In CA you have beautiful different colored lava rocks available for landscaping.
Fireproof, insect proof, doesn't require watering or mowing.
A gravel yard still needs maintenance....and it turns into a public toilet for the neighborhood feline population
It can take 18 of water per square foot to water lawns depending on humidity / temp stats.
1 cubic ft = 7.48 gallons x 18 = 11.25 gallon of water to water 1 square foot of lawn.
Golfers beware