I am having a similar problem with a garden in the commercial area I maintain. Exposed to the street, I am replacing four more plants next week. I am replacing two Loropetalum with Cistus, and a Hydrangea and Kangaroo Paws with Berberis rose glow. Also I am adding a ten foot long fence, only three feet high, in an attempt to break up what has become a path. My property is in the country where my only trespassers are deer, though they eat some plants, they don't walk on them, or leave beer bottles and trash for me to pick up. Al

in MI .. i walk thru my prostate sedums .. the yellow and the red one .... see link

i have no clue if they are for CA ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

How about Dymondia? Very low mat-like plant, low water use and does really well on the west side of the bay area.
It's usually available in spring/summer in 6-pack flats in the ground cover area of better nurseries. Don't think you'll find it at big box stores.

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Achillea can take light foot traffic.

I second dymondia.

And once established, myoporum parvifolium.

My blue fescue always ends up ragged by late summer, but self sows and perks up come winter rains.

If prostrate rosemary works for you, germander, Teucrium chamaedrys might be a good fit as well.

It makes a difference whether you have sun or shade with the Dymondia, it won't do as well in shade. It also makes a difference whether you want plants that can be walked upon, or simply tough enough to withstand kid's play and pets and errant balls and such. Grasses and other plants like Carex, Juncus, Dietes, Dianellas, Libertia, etc may be more what you're looking for. None are easily crushed, bouncing back from occasional abuse.

Thank you all!

I've also had good success with dymondia. Great lawn substitute and you never have to mow it. May have to trim it occasionally to keep it in bounds. Low (or no water in my case) water requirements in my zone 10b, Sunset zone 24, where we definitely have a marine influence (i.e. fog, wind).