At that distance it looks like St Augustine, but it could be another of the coarse, southern grasses. No matter what it is, if you don't want it, then by definition it is a weed.

What kind of grass do you want in your lawn? Knowing that will help get rid of the one(s) you don't want. Also how often do you water? How high do you mow? and where do you live (coast of California near Eureka or near San Diego - please be very specific as to the town)?

Hi, thank you for your help. I'll try to answer your questions.

1. I'm not sure of "types" of grass but I purchased an all purpose sun and shade grass seed and planted that. To me that seems like grass. Basically...and this may sound stupid but a grass that grows vertical? Sorry I am new to lawn care. I've never had a lawn growing up. Also the weed in the picture is only in my front lawn. it covers maybe 50% of it. the rest seems to me like normal grass, but again I know i sound stupid as to what "normal" grass might be.
2. I water about 3 times a week for 20 min each cycle. I have a sprinkler system with 8 zones each at 20 min. I have no idea if this is set right but I assume thats another forum.
3. I try to mow low enough but I also try to keep the blades between 2 and 3 inches.
4. I live in Santa Barbara CA.
5. Please let me know if you need more photos.
6. I have looked up many pictures of St. Augustine and i'm not sure thats it but I could be wrong as you obviously know more then I do.
7. I can also attach a picture of the grass I planted. I really like that stuff (if you want)

Thank you and I do appriciate the help.

That could possibly be Kikuyugrass.

Sadly kikuyu was my first thought. Kikuyu was brought into California from the orient back in the 60s for highway bank erosion control. Soon enough they found that it would grow over the highways and not stop. The continued to plant it and continued to eradicate it until I left in the late 70s. I don't know what they're doing now. Here are more pictures.

Yes I think that is what you have. I'm not sure what the state used to spray but apparently it was not that hard to get rid of. I suspect they sprayed with RoundUp because that seems to be the current craze. Check the labels on Ortho Grass-B-Gone and on Brush-B-Gone to see if kikuyu is listed. Be sure to keep it off your good grass. It will probably kill that, too.

At this point it probably doesn't matter what grass you planted. Find something to get rid of your weed and try to recover.

Thanks for the location. That helps. As I recall kikuyu was more of a problem north of the mountains north of LA, so you're in the zone.

wow, after looking at the pictures you posted it appears thats exactly what it is. that makes sense because if I didnt trim my yard it would keep growing right over the concrete.

I will go check out those products you listed and see if they kill that. the only problem I see is its heavily mixed in with the good grass so is there a chance I have no choice but to live with it or uproot my entire lawn and start fresh?

thanks again for all your help.