

"Cava: The Wine Bar-by-the-Sea"
Unpretentious atmosphere and a dynamic host make Cava a Capitola village destination
Not counting the chance to hang out with owner and raconteur Cliff Livingston, the top reason for a visit to Capitola’s cozy wine bar is the long list of tasting flights available every day. After all, sampling a trio of 2-oz pours of intriguing domestic and global wines can help expand any palate, from beginner to aficionado. “I really like to let people enjoy the wines without a lot of direction,” says Livingston, whose smile is as broad as his shoulders. “Once they start tasting and like a wine, if they want a real discussion, I’ll be happy to talk about it as much and in as much depth as they want. But I believe they shouldn’t be bombarded with data.”
Not counting the chance to hang out with owner and raconteur Cliff Livingston, the top reason for a visit to Capitola’s cozy wine bar is the long list of tasting flights available every day. After all, sampling a trio of 2-oz pours of intriguing domestic and global wines can help expand any palate, from beginner to aficionado. “I really like to let people enjoy the wines without a lot of direction,” says Livingston, whose smile is as broad as his shoulders. “Once they start tasting and like a wine, if they want a real discussion, I’ll be happy to talk about it as much and in as much depth as they want. But I believe they shouldn’t be bombarded with data.”
Not counting the chance to hang out with owner and raconteur Cliff Livingston, the top reason for a visit to Capitola’s cozy wine bar is the long list of tasting flights available every day. After all, sampling a trio of 2-oz pours of intriguing domestic and global wines can help expand any palate, from beginner to aficionado. “I really like to let people enjoy the wines without a lot of direction,” says Livingston, whose smile is as broad as his shoulders. “Once they start tasting and like a wine, if they want a real discussion, I’ll be happy to talk about it as much and in as much depth as they want. But I believe they shouldn’t be bombarded with data.”

"Our favorite beach towns"
5 small towns where the coastline takes center stage
CAPITOLA, CA
The tiki gods smile on the capital of perfect surf
Population: 9,521
What a house costs: $643,150
The vibe: Capitola-by-the-Sea started in the 1860s as a resort town, a place for people from "over the hill" in San Jose to escape the heat. In the 1920s, it took on a Mediterranean feel, sprouting bungalows and stucco shacks reminiscent of those found in Italian fishing villages. But the Mediterranean doesn't have surf like Capitola's. That’s why world-renowned surfboard and wetsuit manufacturer O'Neill is headquartered here, and why marine environmental causes are big. And why even residents like Stephen Hanecak, chef at the Paradise Beach Grille, learn to balance their time between hard work and play. "Four or five days a week," he says, "I’m out there first thing with my surfboard, trying to start my day by catching some waves." –Matt Villano
The tiki gods smile on the capital of perfect surf
Population: 9,521
What a house costs: $643,150
The vibe: Capitola-by-the-Sea started in the 1860s as a resort town, a place for people from "over the hill" in San Jose to escape the heat. In the 1920s, it took on a Mediterranean feel, sprouting bungalows and stucco shacks reminiscent of those found in Italian fishing villages. But the Mediterranean doesn't have surf like Capitola's. That’s why world-renowned surfboard and wetsuit manufacturer O'Neill is headquartered here, and why marine environmental causes are big. And why even residents like Stephen Hanecak, chef at the Paradise Beach Grille, learn to balance their time between hard work and play. "Four or five days a week," he says, "I’m out there first thing with my surfboard, trying to start my day by catching some waves." –Matt Villano

December 15, 2007
Good Times Santa Cruz - "CAPITOLA VILLAGE WELCOMES ANNUAL UNCLE NATHAN'S DAY PARTY"
The Capitola Mercantile will once again host the annual Uncle Nathan's Day Party for disadvantage youths. Located in the Capitola Village at 115 San Jose Avenue this year's celebration will include entertainment, ballons and food.
Beginning at 10:00AM on Saturday, December 15, 2007, children can expect to see Santa Claus, the Grinch and Coleman the Fire Juggler. Additionally, the Capitola Fire Department is scheduled to come by on one of their fire trucks.
Uncle Nathan's Day is an annual Christmas / Chanukah party in Capitola for children in need. This wonderful production has been sponsored since 1980 by real estate entrepreneur Peter Dwares with assistance from the on-site manager of the Capitola Mercantile, Debbie Johnson. This event started as a party for the DeBolt Foundation's Adopt A Special Kid (AASK). Now Uncle Nathan's Day is open to other disadvantaged youth in Santa Cruz County as well.
Beginning at 10:00AM on Saturday, December 15, 2007, children can expect to see Santa Claus, the Grinch and Coleman the Fire Juggler. Additionally, the Capitola Fire Department is scheduled to come by on one of their fire trucks.
Uncle Nathan's Day is an annual Christmas / Chanukah party in Capitola for children in need. This wonderful production has been sponsored since 1980 by real estate entrepreneur Peter Dwares with assistance from the on-site manager of the Capitola Mercantile, Debbie Johnson. This event started as a party for the DeBolt Foundation's Adopt A Special Kid (AASK). Now Uncle Nathan's Day is open to other disadvantaged youth in Santa Cruz County as well.
