Yes, if you look around that area there are only a couple conifers for trees and that's it. A true challenge, certainly.

For decidous trees you are going to need to water. Acer campestre is not too big but deense and tough, takes wind and has aggressive roots. There is a newish, not widely tested ash called Fraxinus 'Fan West' that you'll only likely find on The Internets in your parts. For an ornamental needing little water, Chilopsis linearis. The pioneers planted Ulmus pumila but we see now that there are many problems with it.

For the more likely acclimatized conifers/evergreens, you might see if others down there have Cupressus arizonica. Lots of pines - esp ponderosa. Quercus ilex is seen in some places in CA for windbreaks. Cupressus sempervirens is trite but may work with some water. Thuja plicata if you can get seed, have space, and water it. Pseudotsuga menziesii if you have plenty of spare water.

Dan

Wow. Thank you for noting all these. I see I may just not be able to have my dream trees; price we pay for living on this ridge, I guess.