[Greenbuilding] Lawn advice

[Frank Flynn]

OK really more of a green landscaping question but I figure someone  
out there would know.

I live in the San Francisco Bay area where we typically have dry  
summers (no rain from April to October) and rain but no snow in the  
winters.

We are in a drought and I've let my lawn die by not watering it.  I  
want to replant it with something that will thrive in our dry  
conditions here.  My particular soil is rich but also has strong  
Adobe tendencies (it turns to stone if left dry and baking in the sun  
all summer).  The lawn area is irrigated, I have automatic sprinklers  
and can water whatever until it's established and water it a little  
through the summer but the lawn wanted too much water.

Does anyone have any suggestions?  I'd like something that I can walk  
on like a lawn, mowing is optional (that is I can do that but  
wouldn't miss it if I didn't have to), I don't mind if it flowers or  
looks different than traditional grass.

I am thinking about grey water and such but the point is still to  
reduce the overall thirst of this lawn like area.

Thanks,
Frank