I would be more likely to plant the tree on the porch side of the house in the hopes of it eventually giving the porch both some visual shelter and some shade from late afternoon sun.

Great house!

Love your house and the colors you painted it.

I can't help because I don't know the plants for the area. Drive or walk around the neighborhood to see setups you like. If they are friendly enough neighbors, they'll share information. One thing I don't think I'd want is a front lawn in those two patches.

Good luck!

Do a Google search for CA Zone 9 front gardens. These two popped up on Pinterest. A local garden center can help you choose plants that are drought tolerant in your zone. Consider some hardscaping if you have some budget left.

Really difficult to make suggestions because there are microclimates within climate zones. I would visit a local independent nursery to get suggestions from them, they’re usually more than happy to assist. Nice house.

It would make more sense to plant the tree at the left side, since the prominent architectural feature is the backdrop at the right half of the yard.

Planting a tree is great and also something you want to get right. (right tree, right location). Sunset Magazine (and their design books) are great resources. You might be able to find a landscaper architect to come by for an hourly consultation. Your local independent nursery may have referrals.

I think I would try planting something "sculptural" in terms of a "tree" on the left side of yard. Something that doesn't have big root system so you don't have root problems down the line. One that comes to mind is a weeping mulberry. You can trim and shape it and it grows quickly. Not sure about your region but it is a very hardy tree.

The big green umbrella shaped tree looks like a weeping mulberry. Another option would be a weeping cherry. It would be pretty too.

Some type of water feature might be interesting as well.

Some other interesting ideas for a yard similar to yours. Should be fun and you can mix colors up for a very beautiful garden.

You don't mention if you enjoy gardening. Scabiosa and Lavender both require deadheading. I would limit the plants that need a lot of grooming.

I would fill a lot of it with one of the Geraniums that more drought tolerant.

Keep low plants near the front and path.

Crape Myrtles come in different sizes. I'd look for a smaller version.

Could you post photos of the two foundation beds?

How much water with restrictions do you have? Will you be installing sprinklers now? What direction does the front yard face?

In March, much of California zone 9 is finished with rain til October or November. I suggest you plant a temporary summer garden with knee-high sunflowers, Shasta daisies, zinnias or other annuals, watered with soaker hoses. Go wall to wall with the annual seeds if you want a fun temporary flower garden. Wait until fall to plant the tree. It would be good to wait a year if necessary for a professional landscape plan with native plants you can implement yourselves, including a drip irrigation system.

Your current wooden sided beds look like veggie beds, and with plain wood won’t have much of a lifespan. I would be likely to remove them and prep the entire front for planting as a garden or else replace the wood with a material that coordinates with the large curbing that makes the whole front into a raised bed. Be sure that the soil within the curbing isn’t raised up to a domed shape which will shed water.

As others have suggested, choose plants that are happy with your climate and do not take a lot of additional water. If you are inexperienced with gardening, you may well save money by having the beds designed for you since you will be more likely to avoid mistakes.