I don't hate them, but they sure aren't Central Valley feeling. Can't be messy, or pavement breakers. Chinese Pistache trees have beautiful leaves and can be stunningly flame-colored in fall. Of course, they aren't native either, but are used a lot in the valley, partly because the roots aren't invasive.
Oaks would be perfect, of course, as natives of the valley (many varieties), and extremely drought tolerant, but messy, I think, with the acorns.
I just hope they plant some big deciduous trees, so it will have a nice shady canopy over much of the area in winter, but let light in during the winter.
Whatever...trees please. I love them.