We finally got our yard completed by The Echo Family (949-533-4055) and here are some pics.
I cannot say enough good things about our experience with Jo and his crew. The whole job took about 5 weeks to complete. His crew came bright and early everyday at 7am and would work till late, sometimes past 6pm. Jo came and checked the job from time to time to make sure everything is going according to plan. Once or twice we had to change our mind on something and he accommodated our requests. He helped and did all the HOA submission, before and after, and was very patient during the design process. I can't even count how many times we had to redo the drawings and plan and he was very patient all throughout. We picked Jo because he clearly knows what he's doing. He doesn't over promise, and if he can't do it he'll flat out tell you why he can't do it. He doesn't string you along, and doesn't just agree to everything you say.
We trusted him to pick every material out (didn't go to stone yards with him) and it came out perfect. Jo is not the cheapest out there, but he is also not the most expensive. I think what he charges is very reasonable, and fairly priced. He's also local, so any time we need him, he's always 1 call away from coming by to check on things. I couldn't be happier with our yard!