From $495 golf to ‘the greatest meeting of land & sea’ By DENNIS WYATT 209 reporter MONTEREY —Monterey is the cradle of California civilization. It was the capital of Alta California under both the Spanish and Mexican flags. It was the capital of the short-lived Bear Republic when that banner was hoisted in 1846 above the Customs House — of which a carefully restored version dominates Monterey’s Historical Plaza.