Are the leaf starts falling off before they mature or open or are they just stalled out at the point in the picture?

They seem to be just stalled out. They've been this way for about 2 1/2 months.

You might check the main trunk just under the soil line. Brush the soil away from it. Is there any rot there?

Seems like whatever energy it has is going into blooms. So the question is why are the roots not able to meet demand. Can you post another photo of the trunk and soil line after brushing away some of the soil like Dave recommends to see the roots?

Understood location is SoCal but what climate are you in ? Coastal, Desert, Flood, drought, or Wildfire?

How often do you water?

We live in Orange County about 8 miles from the beach. Just this morning it looks like the leaves may be coming.

The trunk looks a little beat up but it is hard as a rock

It's about a 6' tall tree.

Looks like a bit of sunburn on the trunk. The ground appears to have been watered recently but I am wondering if there just has not been enough watering and possibly fertilizing.

I would also relocate the support ropes to further up the tree to get better leverage,

Thank you for the advice. Will do.

I agree that it looks like it's not getting enough of something. Several branches look shriveled. You may want to check those roots.