I don't know your area very well but Buffalo Grass is often reccommended. I did a quick search and discovered that San Diego has a chapter of the California Native Plant Society. They could probably give some good suggestions. My experience is that almost everything is deer forage.

Here is a link that might be useful: San Diego Chapter - CA Native Plant Soc.

Thank you for your suggestion. I have been reading about Buffalo grasses. Trying to figure out which one would do well here. So far Cody and UC Verde appear to be the best. Would probably have to use a herbicide on the dam to prep for planting, something I had hoped to avoid doing. As typical of Ca. woodlands, most grasses go brown in summer and become a fire hazard. Trying to create a "green zone" around the house to slow potential fire and look a bit nicer. Did not want to create an "invasive" problem in the process though. Made it through the big fire in 2003 due to a gravity fed sprinkler system I put in the eaves of the house but it is only effective if we are here to turn it on. If anyone should read this and has planted Buffalograss in this area, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks again.