Form N-Q

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         811-09161         

        Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund         
(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:         5/31/09         

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 (NAC)             
    May 31, 2009             
Principal        Optional Call         
Amount (000)    Description (1)    Provisions (2)    Ratings (3)    Value 
    Consumer Staples – 5.5% (3.8% of Total Investments)             
$         990    California County Tobacco Securitization Agency, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed Bonds, Sonoma    6/15 at 100.00    BBB   $   884,387 
     County Tobacco Securitization Corporation, Series 2005, 4.250%, 6/01/21             
7,500    Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corporation, California, Enhanced Tobacco Settlement    6/17 at 100.00    BBB    4,999,050 
     Asset-Backed Bonds, Series 2007A-1, 5.750%, 6/01/47             
24,265    Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corporation, California, Enhanced Tobacco Settlement    6/22 at 100.00    BBB    10,852,036 
     Asset-Backed Bonds, Series 2007A-2, 0.000%, 6/01/37             
32,755    Total Consumer Staples            16,735,473 
    Education and Civic Organizations – 7.3% (5.0% of Total Investments)             
290    California Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, University of Redlands, Series    10/15 at 100.00    A3    259,208 
     2005A, 5.000%, 10/01/35             
10,000    California Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, University of Southern California,    10/17 at 100.00    AA+    9,613,200 
     Series 2007A, 4.500%, 10/01/33 (UB)             
    California Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, University of the Pacific,             
    Series 2006:             
200     5.000%, 11/01/21    11/15 at 100.00    A2    198,714 
265     5.000%, 11/01/25    11/15 at 100.00    A2    248,599 
4,685    California State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue Bonds, University of California Regents,    3/18 at 100.00    Aa2    4,455,482 
     Trust 1065, 9.093%, 3/01/33 (IF)             
615    California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Notre Dame de Namur    10/13 at 100.00    N/R    456,336 
     University, Series 2003, 6.500%, 10/01/23             
3,000    Long Beach Bond Financing Authority, California, Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds, Long Beach    11/11 at 100.00    A    3,014,010 
     Aquarium of the South Pacific, Series 2001, 5.500%, 11/01/17 – AMBAC Insured             
3,500    University of California, Revenue Bonds, Multi-Purpose Projects, Series 2003A, 5.125%, 5/15/17 –    5/13 at 100.00    Aa1    3,836,490 
     AMBAC Insured (UB)             
22,555    Total Education and Civic Organizations            22,082,039 
    Health Care – 21.7% (14.8% of Total Investments)             
2,160    California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Health Facility Revenue Bonds, Adventist    3/13 at 100.00    A    2,216,614 
     Health System/West, Series 2003A, 5.000%, 3/01/15             
660    California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Kaiser Permanante System,    4/16 at 100.00    A+    580,853 
     Series 2006, 5.000%, 4/01/37             
10,000    California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Sutter Health, Series 2007A,    11/16 at 100.00    AA–    9,153,300 
     5.000%, 11/15/42 – MBIA Insured             
5,655    California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Sutter Health, Series 2008,    11/16 at 100.00    Aa3    4,752,843 
     Trust 3146, 11.375%, 11/15/46 (IF)             
1,120    California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Adventist Health System    3/15 at 100.00    A    994,022 
     West, Series 2005A, 5.000%, 3/01/35             
1,586    California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Saint Joseph Health    7/18 at 100.00    AAA    1,472,030 
     System, Trust 2554, 18.389%, 7/01/47 – FSA Insured (IF)             
    California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, ValleyCare Health             
    System, Series 2007A:             
1,000     4.800%, 7/15/17    No Opt. Call    N/R    821,540 
3,325     5.125%, 7/15/31    7/17 at 100.00    N/R    2,143,761 
19,420    California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Kaiser Permanante System,    3/16 at 100.00    A+    16,848,791 
     Series 2006, 5.000%, 3/01/41             
3,095    California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Kaiser Permanente System,    8/16 at 100.00    A+    2,894,846 
     Series 2001C, 5.250%, 8/01/31             
2,225    California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Kaiser Permanente System,    3/16 at 100.00    AAA    3,215,503 
     Trust 11672, 19.035%, 3/01/41 – BHAC Insured (IF)             
2,250    California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Methodist Hospital    8/19 at 100.00    AA    2,364,615 
     Project, Series 2009, 6.750%, 2/01/38             
10,500    Duarte, California, Certificates of Participation, City of Hope National Medical Center,    10/09 at 101.00    A+    9,801,435 
     Series 1999A, 5.250%, 4/01/31             
2,860    Loma Linda, California, Hospital Revenue Bonds, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Series    12/18 at 100.00    BBB    3,039,865 
     2008A, 8.250%, 12/01/38             
2,570    Rancho Mirage Joint Powers Financing Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, Eisenhower Medical    7/17 at 100.00    A3    2,227,727 
     Center, Series 2007A, 5.000%, 7/01/38             
3,000    Santa Clara County Financing Authority, California, Insured Revenue Bonds, El Camino Hospital,    8/17 at 100.00    A1    2,974,650 
     Series 2007A, 5.750%, 2/01/41 – AMBAC Insured             
71,426    Total Health Care            65,502,395 
    Housing/Multifamily – 2.2% (1.5% of Total Investments)             
5,000    Contra Costa County, California, Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds, Delta View Apartments    6/09 at 102.00    N/R    4,030,150 
     Project, Series 1999C, 6.750%, 12/01/30 (Alternative Minimum Tax)             
320    Independent Cities Lease Finance Authority, California, Mobile Home Park Revenue Bonds, San    5/16 at 100.00    N/R    234,336 
     Juan Mobile Estates, Series 2006B, 5.850%, 5/15/41             
1,725    Rohnert Park Finance Authority, California, Senior Lien Revenue Bonds, Rancho Feliz Mobile    9/13 at 100.00    A+    1,410,774 
     Home Park, Series 2003A, 5.750%, 9/15/38             
1,120    Rohnert Park Finance Authority, California, Subordinate Lien Revenue Bonds, Rancho Feliz    9/13 at 100.00    N/R    936,544 
     Mobile Home Park, Series 2003B, 6.625%, 9/15/38             
8,165    Total Housing/Multifamily            6,611,804 
    Housing/Single Family – 0.6% (0.4% of Total Investments)             
1,670    California Housing Finance Agency, California, Home Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 2008, Trust    2/17 at 100.00    AA–    1,270,743 
     3137, 14.711%, 8/01/37 (Alternative Minimum Tax) (IF)             
660    California Housing Finance Agency, Home Mortgage Revenue Bonds, Series 2006H, 5.750%,    2/16 at 100.00    Aa2    661,604 
     8/01/30 – FGIC Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax)             
2,330    Total Housing/Single Family            1,932,347 
    Industrials – 1.7% (1.1% of Total Investments)             
2,000    California Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, Waste    1/16 at 102.00    BBB    1,816,520 
     Management Inc., Series 2002A, 5.000%, 1/01/22 (Alternative Minimum Tax)             
5,120    California Statewide Communities Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, EnerTech Regional    No Opt. Call    BB    3,272,397 
     Biosolids Project, Series 2007A, 5.500%, 12/01/33 (Alternative Minimum Tax)             
7,120    Total Industrials            5,088,917 
    Long-Term Care – 2.3% (1.6% of Total Investments)             
8,500    Riverside County Public Financing Authority, California, Certificates of Participation, Air    11/09 at 101.00    BBB–    7,081,180 
     Force Village West, Series 1999, 5.800%, 5/15/29             
    Tax Obligation/General – 9.3% (6.3% of Total Investments)             
4,435    California, General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2002, 6.000%, 4/01/16 – AMBAC Insured    No Opt. Call    A+    5,008,401 
3,425    Coast Community College District, Orange County, California, General Obligation Bonds, Series    8/18 at 100.00    AAA    2,819,083 
     2006C, 0.000%, 8/01/31 – FSA Insured             
5,150    Hacienda La Puente Unified School District Facilities Financing Authority, California, General    No Opt. Call    AAA    5,506,483 
     Obligation Revenue Bonds, Series 2007, 5.000%, 8/01/26 – FSA Insured             
5,210    Oak Valley Hospital District, Stanislaus County, California, General Obligation Bonds, Series    7/14 at 101.00    A3    4,763,711 
     2005, 5.000%, 7/01/35 – FGIC Insured             
575    Roseville Joint Union High School District, Placer County, California, General Obligation    8/15 at 100.00    AA–    584,114 
     Bonds, Series 2006B, 5.000%, 8/01/27 – FGIC Insured             
5,000    San Diego Unified School District, San Diego County, California, General Obligation Bonds,    7/13 at 101.00    AAA    5,597,100 
     Series 2003E, 5.250%, 7/01/20 – FSA Insured             
3,605    West Contra Costa Unified School District, Contra Costa County, California, General Obligation    8/11 at 101.00    AAA    3,771,191 
     Bonds, Series 2003B, 5.000%, 8/01/21 – FSA Insured             
27,400    Total Tax Obligation/General            28,050,083 
    Tax Obligation/Limited – 36.2% (24.7% of Total Investments)             
    Beaumont Financing Authority, California, Local Agency Revenue Bonds, Series 2004D:             
1,000     5.500%, 9/01/24    9/14 at 102.00    N/R    802,470 
615     5.800%, 9/01/35    9/14 at 102.00    N/R    462,259 
1,990    Borrego Water District, California, Community Facilities District 2007-1 Montesoro, Special    8/17 at 102.00    N/R    1,600,537 
     Tax Bonds, Series 2007, 5.750%, 8/01/25             
1,990    Brentwood Infrastructure Financing Authority, California, Infrastructure Revenue Refunding    9/12 at 100.00    AAA    2,018,736 
     Bonds, Series 2002A, 5.125%, 9/02/24 – FSA Insured             
    Brentwood Infrastructure Financing Authority, Contra Costa County, California, Capital             
    Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2001:             
1,110     5.375%, 11/01/18 – FSA Insured    11/11 at 100.00    AAA    1,168,464 
1,165     5.375%, 11/01/19 – FSA Insured    11/11 at 100.00    AAA    1,226,361 
2,000    Capistrano Unified School District, Orange County, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community    9/13 at 100.00    N/R    1,719,240 
     Facilities District 90-2 – Talega, Series 2003, 6.000%, 9/01/33             
710    Capistrano Unified School District, Orange County, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community    9/15 at 100.00    AA–    663,857 
     Facilities District, Series 2005, 5.000%, 9/01/24 – FGIC Insured             
1,225    Chino Redevelopment Agency, California, Merged Chino Redevelopment Project Area Tax Allocation    9/16 at 101.00    A    999,343 
     Bonds, Series 2006, 5.000%, 9/01/38 – AMBAC Insured             
3,490    Fontana, California, Senior Special Tax Refunding Bonds, Heritage Village Community Facilities    9/09 at 101.00    AA–    3,507,380 
     District 2, Series 1998A, 5.250%, 9/01/17 – MBIA Insured             
1,125    Fontana, California, Special Tax Bonds, Sierra Community Facilities District 22, Series 2004,    9/14 at 100.00    N/R    864,113 
     6.000%, 9/01/34             
3,980    Garden Grove, California, Certificates of Participation, Financing Project, Series 2002A,    3/12 at 101.00    A    4,076,396 
     5.500%, 3/01/22 – AMBAC Insured             
    Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corporation, California, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed             
    Revenue Bonds, Series 2005A:             
37,695     5.000%, 6/01/35 – FGIC Insured    6/15 at 100.00    A–    32,762,605 
4,395     5.000%, 6/01/38 – FGIC Insured    6/15 at 100.00    A–    3,772,932 
2,850    Hesperia Community Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Series 2005A,    9/15 at 100.00    Baa1    2,091,017 
     5.000%, 9/01/35 – SYNCORA GTY Insured             
4,500    Inglewood Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds, Merged Area    No Opt. Call    A    4,528,575 
     Redevelopment Project, Series 1998A, 5.250%, 5/01/23 – AMBAC Insured             
    Irvine, California, Unified School District, Community Facilities District Special Tax Bonds,             
    Series 2006A:             
345     5.000%, 9/01/26    9/16 at 100.00    N/R    303,638 
795     5.125%, 9/01/36    9/16 at 100.00    N/R    653,983 
675    Lammersville School District, San Joaquin County, California, Community Facilities District    9/16 at 100.00    N/R    448,011 
     2002, Mountain House Special Tax Bonds, Series 2006, 5.125%, 9/01/35             
2,000    Lee Lake Water District, Riverside County, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities    9/13 at 102.00    N/R    1,713,700 
     District 1 of Sycamore Creek, Series 2003, 6.500%, 9/01/24             
1,000    Lindsay Redevelopment Agency, California, Project 1 Tax Allocation Bonds, Series 2007, 5.000%,    8/17 at 100.00    BBB+    807,210 
     8/01/37 – RAAI Insured             
1,290    Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, California, Lease Revenue Bonds, Manchester Social    9/15 at 100.00    A2    1,160,510 
     Services Project, Series 2005, 5.000%, 9/01/37 – AMBAC Insured             
1,750    Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, California, Proposition C Second    7/09 at 100.00    AA+    1,753,220 
     Senior Lien Sales Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1998A, 5.000%, 7/01/23 – AMBAC Insured             
1,530    Moreno Valley Unified School District, Riverside County, California, Certificates of    3/14 at 100.00    AAA    1,568,051 
     Participation, Series 2005, 5.000%, 3/01/24 – FSA Insured             
3,500    Murrieta Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Series 2007A, 5.000%,    8/17 at 100.00    AA–    2,976,400 
     8/01/37 – MBIA Insured             
9,200    Norco Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds, Project Area 1, Series    3/11 at 102.00    AA–    9,331,928 
     2001, 5.000%, 3/01/19 – MBIA Insured             
    North Natomas Community Facilities District 4, Sacramento, California, Special Tax Bonds,             
    Series 2006D:             
545     5.000%, 9/01/26    9/14 at 102.00    N/R    420,615 
250     5.000%, 9/01/33    9/14 at 102.00    N/R    178,558 
3,290    Oakland Redevelopment Agency, California, Subordinate Lien Tax Allocation Bonds, Central    3/13 at 100.00    AA–    3,336,751 
     District Redevelopment Project, Series 2003, 5.500%, 9/01/16 – FGIC Insured             
5,600    Palm Springs Financing Authority, California, Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds, Convention Center    11/11 at 101.00    AA–    5,624,024 
     Project, Series 2001A, 5.000%, 11/01/22 – MBIA Insured             
1,000    Palmdale Community Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Merged    12/14 at 100.00    A    1,000,950 
     Redevelopment Project Areas, Series 2004, 5.000%, 12/01/24 – AMBAC Insured             
1,570    Poway Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds, Paguay Redevelopment    12/10 at 102.00    AA    1,445,546 
     Project, Series 2000, 5.750%, 6/15/33 – MBIA Insured             
620    Rialto Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Bonds, Merged Project Area, Series    9/15 at 100.00    A–    533,386 
     2005A, 5.000%, 9/01/35 – SYNCORA GTY Insured             
1,860    Riverside Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds, Merged Project    8/13 at 100.00    AA–    1,853,044 
     Areas, Series 2003, 5.250%, 8/01/22 – MBIA Insured             
770    Roseville, California, Certificates of Participation, Public Facilities, Series 2003A, 5.000%,    8/13 at 100.00    AA–    709,655 
     8/01/25 – AMBAC Insured             
2,500    Sacramento City Financing Authority, California, Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1993A,    No Opt. Call    A    2,631,275 
     5.400%, 11/01/20 – AMBAC Insured             
1,150    Sacramento, California, Special Tax Bonds, North Natomas Community Facilities District 4,    9/14 at 100.00    N/R    914,963 
     Series 2003C, 6.000%, 9/01/33             
2,695    San Jose Financing Authority, California, Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds, Civic Center Project,    6/12 at 100.00    AA+    2,838,670 
     Series 2002B, 5.250%, 6/01/19 – AMBAC Insured             
1,000    Washington Unified School District, Yolo County, California, Certificates of Participation,    8/17 at 100.00    A    828,830 
     Series 2007, 5.125%, 8/01/37 – AMBAC Insured             
2,810    West Patterson Financing Authority, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities    9/13 at 103.00    N/R    1,967,197 
     District 01-1, Series 2003B, 7.000%, 9/01/38             
2,000    West Patterson Financing Authority, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities    9/13 at 102.00    N/R    1,211,260 
     District 01-1, Series 2004B, 6.000%, 9/01/39             
1,350    West Patterson Financing Authority, California, Special Tax Bonds, Community Facilities    9/13 at 103.00    N/R    833,261 
     District 2001-1, Series 2004A, 6.125%, 9/01/39             
120,935    Total Tax Obligation/Limited            109,308,921 
    Transportation – 20.5% (13.9% of Total Investments)             
1,430    Bay Area Toll Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, San Francisco Bay Area Toll Bridge, Series    4/16 at 100.00    AA    1,434,018 
     2006F, 5.000%, 4/01/31 (UB)             
830    Bay Area Toll Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, San Francisco Bay Area Toll Bridge, Series    4/18 at 100.00    AA    852,991 
     2008, Trust 3211, 13.298%, 4/01/39 (IF)             
8,150    Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, California, Toll Road Revenue Refunding    1/10 at 101.00    BBB–    6,347,628 
     Bonds, Series 1999, 5.750%, 1/15/40             
8,515    Los Angeles Harbors Department, California, Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2001B, 5.500%,    8/11 at 100.00    AA    8,605,855 
     8/01/18 – AMBAC Insured (Alternative Minimum Tax)             
120    Palm Springs Financing Authority, California, Palm Springs International Airport Revenue    7/14 at 102.00    N/R    100,968 
     Bonds, Series 2006, 5.450%, 7/01/20 (Alternative Minimum Tax)             
22,825    Port of Oakland, California, Revenue Bonds, Series 2000K, 5.750%, 11/01/29 – FGIC Insured    5/10 at 100.00    A1    21,145,764 
23,275    San Francisco Airports Commission, California, Revenue Bonds, San Francisco International    5/10 at 101.00    AAA    23,310,843 
     Airport, Second Series 2000, Issue 24A, 5.750%, 5/01/30 – FSA Insured (Alternative             
     Minimum Tax)             
65,145    Total Transportation            61,798,067 
    U.S. Guaranteed – 28.6% (19.5% of Total Investments) (4)             
9,750    California Department of Water Resources, Power Supply Revenue Bonds, Series 2002A, 5.125%,    5/12 at 101.00    Aaa    10,902,255 
     5/01/18 (Pre-refunded 5/01/12)             
115    California Department of Water Resources, Water System Revenue Bonds, Central Valley Project,    12/11 at 100.00    AAA    127,119 
     Series 2001W, 5.250%, 12/01/22 (Pre-refunded 12/01/11) – FSA Insured             
1,500    California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,    12/09 at 101.00    N/R (4)    1,556,925 
     Series 1999A, 6.125%, 12/01/30 (Pre-refunded 12/01/09)             
8,400    California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Bonds, Kaiser Permanente System,    10/09 at 100.50    AAA    8,512,056 
     Series 1998B, 5.250%, 10/01/14 (ETM)             
715    California Statewide Community Development Authority, Revenue Bonds, Thomas Jefferson School    10/15 at 100.00    N/R (4)    786,421 
     of Law, Series 2005A, 4.875%, 10/01/31 (Pre-refunded 10/01/15)             
4,370    Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corporation, California, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed    6/13 at 100.00    AAA    4,782,178 
     Bonds, Series 2003A-1, 6.250%, 6/01/33 (Pre-refunded 6/01/13)             
1,940    Lincoln, California, Special Tax Bonds, Lincoln Crossing Community Facilities District 03-1,    9/13 at 102.00    N/R (4)    2,349,418 
     Series 2003A, 6.500%, 9/01/25 (Pre-refunded 9/01/13)             
1,335    Lincoln, California, Special Tax Bonds, Lincoln Crossing Community Facilities District 03-1,    9/13 at 102.00    N/R (4)    1,589,504 
     Series 2004, 6.000%, 9/01/34 (Pre-refunded 9/01/13)             
10,845    Los Angeles Unified School District, California, General Obligation Bonds, Series 2002E,    7/12 at 100.00    AA– (4)    12,047,167 
     5.000%, 7/01/19 (Pre-refunded 7/01/12) – MBIA Insured             
    Northern California Tobacco Securitization Authority, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed Bonds,             
    Series 2001A:             
2,500     5.250%, 6/01/31 (Pre-refunded 6/01/11)    6/11 at 100.00    AAA    2,711,225 
4,500     5.375%, 6/01/41 (Pre-refunded 6/01/11)    6/11 at 100.00    AAA    4,891,365 
5,840    Orange County Water District, California, Revenue Certificates of Participation, Series 1999A,    8/09 at 101.00    AAA    5,947,456 
     5.375%, 8/15/29 (ETM)             
175    Port of Oakland, California, Revenue Bonds, Series 2000K, 5.750%, 11/01/29 (Pre-refunded    5/10 at 100.00    A1 (4)    182,194 
     5/01/10) – FGIC Insured             
6,530    Poway Redevelopment Agency, California, Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds, Paguay Redevelopment    12/10 at 102.00    N/R (4)    7,165,500 
     Project, Series 2000, 5.750%, 6/15/33 (Pre-refunded 12/15/10) – MBIA Insured             
4,000    Puerto Rico, General Obligation and Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2000, 5.750%, 7/01/16    7/10 at 100.00    AA– (4)    4,222,080 
     (Pre-refunded 7/01/10) – MBIA Insured             
2,860    Tobacco Securitization Authority of Southern California, Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed    6/12 at 100.00    AAA    3,166,478 
     Bonds, San Diego County Tobacco Asset Securitization Corporation, Senior Series 2001A,             
     5.250%, 6/01/27 (Pre-refunded 6/01/12)             
700    University of California, Certificates of Participation, San Diego and Sacramento Campus    1/10 at 101.00    Aa1 (4)    726,607 
     Projects, Series 2002A, 5.250%, 1/01/22 (Pre-refunded 1/01/10)             
11,305    University of California, Revenue Bonds, Multi-Purpose Projects, Series 2002O, 5.000%, 9/01/21    9/10 at 101.00    AA (4)    12,038,468 
     (Pre-refunded 9/01/10) – FGIC Insured             
2,500    Whittier, California, Health Facility Revenue Bonds, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital,    6/12 at 101.00    A+ (4)    2,835,525 
     Series 2002, 5.600%, 6/01/22 (Pre-refunded 6/01/12)             
79,880    Total U.S. Guaranteed            86,539,941 
    Utilities – 4.4% (3.0% of Total Investments)             
3,630    Imperial Irrigation District, California, Certificates of Participation, Electric System    11/13 at 100.00    AAA    3,774,075 
     Revenue Bonds, Series 2003, 5.250%, 11/01/23 – FSA Insured             
3,775    Long Beach Bond Finance Authority, California, Natural Gas Purchase Revenue Bonds, Series    No Opt. Call    A    3,019,925 
     2007A, 5.000%, 11/15/35             
5,500    Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California, Power System Revenue Bonds, Series    7/15 at 100.00    AAA    5,514,080 
     2005A-1, 5.000%, 7/01/31 – FSA Insured (UB)             
1,270    Merced Irrigation District, California, Electric System Revenue Bonds, Series 2005, 5.125%,    9/15 at 100.00    BBB–    1,017,791 
     9/01/31 – SYNCORA GTY Insured             
14,175    Total Utilities            13,325,871 
    Water and Sewer – 6.0% (4.1% of Total Investments)             
875    Healdsburg Public Financing Authority, California, Wastewater Revenue Bonds, Series 2006,    4/16 at 100.00    AA–    816,253 
     5.000%, 4/01/36 – MBIA Insured             
2,500    Indio Water Authority, California, Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2006, 5.000%, 4/01/31 –    4/16 at 100.00    A+    2,336,025 
     AMBAC Insured             
835    Marina Coast Water District, California, Enterprise Certificate of Participation, Series 2006,    6/16 at 100.00    AA–    780,074 
     5.000%, 6/01/31 – MBIA Insured             
8,250    Pico Rivera Water Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, Series 2001A, 6.250%, 12/01/32    12/11 at 102.00    N/R    6,631,680 
2,250    Sacramento County Sanitation District Financing Authority, California, Revenue Bonds, Series    6/16 at 100.00    AA    2,252,633 
     2006, 5.000%, 12/01/31 – FGIC Insured             
5,115    San Francisco City and County Public Utilities Commission, California, Water Revenue Bonds,    11/12 at 100.00    AA–    5,354,587 
     Series 2002A, 5.000%, 11/01/18 – MBIA Insured             
19,825    Total Water and Sewer            18,171,252 
$      480,211    Total Long-Term Investments (cost $460,657,493) – 146.3%            442,228,290 
    Short-Term Investments – 0.5% (0.3% of Total Investments)             
$          1,400    Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Water Revenue Bonds, Variable Rate Demand    10/09 at 100.00    A-1    1,400,000 
     Obligations, Series 2008A-1, 0.100%, 7/01/37 (5)             
    Total Short-Term Investments (cost $1,400,000)            1,400,000 
    Total Investments (cost $462,057,493) – 146.8%            443,628,290 
    Floating Rate Obligations – (4.3)%            (12,865,000)
    Other Assets Less Liabilities – 2.4%            6,869,629 
    Auction Rate Preferred Shares, at Liquidation Value – (44.9)% (6)            (135,525,000)
    Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares – 100%          $  302,107,919 

Fair Value Measurements

During the current fiscal period, the Fund adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (SFAS No.157) “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. In determining the value of the Fund’s investments various inputs are used. These inputs are 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 methodology 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 May 31, 2009:

    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total 
Investments    $ —    $443,628,290    $ —    $443,628,290 

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 transactions subject to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140 (SFAS No. 140), 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 May 31, 2009, the cost of investments was $448,827,884.

Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments at May 31, 2009, were as follows:

Gross unrealized:     
  Appreciation    $ 16,251,832 
  Depreciation    (34,316,490) 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments    $(18,064,658) 

(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 higher of Standard & Poor’s Group (“Standard & Poor’s”) or Moody’s Investor Service, 
    Inc. (“Moody’s”) rating. Ratings below BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Baa by Moody’s are considered to be 
    below investment grade. 
(4)    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. Such investments are normally considered to 
    be equivalent to AAA rated securities. 
(5)    Investment has a maturity of more than one year, but has variable rate and demand features which qualify 
    it as a short-term investment. The rate disclosed is that in effect at the end of the reporting period. 
    This rate changes periodically based on market conditions or a specified market index. 
(6)    Auction Rate Preferred Shares, at Liquidation Value as a percentage of Total Investments is 30.5%. 
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 pursuant to the 
    provisions of SFAS No. 140. 

Item 2. Controls and Procedures.

  1. 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)).
  2. 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         

By (Signature and Title)          /s/ Kevin J. McCarthy                    
                                                  Kevin J. McCarthy
                                                  Vice President and Secretary

Date         July 30, 2009        

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         July 30, 2009        

By (Signature and Title)         /s/ Stephen D. Foy                              
                                                 Stephen D. Foy
                                                 Vice President and Controller (principal financial officer) 

Date        July 30, 2009