May we see the house from the street?

If the slope did not exist what would you want for your garden?

That tree needs some guidance.

Because I live in southern CA, I prefer drought tolerant and native plants.

I am definitely planning on extending the walkway

It looks like you could get away without adding a retaining wall at the berm but it will depend on establishing a durable groundcover of some time. You should still have a curb protecting the walk as I mentioned earlier. If you're just looking for suggestions of plants, you could try the perennials, natives or regional forums.

As of now, I think it looks messy without some structure. Perhaps adding a small retaining wall that could double as seating...

I hope that isn't a eucalyptus tree in front. Do you know the species?

Succulents will be a good choice as accents but they won't hold a slope. Rosemary, Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans), Rockrose (Cistus), or Lantana will do the job. Agaves, too, but careful of the dagger-like tips. It is best to use more than one species and plant as you would in any bed, with taller plants toward the back.

An excellent low growing ground cover in dry areas is Dymondia margaret or silver carpet. It's very tough and looks good all year, maybe even at its best in winter.

I like your entry mock-up in the last photo of your first post. Nice modern, clean look.

Kim,

not quite sure the species.. the builder's landscaper just planted the tree there. It's not necessary that it stays. The front of the house is south facing so the landscape there must tolerate high heat.

Thank you for the nice compliment

I understand and this isn't the place for plant suggestion, just wanted more ideas on how to cope with that annoying slope.

Your slope is essentially a continuation of the slope above the red curb and you can plant your slope with the soil-holding plants I mentioned. They are all drought-tolerant plants that enjoy full sun.

"... just wanted more ideas on how to cope with that annoying slope."

If you didn't yet get what you wanted, I think you'll need to be more specific about your expectations.

Understood. I'm essentially at ground zero and have no experience with slope landscaping / hardscape. This is a silly question, but couldn't I just remove that dirt and have a retaining wall in its place?

my other concern is reconciling the existing retaining wall material if I wanted stone for the front. Probably stone veneer both for uniformity. I found some inspiration photos that make the slope look like an accent instead of a detraction.

There are two ways to deal with grade change: slope or retaining wall. Most people try to avoid retaining walls because of the cost. But if you want to pay for it, you can have it. But what does it gain you? That's where you need to be specific because other people can't tell what exactly what is the irritating feature for you. The slope works except for the fact that they put a tree/bush in what would be the only possible path. If you moved that plant to the slope, it would be much better for having access around the house.

Thanks, Yardvaark. I agree. That tree needs to go to the other side of the house. My issue with the slope was that it makes the house feel like it's suffocating but that could be due to the tree. By suffocating, I mean the height of the slope and the distance to the house seems too close for me, personally.

I appreciate You taking the time and your input. Have a nice holiday.

I'd prefer to see something flat and more uniform next to the driveway. You could move the Salvia up to the foundation.

How hot does it get in 10b during the Summer?

When it comes to actual plant selection you should go over to the California Forum.