You might consider googling the “nifty 50” drought tolerant plants. They are available all over the county at many, many nurseries.
San Diego is actually a desert, and I’m not sure if you’re aware, but we’re in stage one of a drought here. The nifty 50 are all the plants that do beautifully well in local conditions (read dry) and do not require a lot of water. And no, they are not cacti. They are flowering, soft-leaved, beautiful plants, and look perfect in the RSF area. You can have a very lush look, without tropical plants.
There are many local landscapers who will landscape using these plants. Please email me at lindismith at hotmail if you want me to put you in touch with some.
