BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC
N-30D, 1997-09-03
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<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
                       SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
                          REPORT OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                   July 31, 1997
 
Dear Trust Shareholder,
 
    After experiencing higher interest rates in the face of a resilient stock
market and stronger economic growth for the first few months of 1997, bond
investors were comforted by more moderate economic data released during the
second quarter which allowed the bond market to recapture some of its losses.
 
    Our outlook for the bond market is cautiously optimistic. Over the short
term, we believe that the recent rally may continue, since inflation news has
been positive and U.S. securities appear cheap relative to their global
counterparts. Additionally, Fed Chairman Greenspan appears to be comfortable
allowing the economy to expand in the absence of rising inflationary pressures.
Thus, we do not foresee another tightening in the immediate future in the
absence of a visible inflation shock. However, recent wage increases, the
buoyant stock market and record levels of consumer confidence could lead to
stronger consumer spending and overall economic growth in the third quarter.
Therefore, an uninterrupted decline in yields is by no means a certainty.
 
    This report provides the Trust's portfolio managers an opportunity to
provide you with detailed market commentary and to review the major investment
themes of the portfolio over the past six months. We hope that you find this
report informative and look forward to serving your financial needs in the
future.
 
Sincerely,
 
/s/ Laurence D. Fink                      /s/ Ralph L. Schlosstein
Laurence D. Fink                          Ralph L. Schlosstein
Chairman                                  President
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
                                                                   July 31, 1997
 
Dear Shareholder:
 
    We are pleased to present the semi-annual report for The BlackRock
California Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust Inc. ("the Trust") for the six
months ended June 30, 1997. We would like to take this opportunity to review the
Trust's stock price and net asset value (NAV) performance, summarize
developments in the fixed income markets and discuss recent portfolio management
activity.
 
    The Trust is a non-diversified closed-end bond fund whose investment
objective is to manage a portfolio of municipal debt securities that will return
$15 per share (an amount equal to the Trust's initial public offering price) to
investors on or about December 31, 2008, while providing high current income
exempt from regular federal and California income tax. The Trust seeks to
achieve this objective by investing in high credit quality ("AAA" or insured to
"AAA") California tax-exempt general obligation and revenue bonds issued by
city, county and state municipalities, and certain territories and possessions
of the United States.
 
    The table below summarizes the changes in the Trust's stock price and net
asset value over the period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   6/30/97    12/31/96   CHANGE     HIGH      LOW
  <S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>
  STOCK PRICE                     $14.4375    $14.625    (1.28)%   $14.875  $13.625
  NET ASSET VALUE (NAV)           $16.07      $15.86      1.32%    $16.21   $15.49
</TABLE>
 
THE FIXED INCOME MARKETS
 
    The strong economic growth witnessed during the fourth quarter of 1996
spilled over into the first quarter of 1997. Although inflationary measures such
as commodity, producer and consumer prices remained relatively stable, labor
markets continued to strengthen. In an effort to subdue this growth, the Federal
Reserve raised the Federal funds rate by 25 basis points at their March 25, 1997
policy meeting as a pre-emptive strike against inflation.
 
    After expanding at a blistering pace of 5.9% during the first quarter, the
U.S. economy's growth rate slowed in the second quarter of 1997. Signs of an
economic slowdown were prevalent in a broad range of industrial and consumer
indicators, including lower factory orders, decreased consumer spending, and
higher inventories. In addition, inflationary forces remained benign according
to year-over-year comparisons for the consumer and producer indices. These
indicators allowed the Federal Reserve to maintain interest rate levels at their
May 20, 1997 and July 2, 1997 policy meetings and wait for more definite signs
of inflation before increasing interest rates.
 
    California's economic expansion continues to outpace that of the rest of the
nation's. For example, California's March 1997 unemployment rate fell 6.5%,
which represented the state's largest one month decrease in a decade.
Conversely, 1996 personal income increased 6.5% over the previous year, giving
California residents more purchasing power. Furthermore, exports through the
state's ports continue to grow despite the sluggish economies of some trading
partners.
 
    Short-to-intermediate maturity municipals underperformed Treasury
equivalents during the first quarter, despite the historically favorable
interest rate environment. Issuance of municipal debt declined almost 10% during
the first quarter 1997 from first quarter 1996 due to the higher interest rate
environment. Municipal bonds performed reasonably well during the second
quarter, despite a strong rally in the Treasury market. With nearly $60 billion
worth of municipal issues maturing in June and July, strong investor demand came
from both individuals and institutions seeking to reinvest their principal back
into the market. New municipal deals were heavily oversubscribed during the
second quarter, with a manageable supply of new issues coming to the market. For
the six month period ended June 30, 1997, municipal bonds
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
as measured by the LEHMAN BROTHERS MUNICIPAL INDEX slightly outperformed their
taxable counterparts (LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE INDEX) with a total return of
3.20% vs. 3.11%.
 
    Looking forward, a number of distractions may impede further yield spread
tightening in the municipal market, including potential tax reforms and the
strong rallies in the Treasury and stock markets. BlackRock believes that
municipals are currently trading at historically rich ratios versus Treasuries.
We remain focused on shorter maturity securities until the market provides
further guidance on the direction of interest rates, or the supply/demand
characteristics of the market are altered.
 
THE TRUST'S PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
 
    The Trust's portfolio is actively managed to diversify exposure to various
sectors, issuers, revenue sources and security types. BlackRock's investment
strategy emphasizes a relative value approach, which allows the Trust to
capitalize upon changing market conditions by rotating municipal sectors,
credits and coupons. Over the past six months, there has been relatively little
trading activity in the Trust, due to price appreciation of a majority of
securities in the portfolio above the prices at which they were bought. A bond
sold at a gain would result in the Trust realizing a capital gain, which may
require a taxable distribution to shareholders. Since one of the Trust's primary
investment objectives is to pay out tax-exempt income, we believe that waiting
to restructure the portfolio in a higher interest rate environment is the most
prudent strategy at this time.
 
    The following chart compares the Trust's current and December 31, 1996 asset
composition:
 
        THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  SECTOR                                            JUNE 30, 1997                DECEMBER 31, 1996
<S>                                         <C>                            <C>
  Water & Sewer                                              19%                            19%
  Lease Revenue                                              19%                            19%
  Transportation                                             15%                            14%
  County, City & State                                       12%                            12%
  Certificates of Participation                              10%                            10%
  Utility/Power                                               9%                             9%
  Tax Revenue                                                 5%                             6%
  Hospital                                                    5%                             5%
  Special District                                            3%                             3%
  Education                                                   2%                             2%
  Other                                                       1%                             1%
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
    Additionally, the Trust employs leverage to enhance its income by paying the
Trust's preferred shareholders short term municipal rates and investing the
proceeds in longer maturity issues which have higher yields. The Trust's ability
to pay high monthly income may be affected by the profitability of its leverage.
The Federal Reserve's 25 basis point (0.25%) increase in the Fed funds target
rate on March 25, 1997 resulted in a modest increase in the Trust's borrowing
costs; however, we do not believe that one increase in short term interest rates
will negatively impact the Trust's long-term income earning ability.
 
    We look forward to managing the Trust to benefit from the opportunities
available in the fixed income markets and to meet its investment objectives. We
thank you for your investment in the BlackRock California Insured Municipal 2008
Term Trust Inc. Please feel free to contact our marketing center at (800)
227-7BFM (7236) if you have specific questions which were not addressed in this
report.
 
Sincerely,
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
/s/ Robert S. Kapito                                  /s/ Kevin Klingert
 
Robert S. Kapito                                      Kevin Klingert
Vice Chairman and Portfolio Manager                   Managing Director and Portfolio Manager
BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.                  BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
        THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
<S>                                                     <C>
Symbol on New York Stock Exchange:                                BFC
Initial Offering Date:                                     September 18, 1992
Closing Stock Price as of 6/30/97:                              $14.4375
Net Asset Value as of 6/30/97:                                   $16.07
Yield on Closing Stock Price as of 6/30/97
($14.4375)(1):                                                   5.35%
Current Monthly Distribution per Common Share(2):              $0.064375
Current Annualized Distribution per Common
Share(2):                                                       $0.7725
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------
 
(1)  Yield on Closing Stock Price is calculated by dividing the current
annualized distribution per share by the closing stock price per share.
 
(2)  Distribution is not constant and is subject to change.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED
MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997
(UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        OPTION
               PRINCIPAL                                                                                 CALL            VALUE
  RATING*     AMOUNT (000)                               DESCRIPTION                                 PROVISIONS+++     (NOTE 1)
<S>           <C>           <C>                                                                     <C>              <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS -- 144.0%
                            California Hlth. Facs. Fin. Auth. Rev.,
 AAA          $      6,850    Marin Gen. Hosp., Ser. A, 5.75%, 8/01/09, FSA.......................  08/03 at 102     $   7,096,120
 AAA                 2,000    Sutter Hlth. Care Sys., 5.70%, 8/15/09, MBIA........................  08/06 at 102         2,084,420
                            California St., G.O.
 AAA                 2,000    6.25%, 9/01/08, FGIC................................................  No Opt. Call         2,221,880
 AAA                 3,000    5.50%, 4/01/09, MBIA................................................  No Opt. Call         3,147,060
 AAA                15,000    6.30%, 9/01/08, MBIA................................................  No Opt. Call        16,796,400
                            California St. Pub. Wks. Brd.,
 AAA                 2,100    Energy Efficiency, Ser. A, 5.625%, 10/01/08, AMBAC..................  10/05 at 102         2,196,264
 AAA                10,255    Lease Rev., 6.40%, 9/01/01+, MBIA...................................  No Opt. Call        11,234,455
 AAA                 9,165  California St. Wide Cmnty. Dev. Auth., Lease Rev., 6.00%, 10/01/10,
                              AMBAC...............................................................  10/02 at 102         9,630,032
 AAA                 2,600  Castaic Lake Wtr. Agcy. C.O.P., Wtr. Sys. Impvt. Proj., Ser. A, 7.25%,
                              8/01/10, MBIA.......................................................  No Opt. Call         3,117,062
 AAA                 5,515  Central Coast Wtr. Auth. Rev., St. Wtr. Proj. Reg. Facs., 6.40%,
                              10/01/02+, AMBAC....................................................  No Opt. Call         6,111,116
 AAA                 5,500  Clovis Unified Sch. Dist., Ser. B., Zero Coupon, 8/01/08, FGIC........  No Opt. Call         3,114,320
 AAA                13,740  East Bay Mun. Utils. Dist., Wtr. Sys. Rev., 6.00%, 6/01/09, AMBAC.....  06/02 at 102        14,533,073
 AAA                 4,025  Elsinore Valley Mun. Wtr. Dist., C.O.P., Ser. A, 6.00%, 7/01/09,
                              FGIC................................................................  No Opt. Call         4,368,373
                            Los Angeles Cnty. Asset Leasing Corp. Rev., AMBAC,
 AAA                 2,910    5.95%, 12/01/07.....................................................  No Opt. Call         3,170,416
 AAA                 8,090    6.00%, 12/01/08.....................................................  No Opt. Call         8,828,051
 AAA                 8,600    6.05%, 12/01/09.....................................................  No Opt. Call         9,391,286
 AAA                 1,000  Los Angeles Elec. Rev., 5.75%, 9/01/12, FGIC..........................  09/03 at 102         1,018,210
 AAA                 5,765  Los Angeles Wastewtr. Sys. Rev., Ser. B, 6.25%, 6/01/08, AMBAC........  06/02 at 102         6,176,563
 AAA                 3,075  Marysville Hosp. Rev., Fremont-Rideout Hlth. Group, Ser. A, 6.20%,
                              1/01/09, AMBAC......................................................  01/03 at 102         3,281,148
 AAA                 8,000  Modesto Irrig. Dist. Fin. Rev., Domestic Wtr. Proj., Ser. A, 6.00%,
                              9/01/09, AMBAC......................................................  09/02 at 102         8,451,120
                            Northern California Pwr. Agcy., Multiple Cap. Facs. Rev., Ser. A,
                              MBIA,
 AAA                 1,000    6.40%, 8/01/07......................................................  08/02 at 102         1,089,080
 AAA                 3,045    6.50%, 8/01/08......................................................  08/02 at 102         3,315,396
 AAA                 1,000  Orange Cnty. Local Trans Auth. Sales Tax Rev., 6.00%, 2/15/09, MBIA...  No Opt. Call         1,083,230
 AAA                 5,600  Pittsburg Redev. Agcy. Tax Alloc. Rev., Los Medanos Cmnty. Dev. Proj.,
                              5.50%, 8/01/07, FGIC................................................  08/02 at 102         5,798,408
 AAA                 3,075  Riverside Cnty., Trans. Comm. Sales Tax Rev., Ser. A, 6.50%, 6/01/01+,
                              MBIA................................................................  No Opt. Call         3,366,910
                            Sacramento Mun. Utils. Dist., Elec. Rev., Ser. C,
 AAA                 2,500    5.75%, 11/15/07, MBIA...............................................  11/02 at 102         2,629,925
 AAA                 6,250    5.75%, 11/15/08, FGIC...............................................  11/02 at 102         6,535,500
 AAA                 4,700    5.75%, 11/15/09, MBIA...............................................  11/02 at 102         4,885,274
 AAA                 5,700  San Bernardino Cnty. C.O.P., Arpt. Impvt., 6.00%, 7/01/07, MBIA.......  07/02 at 102         6,075,459
 AAA                 5,000  San Bernardino Cnty. Trans. Auth., Sales Tax Rev., 6.00%, 3/01/10,
                              FGIC................................................................  No Opt. Call         5,264,950
                            San Diego Cnty. Regl. Trans. Cmnty. Sales Tax Rev., Ser. A,
 AAA                 7,830    6.00%, 4/01/08, MBIA................................................  04/01 at 102         8,413,648
 AAA                 2,500    6.00%, 4/01/08, FGIC................................................  No Opt. Call         2,685,275
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        OPTION
               PRINCIPAL                                                                                 CALL            VALUE
  RATING*     AMOUNT (000)                               DESCRIPTION                                 PROVISIONS+++     (NOTE 1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>           <C>                                                                     <C>              <C>
 AAA          $      7,650  San Diego Redev. Agcy. Rev., Tax Allocation-Centre City Proj., 6.00%,
                              9/01/08, AMBAC......................................................  09/02 at 102     $   8,127,819
                            San Jose Arpt. Rev., MBIA,
 AAA                 8,010    6.00%, 3/01/09......................................................  03/03 at 102         8,488,277
 AAA                 3,000    6.00%, 3/01/10......................................................  03/03 at 102         3,159,630
 AAA                 3,755    6.10%, 3/01/07......................................................  03/03 at 102         4,041,056
 AAA                 2,865  Santa Clara Cnty. Fin. Auth., Fac. Replacement, Proj. A, 6.50%,
                              11/15/07, AMBAC.....................................................  11/04 at 102         3,214,157
 AAA                 2,820  Santa Rosa Wtr. Rev., Ser. B, 6.20%, 9/01/09, FGIC....................  09/02 at 101.5       3,003,949
 AAA                 5,000  So. California Rapid Trans. Dist. C.O.P., Workers Comp. Fund, 6.00%,
                              7/01/10, MBIA.......................................................  01/01 at 102.5       5,242,250
                            So. California Rapid Trans. Dist. Rev., Spec. Benefit Assmt. Dist. A1,
                              AMBAC,
 AAA                 5,750    5.50%, 9/01/09......................................................  09/02 at 100         5,824,750
 AAA                 5,500    6.00%, 9/01/08......................................................  09/02 at 102         5,843,530
 AAA                 8,500  Sonoma Cnty. C.O.P., Capital Rites-Detention Fac., 3.45%++, 11/15/10,
                              AMBAC...............................................................  No Opt. Call         8,762,480
 AAA                 2,000  Univ. of California Rev., Multi-Purpose Projs., Ser. B-1989, 6.80%,
                              9/01/99+, AMBAC.....................................................  No Opt. Call         2,148,800
                            West & Central Basin Fin. Auth. Rev., AMBAC,
 AAA                 1,680    6.125%, 8/01/08.....................................................  08/02 at 102         1,793,266
 AAA                 1,780    6.125%, 8/01/09.....................................................  08/02 at 102         1,891,731
 AAA                 2,160  West Sacramento Fin. Auth. Rev., Wtr. Sys. Impvt., 5.25%, 8/01/08,
                              FGIC................................................................  08/02 at 102         2,191,622
                                                                                                                     -------------
                            TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS (cost $222,236,592).......................                     240,843,741
                                                                                                                     -------------
                            SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS** -- 0.7%
 A-1+                  200  California Hlth. Facs. Fin. Auth. Rev., Ser. A, FRDD 3.75%, 7/01/97...        NA               200,000
 A-1+                  400  California Poll. Ctrl. Fin. Auth. Rev., Ser. C, FRDD 3.70%, 7/01/97...        NA               400,000
                            Irvine Ranch Wtr. Dist.,
 A-1+                  300    FRDD 3.75%, 7/01/97.................................................        NA               300,000
 A-1+                  200  Orange Cnty. Wtr. Dist. C.O.P., FRDD 3.75%, 7/01/97...................        NA               200,000
                                                                                                                     -------------
 
                            TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS(cost $1,100,000).........................                       1,100,000
                                                                                                                     -------------
                            TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 144.7% (cost $223,336,592).......................                     241,943,741
                            Other assets in excess of liabilities -- 1.9%.........................                       3,299,836
                            Liquidation value of preferred stock -- (46.6%).......................                     (78,000,000)
                                                                                                                     -------------
 
                            NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS -- 100%..................                   $ 167,243,577
                                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                                     -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
  * Rating using the higher of Standard & Poor's, Moody's or Fitch's.
 ** For purposes of amortized cost valuation, the maturity date of these
    instruments is considered to be the later of the next date on which the
    security can be redeemed at par or the next date on which the rate of
    interest is adjusted.
 
  + This bond is prerefunded. See glossary for definition.
 
 ++ This bond contains embedded caps. See glossary for definition.
 
+++ Option call provisions: date (month/year) and price of the earliest optional
    call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at
    later dates.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>        <C>
                                        KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
                     AMBAC       --      American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation
                     C.O.P.      --      Certificate of Participation
                     FGIC        --      Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
                     FRDD        --      Floating Rate Daily Demand
                     FSA         --      Financial Security Assurance
                     G.O.        --      General Obligation Bond
                     MBIA        --      Municipal Bond Insurance Association
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED
MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 30, 1997
(UNAUDITED)
- ----------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                  <C>
ASSETS
Investments, at value (cost
  $223,336,592) (Note 1)...........  $ 241,943,741
Interest receivable................      3,669,883
Cash...............................         44,421
Deferred organization expenses and
  other assets.....................         30,587
                                     -------------
                                       245,688,632
                                     -------------
LIABILITIES
Dividends payable--preferred
  stock............................        106,431
Advisory fee payable (Note 2)......         72,363
Dividends payable--common stock....         65,123
Administration fee payable (Note
  2)...............................         20,675
Other accrued expenses.............        180,463
                                     -------------
                                           445,055
                                     -------------
NET INVESTMENT ASSETS..............  $ 245,243,577
                                     -------------
                                     -------------
Net investment assets were
  comprised of:
  Common Stock:
    Par value (Note 4).............  $     104,071
    Paid-in capital in excess of
      par..........................    144,619,829
  Preferred Stock (Note 4).........     78,000,000
                                     -------------
                                       222,723,900
Undistributed net investment
  income...........................      3,909,979
Accumulated net realized gain......          2,549
Net unrealized appreciation........     18,607,149
                                     -------------
Net investment assets, June 30,
  1997.............................  $ 245,243,577
                                     -------------
                                     -------------
Net assets applicable to common
  shareholders.....................  $ 167,243,577
                                     -------------
                                     -------------
Net asset value per common share:
  ($167,243,577  DIVIDED BY
  10,407,093 shares of common stock
  issued and outstanding)..........  $       16.07
                                     -------------
                                     -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED
MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
(UNAUDITED)
- ----------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Income
  Interest and discount earned......  $ 6,773,908
                                      -----------
 
Expenses
  Investment advisory...............      422,125
  Administration....................      120,607
  Auction agent.....................      117,000
  Reports to shareholders...........       26,000
  Custodian.........................       36,000
  Audit.............................       14,000
  Directors.........................       18,000
  Transfer agent....................        8,000
  Legal.............................        5,000
  Miscellaneous.....................       48,505
                                      -----------
  Total expenses....................      815,237
                                      -----------
Net investment income...............    5,958,671
                                      -----------
 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON
INVESTMENTS (NOTE 3)
Net realized gain on investments....           50
Net change in unrealized
  appreciation on
  investments.......................    1,549,901
                                      -----------
Net gain on investments.............    1,549,951
                                      -----------
 
NET INCREASE IN NET INVESTMENT
ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS....  $ 7,508,622
                                      -----------
                                      -----------
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED
MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
(UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              SIX MONTHS      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                                ENDED        DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                            JUNE 30, 1997        1996
                                                                                            --------------  --------------
 
<S>                                                                                         <C>             <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
 
OPERATIONS:
 
  Net investment income...................................................................  $    5,958,671  $   11,500,629
 
  Net realized gain on investments........................................................              50         149,344
 
  Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments.....................       1,549,901      (1,762,159)
                                                                                            --------------  --------------
 
    Net increase in net investment assets resulting from operations.......................       7,508,622       9,887,814
                                                                                            --------------  --------------
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
 
  To common shareholders from net investment income.......................................      (4,019,678)     (7,980,442)
 
  To common shareholders from net realized gain on investments............................        --               (45,406)
 
  To common shareholders in excess of net realized gain on investments....................        --               (13,529)
 
  To preferred shareholders from net investment income....................................      (1,283,847)     (2,510,203)
 
  To preferred shareholders from net realized gain on investments.........................        --               (14,102)
 
  To preferred shareholders in excess of net realized gain on investments.................        --                (4,196)
                                                                                            --------------  --------------
 
    Total dividends and distributions.....................................................      (5,303,525)    (10,567,878)
                                                                                            --------------  --------------
 
        Total increase (decrease).........................................................       2,205,097        (680,064)
 
NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
 
Beginning of period.......................................................................     243,038,480     243,718,544
                                                                                            --------------  --------------
 
End of period.............................................................................  $  245,243,577  $  243,038,480
                                                                                            --------------  --------------
                                                                                            --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED
MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 SEPTEMBER 28,
                                          SIX MONTHS                                                 1992*
                                            ENDED               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,             THROUGH
                                           JUNE 30,      --------------------------------------   DECEMBER 31
                                             1997          1996      1995      1994      1993         1992
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
PER COMMON SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of the
  period................................   $  15.86      $  15.92  $  13.66  $  16.09  $  14.18     $  14.10
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
  Net investment income.................       0.57          1.11      1.12      1.12      1.14         0.16
  Net realized and unrealized gain
    (loss) on investments...............       0.15         (0.16)     2.27     (2.48)     1.81         0.20
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
Net increase (decrease) from investment
  operations............................       0.72          0.95      3.39     (1.36)     2.95         0.36
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
Dividends from net investment income to:
  Preferred shareholders................      (0.12)        (0.24)    (0.28)    (0.21)    (0.18)       (0.02)
  Common shareholders...................      (0.39)        (0.77)    (0.85)    (0.86)    (0.85)       (0.07)
Distributions from net realized gain on
  investments to:
  Preferred shareholders................     --             **        --        --        **         --
  Common shareholders...................     --             **        --        --        (0.01)     --
Distributions in excess of net realized
  gain on investments to:
  Preferred shareholders................     --             **        **        --        --         --
  Common shareholders...................     --             **        **        --        --         --
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
Total dividends and distributions.......      (0.51)        (1.01)    (1.13)    (1.07)    (1.04)       (0.09)
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
Capital charge with respect to issuance
  of shares.............................     --             --        --       ****       --           (0.19)
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
Net asset value, end of period***.......   $  16.07      $  15.86  $  15.92  $  13.66  $  16.09     $ 14.18#
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
Market value, end of period***..........   $14.4375      $ 14.625  $ 13.625  $  12.00  $ 15.125     $ 13.875
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+................      1.42%        13.67%    20.57%  (15.59)%    14.79%        (1.11)%
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
                                          ----------     --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON
 SHAREHOLDERS:+++
Expenses................................       1.00%++       1.03%     1.02%     1.08%     0.96%        0.86%++
Net investment income before preferred
  stock dividends.......................       7.29%++       7.11%     7.46%     7.70%     7.33%        4.65%++
Preferred stock dividends...............       1.57%++       1.56%     1.85%     1.46%     1.15%        0.64%++
Net investment income available to
  common shareholders...................       5.72%++       5.55%     5.61%     6.24%     6.18%        4.01%++
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Average net assets of common
  shareholders (in thousands)...........   $164,943      $161,839  $156,774  $151,669  $160,350     $141,249
Portfolio turnover......................         0%            3%       13%       17%        8%           0%
Net assets of common shareholders, end
  of period (in thousands)..............   $167,244      $165,038  $165,719  $142,165  $167,439     $147,610
Preferred stock outstanding (in
  thousands)............................   $ 78,000      $ 78,000  $ 78,000  $ 78,000  $ 78,000     $ 78,000
Asset coverage per share of preferred
  stock, end of period##................   $ 78,604      $ 77,897  $ 78,115  $141,131  $157,333     $144,500
</TABLE>
 
- -----------------
   * Commencement of investment operations.
  ** Actual amount paid from net realized gain on investments to preferred
     shareholders was $0.00136 and $0.00344 per common share for the years ended
     December 31, 1996 and 1993, respectively, and to common shareholders was
     $0.004363 per share for the year ended December 31, 1996. Actual amount
     paid in excess of net realized gain on investments to preferred
     shareholders was $0.0004 and $0.0007 per common share for the years ended
     December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and to common shareholders was
     $0.0013 and $0.0021 per share for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
     1995, respectively.
 *** Net asset value and market value are published in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
     each Monday.
**** Actual amount was $0.00006 per common share.
   # Net asset value immediately after the closing of the first public offering
     was $14.06.
  ## A stock split occurred on July 24, 1995 (Note 4).
   + Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock
     at the current market price on the first day and a sale at the current
     market price on the last day of the period. Dividends and distributions, if
     any, are assumed for purposes of this calculation, to be reinvested at
     prices obtained under the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan. Total
     investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. Total investment
     return for periods of less than a full year are not annualized.
  ++ Annualized.
 +++ Ratios calculated on the basis of income and expenses applicable to both
     the common and preferred shares, and preferred stock dividends, relative to
     the average net assets of common shareholders.
 
The information above represents the unaudited operating performance data for a
share of common stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average
net assets and other supplemental data for the period indicated. This
information has been determined based upon financial information provided in the
financial statements and market value data for Trust's shares.
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED
MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
- ----------------------------------------------
 
NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING    The BlackRock California Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
POLICIES              Inc. (the "Trust") was
 
organized in Maryland on August 7, 1992 as a non-diversified closed-end
management investment company. The Trust's investment objective is to manage a
non-diversified portfolio of high quality securities that will return $15 per
share to investors on or about December 31, 2008 while providing current income
exempt from regular federal and California State income taxes. The ability of
issuers of debt securities held by the Trust to meet their obligations may be
affected by economic developments in the state, a specific industry or region.
No assurance can be given that the Trust's investment objective will be
achieved.
 
    The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by
the Trust.
 
SECURITIES VALUATION:  Municipal securities (including commitments to purchase
such securities on a "when-issued" basis) are valued on the basis of prices
provided by a pricing service which uses information with respect to
transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in
comparable securities and various relationships between securities in
determining values. Any securities or other assets for which such current market
quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in
good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision and
responsibility of the Trust's Board of Directors.
 
    Short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at
amortized cost, if their term to maturity from date of purchase is 60 days or
less. Short-term securities with a term to maturity greater than 60 days from
the date of purchase are valued at current market quotations until maturity.
 
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities transactions are
recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the
identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and the
Trust amortizes premium and accretes original issue discount on securities
purchased using the interest method.
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the Trust's intention to continue to meet the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute sufficient net income to shareholders. For this
reason and because substantially all of the Trust's gross income consists of
tax-exempt interest, no Federal income tax provision is required.
 
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: The Trust declares and pays dividends and
distributions to common shareholders monthly from net investment income. Net
capital gains, if any, in excess of loss carryforwards may be distributed
annually. Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Dividends and distributions to preferred shareholders are accrued and determined
as described in Note 4.
 
DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES: A total of $45,000 was incurred in connection
with the organization of the Trust. These costs have been deferred and are being
amortized ratably over a period of sixty months from the date the Trust
commenced investment operations.
 
ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
NOTE 2. AGREEMENTS    The Trust has an Investment Advisory Agreement with
                      BlackRock Financial Manage-
 
ment, Inc. (the "Adviser"), a wholly-owned corporate subsidiary of PNC Asset
Management Group, Inc., the holding company for PNC's asset management
businesses and an Administration Agreement with Princeton Administrators, L.P.
(the "Administrator"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch &
Co., Inc.
 
    The investment advisory fee paid to the Adviser is computed weekly and
payable monthly at an annual rate of 0.35% of the Trust's average weekly net
investment assets. The administration fee paid to the Administrator is also
computed weekly and payable monthly at an annual rate of 0.10% of the Trust's
average weekly net investment assets.
 
    Pursuant to the agreements, the Adviser provides continuous supervision of
the investment portfolio and pays the compensation of officers of the Trust who
are affiliated persons of the
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
Adviser. The Administrator pays occupancy and certain clerical and accounting
costs of the Trust. The Trust bears all other costs and expenses.
 
NOTE 3. PORTFOLIO     For the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Trust, other
SECURITIES            than for short-term invest-
 
ments, had no purchases and had aggregate sales of $510,000.
 
    The federal income tax basis of the Trust's investments at June 30, 1997 was
substantially the same as the basis for financial reporting, and accordingly,
unrealized appreciation was $18,607,149 (on both a gross and net basis).
 
NOTE 4. CAPITAL       There are 200 million shares of $.01 par value common
                      stock authorized. Of the 10,407,093
 
common shares outstanding at June 30, 1997, the Adviser owned 7,093 shares. As
of June 30, 1997, there were 3,120 preferred shares outstanding as follows:
Series W28--1,560 and Series W7--1,560.
 
    The Trust may classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common stock
into one or more series of preferred stock. On November 23, 1992, the Trust
reclassified 1,560 shares of common stock and issued 2 series of Auction Market
Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock") as follows: Series W28--780 shares, Series
W7--780 shares. The Preferred Stock has a liquidation value of $25,000 per share
plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On May 16, 1995 shareholders approved
a proposal to split each share of the Trust's Auction Rate Municipal Preferred
Stock into two shares and simultaneously reduce each share's liquidation
preference from $50,000 to $25,000 plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends.
The stock split occurred on July 24, 1995.
 
    Dividends on Series W7 are cumulative at a rate which is reset every 7 days
based on the results of an auction. Dividends on Series W28 are also cumulative
at a rate which is reset every 28 days based on the results of an auction.
Dividend rates ranged from 2.50% to 4.125% during the six months ended June 30,
1997.
 
    The Trust may not declare dividends or make other distributions on shares of
common stock or purchase any such shares if, at the time of the declaration,
distribution or purchase, asset coverage with respect to the outstanding
Preferred Stock would be less than 200%.
 
    The Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the Trust, in whole or in
part, on any dividend payment date at $25,000 per share plus any accumulated or
unpaid dividends whether or not declared. The Preferred Stock is also subject to
mandatory redemption at $25,000 per share plus any accumulated or unpaid
dividends, whether or not declared if certain requirements relating to the
composition of the assets and liabilities of the Trust as set forth in the
Articles of Incorporation are not satisfied.
 
    The holders of Preferred Stock have voting rights equal to the holders of
common stock (one vote per share) and will vote together with holders of shares
of common stock as a single class. However, holders of Preferred Stock are also
entitled to elect two of the Trust's directors. In addition, the Investment
Company Act of 1940 requires that along with approval by stockholders that might
otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of any
outstanding preferred shares, voting separately as a class would be required to
(a) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the Preferred
Stock, and (b) take any action requiring a vote of security holders, including,
among other things, changes in the Trust's subclassification as a closed-end
investment company or changes in its fundamental investment restrictions.
 
NOTE 5. DIVIDENDS     Subsequent to June 30, 1997 the Board of Directors of the
                      Trust declared a dividend from
 
undistributed earnings of $0.064375 per common share payable July 31, 1997 to
shareholders of record on July 15, 1997.
 
    For the period July 1, 1997 to July 31, 1997, dividends declared on
Preferred Stock totalled $216,039 in aggregate for the two outstanding Preferred
Stock series.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Pursuant to the Trust's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"),
shareholders may elect to have all distributions of dividends and capital gains
automatically reinvested by State Street Bank & Trust Company (the "Plan Agent")
in Trust shares. Shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive
all distributions in cash paid by check in United States dollars mailed directly
to the shareholders of record (or if the shares are held in street or other
nominee name, then to the nominee) by the custodian, as dividend disbursing
agent.
 
    The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the
Plan. After the Trust declares a dividend or determines to make a capital gain
distribution, the Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, receive the
cash payment and use it to buy Trust shares in the open market on the New York
Stock Exchange for the participants' accounts. The Trust will not issue shares
under the Plan.
 
    Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan upon written notice to
the Plan Agent and will receive certificates for whole Trust shares and a cash
payment for any fraction of a Trust share.
 
    The Plan Agent's fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions will be paid by the Trust. However, each participant will pay a
pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan
Agent's open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends
and distributions. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions
will not relieve participants of any federal income tax that may be payable on
such dividends or distributions.
 
    Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable.
Accordingly, the Trust reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as
applied to any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the
change sent to all shareholders of the Trust at least 90 days before the record
date for the dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or
terminated by the Plan Agent upon at least 90 days' written notice to all
shareholders of the Trust. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be
directed to the Plan Agent at (800) 699-1BFM. The address is on the front of
this report.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    There have been no material changes in the Trust's investment objectives or
policies that have not been approved by the shareholders. There have been no
changes in the Trust's charter or by-laws. There have been no changes in the
principal risk factors associated with investment in the Trust. There have been
no changes in the persons who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day
management of the Trust's portfolio.
 
    The Annual Meeting of Trust Shareholders was held April 15, 1997 to vote on
the following matters:
 
    (1) To elect three Directors to serve as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Director                                                                           Class      Term    Expiring
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  ---------
<S>                                                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
James Grosfeld..................................................................        I    3 years      2000
James Clayburn La Force, Jr.....................................................        I    3 years      2000
Walter F. Mondale...............................................................       II     1 year      1998
</TABLE>
 
Directors whose term of office continues beyond this meeting are Andrew D.
Brimmer, Richard E. Cavanagh, Kent Dixon, Laurence D. Fink, Frank J. Fabozzi,
and Ralph L. Schlosstein.
 
    (2) To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent public
accountants of the Trust for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997.
 
Shareholders elected the three Directors and ratified the selection of Deloitte
& Touche LLP. The results of the voting was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  Votes for  Votes Against   Abstentions
                                                                                  ---------  -------------   -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>        <C>             <C>
James Grosfeld..................................................................  6,582,555          0         45,737
James Clayburn La Force, Jr.....................................................  6,580,055          0         48,237
Walter F. Mondale...............................................................  6,578,455          0         49,837
Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP...........................................  6,554,834     11,207         62,251
</TABLE>
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
                               INVESTMENT SUMMARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE TRUST'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
 
    The Trust's investment objective is to provide current income exempt from
regular federal and California income tax and to return $15 per share (the
initial public offering price per share) to investors on or about December 31,
2008.
 
WHO MANAGES THE TRUST?
 
    BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (BlackRock or the Adviser) is the
investment adviser for the Trust. BlackRock is a registered investment adviser
specializing in fixed income securities. Currently, BlackRock manages
approximately $50 billion of assets across the government, mortgage, corporate
and municipal sectors. These assets are managed on behalf of institutional and
individual investors in 21 closed-end funds traded on the New York or American
Stock Exchanges, several open-end funds and separate accounts for more than 125
clients in the U.S. and overseas. BlackRock is a subsidiary of PNC Asset
Management Group, Inc. which is a division of PNC Bank, N.A., one of the
nation's largest banking organizations.
 
WHAT CAN THE TRUST INVEST IN?
 
    The Trust intends to invest at least 80% of its total assets in California
municipal obligations insured as to the timely payment of principal and
interest. The Trust may invest up to 20% in uninsured California municipal
obligations which are rated Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P, or are determined by
the Adviser to be of comparable credit quality (guaranteed, escrowed or backed
in trust).
 
WHAT IS THE ADVISER'S INVESTMENT STRATEGY?
 
    The Adviser will seek to meet the Trust's investment objective by managing
the assets of the Trust so as to return the initial offering price ($15 per
share) at maturity. The Trust will implement a conservative strategy that will
seek to closely match the maturity of the assets of the portfolio with the
future return of the initial investment at the end of 2008. At the Trust's
termination, BlackRock expects that the value of the securities which have
matured, combined with the value of the securities that are sold, if any, will
be sufficient to return the initial offering price to investors. On a continuous
basis, the Trust will seek its objective by actively managing its portfolio of
California municipal obligations and retaining a small amount of income each
year.
 
    In addition to seeking the return of the initial offering price, the Adviser
also seeks to provide current income exempt from regular federal and California
income tax to investors. The portfolio managers will attempt to achieve this
objective by investing in securities that provide competitive income. In
addition, leverage will be used (in an amount up to 35% of the total assets) to
enhance the income of the portfolio. In order to maintain competitive yields as
the Trust approaches maturity and depending on market conditions, the Adviser
will attempt to purchase securities with call protection or maturities as close
to the Trust's maturity date as possible. Securities with call protection should
provide the portfolio with some degree of protection against reinvestment risk
during times of lower prevailing interest rates. Since the Trust's primary goal
is to return the initial offering price at maturity, any cash that the Trust
receives prior to its maturity date will be reinvested in securities with
maturities which coincide with the remaining term of the Trust. Since
shorter-term securities typically yield less than longer-term securities, this
strategy will likely result in a decline in the Trust's income over time. It is
important to note that the Trust will be managed so as to preserve the integrity
of the return of the initial offering price. If market conditions, such as high
interest rate volatility, force a choice between current income and risking the
return of the initial offering price, it is likely that the return of the
initial offering price will be emphasized.
 
HOW ARE THE TRUST'S SHARES PURCHASED AND SOLD? DOES THE TRUST PAY DIVIDENDS
REGULARLY?
 
    The Trust's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange which provides
investors with liquidity on a daily basis. Orders to buy or sell shares of the
Trust must be placed through a registered broker or financial advisor. The Trust
pays
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
monthly dividends which are typically paid on the last business day of the
month. For shares held in the shareholder's name, dividends may be reinvested in
additional shares of the Trust through the Trust's transfer agent, State Street
Bank and Trust Company. Investors who wish to hold shares in a brokerage account
should check with their financial advisor to determine whether their brokerage
firm offers dividend reinvestment services.
 
LEVERAGE CONSIDERATIONS IN A TERM TRUST
 
    Under current market conditions, leverage increases the income earned by the
Trust. The Trust employs leverage primarily through the issuance of preferred
stock. Leverage permits the Trust to borrow money at short-term rates and
reinvest that money in longer-term assets which typically offer higher interest
rates. The difference between the cost of the borrowed funds and the income
earned on the proceeds that are invested in longer term assets is the benefit to
the Trust from leverage. In general, the portfolio is typically leveraged at
approximately 35% of total assets.
 
    Leverage also increases the duration (or price volatility of the net assets)
of the Trust, which can improve the performance of the Trust in a declining rate
environment, but can cause net assets to decline faster than the market in a
rapidly rising rate environment. BlackRock's portfolio managers continuously
monitor and regularly review the Trust's use of leverage and the Trust may
reduce, or unwind, the amount of leverage employed should BlackRock consider
that reduction to be in the best interests of the shareholders.
 
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISK FACTORS RELEVANT TO TERM TRUSTS
 
    The Trust is intended to be a long-term investment and is not a short-term
trading vehicle.
 
    RETURN OF INITIAL INVESTMENT.  Although the objective of the Trust is to
return its initial offering price upon termination, there can be no assurance
that this objective will be achieved.
 
    DIVIDEND CONSIDERATIONS.  The income and dividends paid by the Trust are
likely to decline to some extent over the term of the Trust due to the
anticipated shortening of the dollar-weighted average maturity of the Trust's
assets.
 
    LEVERAGE.  The Trust utilizes leverage through the issuance of preferred
stock which involves special risks. The Trust's net asset value and market value
may be more volatile due to its use of leverage.
 
    MARKET PRICE OF SHARES.  The shares of closed-end investment companies such
as the Trust trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE symbol: BFC) and as such
are subject to supply and demand influences. As a result, shares may trade at a
discount or a premium to their net asset value.
 
    ILLIQUID SECURITIES.  The Trust may invest in securities that are illiquid,
although under current market conditions the Trust expects to do so to only a
limited extent. Investing in these securities involves special risks.
 
    ANTITAKEOVER PROVISIONS.  Certain antitakeover provisions will make a change
in the Trust's business or management more difficult without the approval of the
Trust's Board of Directors and may have the effect of depriving shareholders of
an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium above the prevailing market
price.
 
    MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS.  Municipal obligations include debt obligations
issued by states, cities, and local authorities, and possessions and certain
territories of the United States to obtain funds for various public purposes,
including the construction of public facilities, the refinancing of outstanding
obligations and the obtaining of funds for general operating expenses and for
loans to other public institutions and facilities. The value of municipal debt
securities generally varies inversely with changes in prevailing market interest
rates. Depending on the amount of call protection that the securities in the
Trust have, the Trust may be subject to certain reinvestment risks in
environments of declining interest rates.
 
    ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX (AMT).  The Trust may invest in securities subject
to AMT. The Trust currently holds no securities that are subject to AMT.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
                                    GLOSSARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>
CLOSED-END FUND:           Investment vehicle which initially offers a fixed number of shares and trades on a stock exchange. The
                           fund invests in a portfolio of securities in accordance with its stated investment objectives and
                           policies.
 
DISCOUNT:                  When a fund's net asset value is greater than its stock price the fund is said to be trading at a
                           discount.
 
DIVIDEND:                  Income generated by securities in a portfolio and distributed to shareholders after the deduction of
                           expenses. This Trust declares and pays dividends to common shareholders on a monthly basis.
 
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT:     Shareholders may have all dividends and distributions of capital gains automatically reinvested into
                           additional shares of a fund.
 
EMBEDDED CAP BONDS:        Also known as additional interest municipal bonds. These securities are intended to protect the income
                           that a fund earns through leverage from significant increases in short-term rates. The coupon on these
                           bonds will increase if short term rates rise significantly.
 
MARKET PRICE:              Price per share of a security trading in the secondary market. For a closed-end fund, this is the price
                           at which one share of the fund trades on the stock exchange. If you were to buy or sell shares, you would
                           pay or receive the market price.
 
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV):     Net asset value is the total market value of all securities and other assets held by the Trust, plus
                           income accrued on its investments, minus any liabilities including accrued expenses, divided by the total
                           number of outstanding shares. It is the underlying value of a single share on a given day. Net asset
                           value for the Trust is calculated weekly and published in BARRON'S and THE NEW YORK TIMES on Saturday or
                           THE WALL STREET JOURNAL each Monday.
 
PREMIUM:                   When a fund's stock price is greater than its net asset value, the fund is said to be trading at a
                           premium.
 
PREREFUNDED BONDS:         These securities are collateralized by U.S. Government securities which are held in escrow and are used
                           to pay principal and interest on the tax exempt issue and retire the bond in full at the date indicated,
                           typically at a premium to par.
</TABLE>
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
BLACKROCK
 
DIRECTORS
Laurence D. Fink, CHAIRMAN
Andrew F. Brimmer
Richard E. Cavanagh
Kent Dixon
Frank J. Fabozzi
James Grosfeld
James Clayburn La Force, Jr.
Walter F. Mondale
Ralph L. Schlosstein
OFFICERS
Ralph L. Schlosstein, PRESIDENT
Keith T. Anderson, VICE PRESIDENT
Michael C. Huebsch, VICE PRESIDENT
Robert S. Kapito, VICE PRESIDENT
Kevin Klingert, VICE PRESIDENT
Richard M. Shea, VICE PRESIDENT/TAX
Henry Gabbay, TREASURER
James Kong, ASSISTANT TREASURER
Karen H. Sabath, SECRETARY
INVESTMENT ADVISER
BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
(800) 227-7BFM
ADMINISTRATOR
Princeton Administrators, L.P.
P.O. Box 9095
Princeton, NJ 08543-9095
(800) 688-0928
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Heritage Drive
North Quincy, MA 02171
(800) 699-1BFM
AUCTION AGENT
Bankers Trust Company
4 Albany Street
New York, NY 10006
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Two World Financial Center
New York, NY 10281-1434
LEGAL COUNSEL
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
 
    The acompanying financial statements as
of June 30, 1997 were not audited and accordingly,
no opinion is expressed on them.
 
    This report is for shareholder information.
This is not a prospectus intended for use in the
purchase or sale of any securities.
 
                        THE BLACKROCK CALIFORNIA INSURED
                         MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
                       c/o Princeton Administrators, L.P.
                                  P.O Box 9095
                            Princeton, NJ 08543-9095
                                 (800) 227-7BFM
 
                                 09247G 10 8
                                 09247G 20 7
                                 09247G 30 8
 
  THE BLACKROCK
  CALIFORNIA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.
  --------------------------
   SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
   JUNE 30, 1997
 
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