Nothing really looks like fig ivy except fig ivy. Other plants that grow similarly (cementing themselves to walls) like Virginia creeper & English ivy can also be invasive. The least invasive vine that clings like the ivys would be Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) which also looks good with tropicals. Other good vines to go with your tropical look would be Blue Sky Flower (Thunbergia battiscombei), and Mexican Flame Vine (Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides) which is supposed to be well-mannered. If you want something "right now" try Cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)--it's an annual. Another larger annual vine that would cover it fast would be Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus.) Depending on where in California you are, these might provide cover most of the year, and both of these will reseed--the coral vine is more vigorous. I would avoid anything thorned or heavily scented around a BBQ. And definitely ask on the California forum for recommendations. Here is a link that might be useful: California Gardening

We have a Lemon Meringe, a sport of Westerland, that does well planted against a furnace chimney (warmest spot in our yard.) It puts out a great spring flush, and repeats at the top of its new canes later in the year. Then, the following year, we pull the canes horizontal, so we get blooms along the laterals. Here is a link that might be useful: Weeks web page on Lemon Meringue

what about trachelospermum jasminoides? Here it is called (I translate literally) "fake jasmin" because it really looks like jasmin. But contrary to jasmin it is hardy, tough, drought tolerant and imune to diseases. It is evergreen, it blooms in summer and is VERY scented. Sometimes it gets a few months before starting to grow, but then it starts. A very easy plant. You can find a picture here (from google): Here is a link that might be useful:

"Rusty's Angel's Camp Orange" is a modern rose. A suggested identity is 'Royal Sunset.' The April event is in the Historic Rose Garden, within the Historic Old City Cemetery, 1000 Broadway, Sacramento, CA. The Open Garden always takes place on a mid-April Saturday. (The 2013 date has not yet been announced.) I believe the photos posted here were taken at Open Garden, April, 2011. Jeri Here is a link that might be useful: Historic Rose Garden, Sacramento City Cemetery