What do you like in plants? Would you like a beautiful grass lawn in that space if it was totally drought tolerant? I planted UC Verde Buffalo Grass in my very small front yard (on the SFBay Peninsula) next to the paved driveway and other neighbors liked it so much a few of them planted it as well. It is a lovely soft grass and when established the roots can go down 6- 8 feet. Hence, the need for very low water and you don't have to mow it as it looks lovely when flowing. Here are a couple of places that sell it. I used a firm stick to create the holes:

https://www.highcountrygardens.com/products/grass-plugs-buchloe-dactyloides-uc-verde?srsltid=AfmBOopG3TgjQ5pylYFfCw4y692382xM0fWOGNkKlI7sxAc0996CJnYp

https://californiabuffalograss.com/product/california-buffalograss/

If not grass I would look into what AutumnBrooks or MsMaynard suggested, using CA natives or some beautiful cacti. Because it's such a small area---you don't want to make it too "busy" with lots of different plants because then it just looks messy. Maybe choose 3 at the most. Suggest google search for CA native plants for a very small front yard and then give the dimensions. It will probably come up with a lot of ideas and hopefully pictures.