341,063 
   
FGIC Insured 
     
21,180 
 
Total Education and Civic Organizations 
   
22,023,804 
   
Health Care – 25.8% (17.3% of Total Investments) 
     
2,000 
 
California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Casa Colina Inc., Series 
4/12 at 100.00 
BBB 
2,008,440 
   
2001, 6.000%, 4/01/22 
     
895 
 
California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Rady Children’s Hospital – 
8/21 at 100.00 
A2 
881,029 
   
San Diego, Series 2011, 5.250%, 8/15/41 
     
1,755 
 
California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Sutter Health, Series 2007A, 
11/16 at 100.00 
AA– 
1,746,874 
   
5.250%, 11/15/46 
     
9,260 
 
California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Sutter Health, Series 2007A, 
11/16 at 100.00 
AA– 
9,217,126 
   
5.250%, 11/15/46 (UB) 
     
4,215 
 
California Municipal Financing Authority, Certificates of Participation, Community Hospitals 
2/17 at 100.00 
Baa2 
3,978,791 
   
of Central California, Series 2007, 5.250%, 2/01/27 
     
2,520 
 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Adventist Health System 
3/15 at 100.00 
A 
2,473,934 
   
West, Series 2005A, 5.000%, 3/01/35 
     
2,225 
 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, ValleyCare Health 
7/17 at 100.00 
N/R 
1,826,369 
   
System, Series 2007A, 5.125%, 7/15/31 
     
2,500 
 
California Statewide Community Development Authority, Hospital Revenue Bonds, Monterey 
6/13 at 100.00 
AA– 
2,629,450 
   
Peninsula Hospital, Series 2003B, 5.250%, 6/01/18 – AGM Insured 
     
5,250 
 
California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Daughters of Charity 
7/15 at 100.00 
BBB 
4,469,010 
   
Health System, Series 2005A, 5.250%, 7/01/35 
     
425 
 
California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Kaiser Permanente System, 
8/16 at 100.00 
A+ 
432,620 
   
Series 2001C, 5.250%, 8/01/31 
     
1,000 
 
California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Sutter Health, Series 
8/18 at 100.00 
AA– 
1,001,900 
   
2004D, 5.050%, 8/15/38 – AGM Insured 
     
   
California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Sutter Health, 
     
   
Series 2005A: 
     
2,705 
 
5.000%, 11/15/43 
11/15 at 100.00 
AA– 
2,635,454 
3,315 
 
5.000%, 11/15/43 (UB) 
11/15 at 100.00 
AA– 
3,229,771 
   
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Saint Joseph Health 
     
   
System, Trust 2554: 
     
1,325 
 
18.351%, 7/01/47 – AGM Insured (IF) 
7/18 at 100.00 
AA– 
1,347,525 
998 
 
18.384%, 7/01/47 – AGM Insured (IF) 
7/18 at 100.00 
AA– 
1,014,497 
2,000 
 
Loma Linda, California, Hospital Revenue Bonds, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Series 
12/17 at 100.00 
BBB 
2,209,220 
   
2008A, 8.250%, 12/01/38 
     
1,610 
 
Madera County, California, Certificates of Participation, Children’s Hospital Central 
3/20 at 100.00 
A 
1,577,784 
   
California, Series 2010, 5.375%, 3/15/36 
     
455 
 
Oak Valley Hospital District, Stanislaus County, California, Revenue Bonds, Series 2010A, 
11/20 at 100.00 
BBB– 
457,716 
   
6.500%, 11/01/29 
     
4,800 
 
Palomar Pomerado Health Care District, California, Certificates of Participation, Series 2010, 
11/20 at 100.00 
Baa3 
4,563,600 
   
6.000%, 11/01/41 
     
5,785 
 
Rancho Mirage Joint Powers Financing Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, Eisenhower Medical 
7/17 at 100.00 
Baa2 
5,157,675 
   
Center, Series 2007A, 5.000%, 7/01/38 
     
2,250 
 
San Buenaventura, California, Revenue Bonds, Community Memorial Health System, Series 2011, 
12/21 at 100.00 
BB 
2,362,950 
   
7.500%, 12/01/41 
     
57,288 
 
Total Health Care 
   
55,221,735 
   
Housing/Multifamily – 5.8% (3.9% of Total Investments) 
     
1,325 
 
California Municipal Finance Authority, Mobile Home Park Revenue Bonds, Caritas Projects 
8/20 at 100.00 
BBB– 
1,325,543 
   
Series 2010A, 6.400%, 8/15/45 
     
5,962 
 
California Statewide Community Development Authority, Multifamily Housing Revenue Refunding 
6/13 at 102.00 
AA+ 
6,090,958 
   
Bonds, Claremont Village Apartments, Series 2001D, 5.500%, 6/01/31 (Mandatory put 6/01/16) 
     
   
(Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
205 
 
Independent Cities Lease Finance Authority, California, Mobile Home Park Revenue Bonds, San 
5/16 at 100.00 
N/R 
187,608 
   
Juan Mobile Estates, Series 2006B, 5.850%, 5/15/41 
     
1,055 
 
Rohnert Park Finance Authority, California, Senior Lien Revenue Bonds, Rancho Feliz Mobile 
9/13 at 100.00 
A+ 
1,058,629 
   
Home Park, Series 2003A, 5.750%, 9/15/38 
     
700 
 
Rohnert Park Finance Authority, California, Subordinate Lien Revenue Bonds, Rancho Feliz 
9/13 at 100.00 
N/R 
703,262 
   
Mobile Home Park, Series 2003B, 6.625%, 9/15/38 
     
3,045 
 
Yucaipa Redevelopment Agency, California, Mobile Home Park Revenue Bonds, Rancho del Sol and 
5/12 at 101.00 
N/R 
3,067,259 
   
Grandview, Series 2001A, 6.750%, 5/15/36 
     
12,292 
 
Total Housing/Multifamily 
   
12,433,259 
   
Housing/Single Family – 2.6% (1.8% of Total Investments) 
     
250 
 
California Housing Finance Agency, Home Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 2006H, 5.750%, 
2/16 at 100.00 
BBB 
250,115 
   
8/01/30 – FGIC Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
5,775 
 
California Housing Finance Agency, Home Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 2006M, 4.650%, 8/01/31 
2/16 at 100.00 
BBB 
5,016,685 
   
(Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
375 
 
California Rural Home Mortgage Finance Authority, Mortgage-Backed Securities Program Single 
6/12 at 101.00 
A– 
387,915 
   
Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 2001A, 5.650%, 12/01/31 (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
6,400 
 
Total Housing/Single Family 
   
5,654,715 
   
Industrials – 0.3% (0.2% of Total Investments) 
     
3,175 
 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, EnerTech Regional 
No Opt. Call 
D 
695,865 
   
Biosolids Project, Series 2007A, 5.500%, 12/01/33 (Alternative Minimum Tax) (5) 
     
   
Long-Term Care – 2.4% (1.6% of Total Investments) 
     
1,550 
 
California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Cal-Mortgage Insured Revenue Bonds, Northern 
1/13 at 100.00 
A– 
1,575,157 
   
California Retired Officers Community Corporation – Paradise Valley Estates, Series 2002, 
     
   
5.125%, 1/01/22 
     
3,750 
 
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Inland Regional Center 
12/17 at 100.00 
Baa1 
3,539,738 
   
Project, Series 2007, 5.375%, 12/01/37 
     
5,300 
 
Total Long-Term Care 
   
5,114,895 
   
Tax Obligation/General – 23.5% (15.8% of Total Investments) 
     
10,000 
 
California State, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2006CD, 4.600%, 12/01/32 (Alternative 
12/15 at 100.00 
AA 
9,452,500 
   
Minimum Tax) 
     
13,850 
 
California State, General Obligation Bonds, Various Purpose Series 2009, 6.000%, 4/01/38 
No Opt. Call 
A1 
15,330,842 
   
California State, General Obligation Bonds, Various Purpose Series 2010: 
     
2,000 
 
6.000%, 3/01/33 
3/20 at 100.00 
A1 
2,245,040 
1,000 
 
5.250%, 11/01/40 
11/20 at 100.00 
A1 
1,021,740 
   
California State, General Obligation Bonds, Various Purpose Series 2011: 
     
2,300 
 
5.000%, 9/01/41 
No Opt. Call 
A1 
2,294,526 
4,000 
 
5.000%, 10/01/41 
10/21 at 100.00 
A1 
3,990,480 
3,615 
 
Colton Joint Unified School District, San Bernardino County, California, General Obligation 
8/12 at 102.00 
Aa3 
3,781,037 
   
Bonds, Series 2002A, 5.500%, 8/01/22 – FGIC Insured 
     
1,285 
 
Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles County, California, General Obligation Bonds, 
7/19 at 100.00 
Aa2 
1,376,569 
   
Series 2009D, 5.000%, 7/01/27 
     
2,000 
 
Puerto Rico, General Obligation and Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2002A, 5.500%, 7/01/20 – 
No Opt. Call 
Baa1 
2,175,200 
   
NPFG Insured 
     
355 
 
Roseville Joint Union High School District, Placer County, California, General Obligation 
8/15 at 100.00 
AA– 
372,360 
   
Bonds, Series 2006B, 5.000%, 8/01/27 – FGIC Insured 
     
1,000 
 
Southwestern Community College District, San Diego County, California, General Obligation 
8/21 at 100.00 
Aa2 
1,068,330 
   
Bonds, Election of 2008, Series 2011C, 5.250%, 8/01/36 
     
   
Yosemite Community College District, California, General Obligation Bonds, Capital 
     
   
Appreciation, Election 2004, Series 2010D: 
     
6,480 
 
0.000%, 8/01/31 
No Opt. Call 
Aa2 
1,936,872 
17,510 
 
0.000%, 8/01/42 
No Opt. Call 
Aa2 
5,200,295 
65,395 
 
Total Tax Obligation/General 
   
50,245,791 
   
Tax Obligation/Limited – 21.1% (14.2% of Total Investments) 
     
   
Beaumont Financing Authority, California, Local Agency Revenue Bonds, Series 2004D: 
     
650 
 
5.500%, 9/01/24 
9/14 at 102.00 
N/R 
641,739 
385 
 
5.800%, 9/01/35 
9/14 at 102.00 
N/R 
366,863 
1,190 
 
Borrego Water District, California, Community Facilities District 2007-1 Montesoro, Special 
8/17 at 102.00 
N/R 
440,657 
   
Tax Bonds, Series 2007, 5.750%, 8/01/25 (5), (6) 
     
4,900 
 
California State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue Bonds, Department of Corrections, Series 
12/13 at 100.00 
A2 
5,170,431 
   
2003C, 5.500%, 6/01/16 
     
1,245 
 
California, Economic Recovery Revenue Bonds, Series 2004A, 5.000%, 7/01/15 
7/14 at 100.00 
Aa3 
1,367,284 
1,200 
 
Capistrano Unified School District, Orange County, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community 
9/13 at 100.00 
N/R 
1,206,192 
   
Facilities District 90-2 – Talega, Series 2003, 6.000%, 9/01/33 
     
435 
 
Capistrano Unified School District, Orange County, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community 
9/15 at 100.00 
BBB 
432,133 
   
Facilities District, Series 2005, 5.000%, 9/01/24 – FGIC Insured 
     
475 
 
National City Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocations Revenue Bonds, National City 
8/21 at 100.00 
A– 
525,260 
   
Redevelopment Project Area, Series 2011, 6.500%, 8/01/24 
     
700 
 
Dinuba Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Merged City of Dinuba 
9/13 at 102.00 
A– 
649,572 
   
Redevelopment Project and Dinuba Redevelopment Project 2, As Amended, Series 2003, 5.000%, 
     
   
9/01/33 – NPFG Insured 
     
960 
 
Fontana Redevelopment Agancy, California, Jurupa Hills Redevelopment Project, Tax Allocation 
4/12 at 100.00 
A– 
960,211 
   
Refunding Bonds, 1997 Series A, 5.500%, 10/01/27 
     
750 
 
Fontana, California, Special Tax Bonds, Sierra Community Facilities District 22, Series 2004, 
9/14 at 100.00 
N/R 
734,438 
   
6.000%, 9/01/34 
     
1,785 
 
Hawthorne Community Redevelopment Agency, California, Project Area 2 Tax Allocation Bonds, 
9/16 at 100.00 
A– 
1,714,403 
   
Series 2006, 5.250%, 9/01/36 – SYNCORA GTY Insured 
     
1,800 
 
Hesperia Unified School District, San Bernardino County, California, Certificates of 
2/17 at 100.00 
A– 
1,603,962 
   
Participation, Capital Improvement, Series 2007, 5.000%, 2/01/41 – AMBAC Insured 
     
870 
 
Inglewood Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Merged Redevelopment 
5/17 at 100.00 
BBB+ 
813,111 
   
Project, Subordinate Lien Series 2007A-1, 5.000%, 5/01/23 – AMBAC Insured 
     
   
Irvine, California, Unified School District, Community Facilities District Special Tax Bonds, 
     
   
Series 2006A: 
     
205 
 
5.000%, 9/01/26 
9/16 at 100.00 
N/R 
199,356 
470 
 
5.125%, 9/01/36 
9/16 at 100.00 
N/R 
433,754 
2,000 
 
Lake Elsinore Public Finance Authority, California, Local Agency Revenue Refunding Bonds, 
10/13 at 102.00 
N/R 
2,064,980 
   
Series 2003H, 6.000%, 10/01/20 
     
415 
 
Lammersville School District, San Joaquin County, California, Community Facilities District 
9/16 at 100.00 
N/R 
359,415 
   
2002, Mountain House Special Tax Bonds, Series 2006, 5.125%, 9/01/35 
     
1,265 
 
Lee Lake Water District, Riverside County, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities 
9/13 at 102.00 
N/R 
1,312,830 
   
District 1 of Sycamore Creek, Series 2003, 6.500%, 9/01/24 
     
800 
 
Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, California, Lease Revenue Bonds, Manchester 
9/15 at 100.00 
A1 
734,376 
   
Social Services Project, Series 2005, 5.000%, 9/01/37 – AMBAC Insured 
     
750 
 
Lynwood Redevelopment Agency, California, Project A Revenue Bonds, Subordinate Lien Series 
9/21 at 100.00 
A– 
826,215 
   
2011A, 7.000%, 9/01/31 
     
485 
 
North Natomas Community Facilities District 4, Sacramento, California, Special Tax Bonds, 
9/14 at 102.00 
N/R 
420,112 
   
Series 2006D, 5.000%, 9/01/33 
     
175 
 
Novato Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Hamilton Field Redevelopment 
9/21 at 100.00 
A– 
188,718 
   
Project, Series 2011, 6.750%, 9/01/40 
     
2,000 
 
Orange County, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities District 02-1 of Ladera 
8/12 at 100.00 
N/R 
2,000,000 
   
Ranch, Series 2003A, 5.550%, 8/15/33 
     
   
Perris Union High School District Financing Authority, Riverside County, California, Revenue 
     
   
Bonds, Series 2011: 
     
165 
 
6.000%, 9/01/33 
No Opt. Call 
N/R 
164,386 
360 
 
6.125%, 9/01/41 
No Opt. Call 
N/R 
359,226 
3,085 
 
Pittsburg Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Los Medanos Community 
9/18 at 100.00 
BBB 
3,081,483 
   
Development Project, Refunding Series 2008A, 6.500%, 9/01/28 
     
550 
 
Rancho Santa Fe CSD Financing Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, Superior Lien Series 
9/21 at 100.00 
BBB+ 
561,050 
   
2011A, 5.750%, 9/01/30 
     
385 
 
Rialto Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Merged Project Area, Series 
9/15 at 100.00 
A– 
344,833 
   
2005A, 5.000%, 9/01/35 – SYNCORA GTY Insured 
     
100 
 
Riverside County Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds, Jurupa Valley 
10/21 at 100.00 
A– 
103,965 
   
Project Area, Series 2011-B, 6.500%, 10/01/25 
     
475 
 
Roseville, California, Certificates of Participation, Public Facilities, Series 2003A, 5.000%, 
8/13 at 100.00 
AA– 
479,090 
   
8/01/25 – AMBAC Insured 
     
700 
 
Sacramento, California, Special Tax Bonds, North Natomas Community Facilities District 4, 
9/14 at 100.00 
N/R 
705,558 
   
Series 2003C, 6.000%, 9/01/33 
     
   
San Buenaventura Redevelopment Agency, California, Merged Project Areas Tax Allocation Bonds, 
     
   
Series 2008: 
     
1,000 
 
7.750%, 8/01/28 
8/16 at 102.00 
A 
1,109,370 
1,325 
 
8.000%, 8/01/38 
8/16 at 102.00 
A 
1,467,769 
1,000 
 
San Diego, California, Special Tax Community Facilities District 4 Black Mountain Ranch 
3/12 at 100.00 
N/R 
1,014,840 
   
Villages Bonds, Series 2008A, 6.000%, 9/01/37 
     
80 
 
San Francisco Redevelopment Finance Authority, California, Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds, 
2/21 at 100.00 
A– 
85,743 
   
Mission Bay North Redevelopment Project, Series 2011C, 6.750%, 8/01/41 
     
   
San Francisco Redevelopment Financing Authority, California, Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds, 
     
   
Mission Bay South Redevelopment Project, Series 2011D: 
     
85 
 
7.000%, 8/01/33 
2/21 at 100.00 
BBB 
89,996 
105 
 
7.000%, 8/01/41 
2/21 at 100.00 
BBB 
110,796 
765 
 
San Jose Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Merged Area Redevelopment 
8/17 at 100.00 
Baa1 
713,875 
   
Project, Series 2006C, 5.000%, 8/01/25 – NPFG Insured 
     
995 
 
San Jose Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Merged Area Redevelopment 
8/17 at 100.00 
BBB 
945,091 
   
Project, Series 2006D, 5.000%, 8/01/23 – AMBAC Insured 
     
1,530 
 
San Marcos Public Facilities Authority, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Project Areas 2 and 3, 
8/15 at 100.00 
A– 
1,370,651 
   
Series 2005C, 5.000%, 8/01/35 – AMBAC Insured 
     
140 
 
Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency, California, Project 1 Tax Allocation Bonds, Series 2011, 
4/21 at 100.00 
N/R 
143,058 
   
7.000%, 10/01/26 
     
415 
 
West Patterson Financing Authority, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities 
9/14 at 105.00 
N/R 
444,469 
   
District 01-1, Refunding Series 2009A, 8.625%, 9/01/39 
     
1,930 
 
West Patterson Financing Authority, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities 
9/13 at 103.00 
N/R 
1,850,658 
   
District 01-1, Series 2003B, 6.750%, 9/01/30 
     
500 
 
West Patterson Financing Authority, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities 
9/13 at 102.00 
N/R 
422,545 
   
District 01-1, Series 2004B, 6.000%, 9/01/39 
     
850 
 
West Patterson Financing Authority, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities 
9/13 at 103.00 
N/R 
730,881 
   
District 2001-1, Series 2004A, 6.125%, 9/01/39 
     
3,715 
 
Western Placer Unified School District, Placer County, California, Certiciates of 
8/18 at 100.00 
AA– 
3,591,811 
   
Particpation, Series 2008, 5.000%, 8/01/47 – AGC Insured 
     
240 
 
Yorba Linda Redevelopment Agency, Orange County, California, Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds, 
9/21 at 100.00 
A– 
252,444 
   
Yorba Linda Redevelopment Project, Subordinate Lien Series 2011A, 6.500%, 9/01/32 
     
46,405 
 
Total Tax Obligation/Limited 
   
45,309,600 
   
Transportation – 8.9% (6.0% of Total Investments) 
     
3,000 
 
Bay Area Governments Association, California, BART SFO Extension, Airport Premium Fare Revenue 
8/12 at 100.00 
N/R 
2,663,340 
   
Bonds, Series 2002A, 5.000%, 8/01/32 – AMBAC Insured 
     
1,930 
 
Bay Area Toll Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, San Francisco Bay Area Toll Bridge, Series 
4/16 at 100.00 
AA 
2,030,051 
   
2006F, 5.000%, 4/01/31 (UB) 
     
1,430 
 
Bay Area Toll Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, San Francisco Bay Area Toll Bridge, Series 
4/18 at 100.00 
AA 
1,706,319 
   
2008, Trust 3211, 13.528%, 10/01/32 (IF) 
     
7,000 
 
Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, California, Toll Road Revenue Refunding 
1/14 at 101.00 
BBB– 
6,982,080 
   
Bonds, Series 1999, 5.875%, 1/15/27 
     
5,585 
 
Port of Oakland, California, Revenue Bonds, Series 2002N, 5.000%, 11/01/16 – NPFG Insured 
11/12 at 100.00 
A 
5,704,519 
   
(Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
18,945 
 
Total Transportation 
   
19,086,309 
   
U.S. Guaranteed – 21.5% (14.4% of Total Investments) (7) 
     
2,700 
 
California Department of Water Resources, Power Supply Revenue Bonds, Series 2002A, 5.125%, 
5/12 at 101.00 
Aaa 
2,782,485 
   
5/01/18 (Pre-refunded 5/01/12) 
     
425 
 
California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Thomas Jefferson School 
10/15 at 100.00 
N/R (7) 
477,033 
   
of Law, Series 2005A, 4.875%, 10/01/31 (Pre-refunded 10/01/15) 
     
860 
 
California, Economic Recovery Revenue Bonds, Series 2004A, 5.000%, 7/01/15 
7/14 at 100.00 
Aaa 
958,246 
   
(Pre-refunded 7/01/14) 
     
   
Contra Costa County Community College District, California, General Obligation Bonds, 
     
   
Series 2002: 
     
3,005 
 
5.000%, 8/01/21 (Pre-refunded 8/01/12) – FGIC Insured 
8/12 at 100.00 
Aa1 (7) 
3,100,559 
3,300 
 
5.000%, 8/01/22 (Pre-refunded 8/01/12) – FGIC Insured 
8/12 at 100.00 
Aa1 (7) 
3,404,940 
4,000 
 
Daly City Housing Development Finance Agency, California, Mobile Home Park Revenue Bonds, 
12/13 at 102.00 
N/R (7) 
4,507,760 
   
Franciscan Mobile Home Park Project, Series 2002A, 5.850%, 12/15/32 (Pre-refunded 12/15/13) 
     
2,005 
 
Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corporation, California, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed 
6/13 at 100.00 
Aaa 
2,151,004 
   
Bonds, Series 2003A-1, 6.250%, 6/01/33 (Pre-refunded 6/01/13) 
     
1,170 
 
Lincoln, California, Special Tax Bonds, Lincoln Crossing Community Facilities District 03-1, 
9/13 at 102.00 
N/R (7) 
1,312,459 
   
Series 2003A, 6.500%, 9/01/25 (Pre-refunded 9/01/13) 
     
885 
 
Lincoln, California, Special Tax Bonds, Lincoln Crossing Community Facilities District 03-1, 
9/13 at 102.00 
N/R (7) 
985,058 
   
Series 2004, 6.000%, 9/01/34 (Pre-refunded 9/01/13) 
     
9,510 
 
Los Angeles Unified School District, California, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2002E, 
7/12 at 100.00 
AA– (7) 
9,775,805 
   
5.000%, 7/01/19 (Pre-refunded 7/01/12) – NPFG Insured 
     
2,000 
 
Puerto Rico Public Finance Corporation, Commonwealth Appropriation Bonds, Series 2002E, 
No Opt. Call 
AA+ (7) 
2,669,560 
   
6.000%, 8/01/26 (ETM) 
     
   
San Francisco Airports Commission, California, Revenue Bonds, San Francisco International 
     
   
Airport, Second Series 2003, Issue 29A: 
     
2,430 
 
5.250%, 5/01/18 (Pre-refunded 5/01/13) – FGIC Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
5/13 at 100.00 
A+ (7) 
2,598,764 
2,555 
 
5.250%, 5/01/19 (Pre-refunded 5/01/13) – FGIC Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
5/13 at 100.00 
A+ (7) 
2,732,445 
1,000 
 
San Francisco Airports Commission, California, Revenue Bonds, San Francisco International 
5/13 at 100.00 
A+ (7) 
1,067,870 
   
Airport, Second Series 2003, Issue 29B, 5.125%, 5/01/17 (Pre-refunded 5/01/13) – FGIC Insured 
     
2,000 
 
San Francisco Airports Commission, California, Revenue Refunding Bonds, San Francisco 
5/12 at 100.00 
A+ (7) 
2,040,740 
   
International Airport, Second Series 2002, Issue 28A, 5.250%, 5/01/17 (Pre-refunded 5/01/12) – 
     
   
NPFG Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax) 
     
825 
 
San Mateo Union High School District, San Mateo County, California, Certificates of 
12/17 at 100.00 
AA– (7) 
991,922 
   
Participation, Phase 1, Series 2007A, 5.000%, 12/15/30 (Pre-refunded 12/15/17) – 
     
   
AMBAC Insured 
     
2,800 
 
Tobacco Securitization Authority of Southern California, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed 
6/12 at 100.00 
Aaa 
2,873,920 
   
Bonds, San Diego County Tobacco Asset Securitization Corporation, Senior Series 2001A, 
     
   
5.500%, 6/01/36 (Pre-refunded 6/01/12) 
     
1,500 
 
Whittier, California, Health Facility Revenue Bonds, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, 
6/12 at 101.00 
N/R (7) 
1,555,500 
   
Series 2002, 5.600%, 6/01/22 (Pre-refunded 6/01/12) 
     
42,970 
 
Total U.S. Guaranteed 
   
45,986,070 
   
Utilities – 8.6% (5.8% of Total Investments) 
     
5,000 
 
Anaheim Public Finance Authority, California, Second Lien Electric Distribution Revenue Bonds, 
10/14 at 100.00 
A+ 
5,206,600 
   
Series 2004, 5.250%, 10/01/21 – NPFG Insured 
     
2,355 
 
Long Beach Bond Finance Authority, California, Natural Gas Purchase Revenue Bonds, Series 
No Opt. Call 
A 
2,102,167 
   
2007A, 5.000%, 11/15/35 
     
1,000 
 
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California, Power System Revenue Bonds, Series 
7/13 at 100.00 
AA– 
1,054,080 
   
2003A-2, 5.000%, 7/01/23 – NPFG Insured 
     
500 
 
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California, Power System Revenue Bonds, Series 
7/15 at 100.00 
AA– 
513,255 
   
2005A-1, 5.000%, 7/01/31 – AGM Insured (UB) 
     
   
Merced Irrigation District, California, Electric System Revenue Bonds, Series 2005: 
     
790 
 
5.125%, 9/01/31 – SYNCORA GTY Insured 
9/15 at 100.00 
N/R 
718,205 
1,500 
 
5.250%, 9/01/36 – SYNCORA GTY Insured 
9/15 at 100.00 
N/R 
1,345,095 
2,000 
 
Santa Clara, California, Subordinate Electric Revenue Bonds, Series 2003A, 5.250%, 7/01/20 – 
7/13 at 100.00 
A1 
2,099,820 
   
NPFG Insured 
     
1,500 
 
Southern California Public Power Authority, California, Milford Wind Corridor Phase I Revenue 
No Opt. Call 
AA– 
1,612,905 
   
Bonds, Series 2010-1, 5.000%, 7/01/28 
     
4,000 
 
Southern California Public Power Authority, Natural Gas Project 1 Revenue Bonds, Series 2007A, 
No Opt. Call 
Baa1 
3,719,240 
   
5.000%, 11/01/33 
     
18,645 
 
Total Utilities 
   
18,371,367 
   
Water and Sewer – 10.8% (7.3% of Total Investments) 
     
1,400 
 
Castaic Lake Water Agency, California, Certificates of Participation, Series 2006C, 5.000%, 
8/16 at 100.00 
AA– 
1,410,625 
   
8/01/36 – NPFG Insured 
     
545 
 
Healdsburg Public Financing Authority, California, Wastewater Revenue Bonds, Series 2006, 
4/16 at 100.00 
AA– 
552,700 
   
5.000%, 4/01/36 – NPFG Insured 
     
1,160 
 
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Waterworks Revenue Bonds, Tender Option 
7/19 at 100.00 
AAA 
1,506,422 
   
Bond Trust 09-8B, 18.049%, 7/01/35 (IF) (4) 
     
1,500 
 
Orange County Water District, California, Revenue Certificates of Participation, Tender Option 
8/19 at 100.00 
AAA 
1,817,640 
   
Bond Trust 11782-1, 17.696%, 2/15/35 (IF) 
     
750 
 
Sacramento County Sanitation District Financing Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, Series 
6/16 at 100.00 
AA 
782,039 
   
2006, 5.000%, 12/01/31 – FGIC Insured 
     
1,700 
 
San Buenaventura, California, Wastewater Revenue Certificates of Participation, Series 2004, 
3/14 at 100.00 
AA 
1,760,400 
   
5.000%, 3/01/24 – NPFG Insured 
     
4,785 
 
San Diego Public Facilities Financing Authority, California, Subordinate Lien Water Revenue 
8/12 at 100.00 
Aa3 
4,903,236 
   
Bonds, Series 2002, 5.000%, 8/01/21 – NPFG Insured 
     
10,000 
 
San Francisco City and County Public Utilities Commission, California, Clean Water Revenue 
4/13 at 100.00 
AA– 
10,478,299 
   
Refunding Bonds, Series 2003A, 5.250%, 10/01/20 – NPFG Insured 
     
21,840 
 
Total Water and Sewer 
   
23,211,361 
$ 341,790 
 
Total Investments (cost $315,573,596) – 148.8% 
   
318,714,069 
   
Floating Rate Obligations – (5.3)% 
   
(11,390,000)
   
MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, at Liquidation Value – (45.7)% (8) 
   
(97,846,300)
   
Other Assets Less Liabilities – 2.2% 
   
4,709,234 
   
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100% 
   
$ 214,187,003 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. A three-tier hierarchy is used to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
 
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
 
Level 2 – Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
 
Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs (including management’s assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
 
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the Fund’s fair value measurements as of November 30, 2011:
         
 
Level 1 
Level 2 
Level 3 
Total 
Investments: 
       
Municipal Bonds 
$ — 
$318,273,412 
$440,657 
$318,714,069 
 
 
 
The following is a reconciliation of the Fund’s Level 3 investments held at the beginning and end of the measurement period:
   
 
Level 3 
 
Municipal Bonds 
Balance at the beginning of period 
$ 766,086 
Gains (losses): 
 
Net realized gains (losses) 
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) 
(325,429)
Purchases at cost 
 
Sales at proceeds 
 
Net discounts (premiums) 
 
Transfers in to 
 
Transfers out of 
 
Balance at the end of period 
$ 440,657 
 
 
 
During the period ended November 30, 2011, the Fund recognized no significant transfers to or from 
Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. 
 
Income Tax Information 
The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between amounts for financial 
statement and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to timing differences in recognizing taxable 
market discount, timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on investment transactions 
and the treatment of investments in inverse floating rate securities reflected as financing transactions, 
if any. To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified 
within the capital accounts on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities presented in the annual report, 
based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. 
Temporary and permanent differences do not impact the net asset value of the Fund. 
 
At November 30, 2011, the cost of investments was $304,560,390. 
 
Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments at November 30, 2011, 
were as follows: 
 
 
   
Gross unrealized: 
 
Appreciation 
$ 13,839,193 
Depreciation 
(11,072,569)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments 
$  2,766,624 
 
 
     
(1) 
 
All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to Common 
   
shares unless otherwise noted. 
(2) 
 
Optional Call Provisions: Dates (month and year) and prices of the earliest optional call or redemption. 
   
There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later dates. Certain mortgage-backed securities 
   
may be subject to periodic principal paydowns. 
(3) 
 
Ratings: Using the highest of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”), Moody’s Investors Service, 
   
Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) rating. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s, Baa by Moody’s or 
   
BBB by Fitch are considered to be below investment grade. Holdings designated N/R are not rated by any 
   
of these national rating agencies. 
(4) 
 
Investment, or portion of investment, has been pledged to collateralize the net payment obligations for 
   
investments in inverse floating rate transactions. 
(5) 
 
At or subsequent to the end of the reporting period, this security is non-income producing. Non-income 
   
producing security, in the case of a bond, generally denotes that the issuer has (1) defaulted on the 
   
payment of principal or interest, (2) is under the protection of the Federal Bankruptcy Court or (3) the Fund’s 
   
Adviser has concluded that the issue is not likely to meet its future interest payment obligations and has 
   
directed the Fund’s custodian to cease accruing additional income on the Fund’s records. 
(6) 
 
For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, investment categorized as level 3. 
(7) 
 
Backed by an escrow or trust containing sufficient U.S. Government or U.S. Government agency securities, 
   
which ensure the timely payment of principal and interest. Certain bonds backed by U.S. Government or 
   
agency securities are regarded as having an implied rating equal to the rating of such securities. 
(8) 
 
MuniFund Term Preferred Shares, at Liquidation Value as a percentage of Total Investments is 30.7%. 
N/R 
 
Not rated. 
(ETM) 
 
Escrowed to maturity. 
(IF) 
 
Inverse floating rate investment. 
(UB) 
 
Underlying bond of an inverse floating rate trust reflected as a financing transaction. 
 
 
 
 

 
Item 2. Controls and Procedures.

a.  
The registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).
 
 
b.  
There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant's last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 3. Exhibits.

File as exhibits as part of this Form a separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)), exactly as set forth below: See EX-99 CERT attached hereto.

 
 
 

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
(Registrant)  Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2 
 
By (Signature and Title)     /s/ Kevin J. McCarthy                    
                                                   Kevin J. McCarthy
                                                   Vice President and Secretary
 
Date         January 27, 2012        
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
By (Signature and Title)     /s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman                    
                                                    Gifford R. Zimmerman
                                                  Chief Administrative Officer (principal executive officer) 
 
Date         January 27, 2012        
 
By (Signature and Title)     /s/ Stephen D. Foy                              
                                                   Stephen D. Foy
                                                  Vice President and Controller (principal financial officer) 
 
Date         January 27, 2012