It's not as hot where I live, but I planted green beans and okra last week and they're doing well. Sorry to hear that critters are eating your crops. Slugs are my biggest problem so far.

I had a similar problem where I actually had to put snap traps under our tomato plants because rats were stealing my tomatoes. As far as something to grow...I would try eggplant if you like it. I have three eggplant plants growing right now and since the temps have been hot they have taken off.

I'm mainly trying to get ready for October - when I can start most of my fall/winter crops. Although, I did plant a few lima beans where I pulled the green pole types. They did exceptionally well, incidentally. They probably would have gone a bit longer, but my freezer and pantry is full of them.

I did plant a few romaine-type lettuce - in semi-shaded spots - which is giving me a few stalks, but they aren't too keen for the idea. Mainly, the zucchini are still producing well - liking the heat, and the peppers are slow.

Gardening in CA., is a bit strange anyway. I note that celery is re-seeding and that may be a good crop to start now and summer squash - according to the "Digital Gardener's Southern California" vegetable planting schedule for my zone. I'm anxious to see whether the lima beans will sprout.

Sorry about your "critter" problem. I have very few - because I garden in boxes - well protected by cages on top, and hardware cloth nailed to the bottom of the planting box. Now most of the damage comes from slugs and white butterfly larvae. I recently put out small yogurt cups of stale beer and that works quite well - as snails and slugs crawl in and drown - but I usually forget to refill the cups - but it works if there is a lot of them.

Bejay