While there were plenty of Italian restaurants in Santa Cruz due to the large Italian community in town, Castagnola's stood out as the "fancy" place to go for special occasions.  I only went once or twice in the late 1960's or early 1970's  (due to our family's preference for the more "family friendly" italian restaurants such as Adolphe's at Soquel Ave. and Market St.)  Castagnola's was on the second floor of a building close to the San Lorenzo River in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, so it had a bit of a view.  I had never eaten clams before, so I begged my parents to let me order them.  My parents hesitated, knowing that I probably wouldn't like them, and they were correct.   I ate one and then lost my appetite. Thanks for the memories, Castagnola's!