Bruce, have you considered cultivating
flax/linseed?
Its fibers can be made into clothes/textiles and building materials such as canvas and
linoleum. It is not as water-intensive as cotton.
It is cultivated in the cooler regions of the world and I don't know if your U.S.A. Californian climate is suitable.
I want to experiment with it (next year). First I am interested in how to make it into fibers. Not so long ago there was a flax-factory close to where I live so I have an opportunity to learn from (old) people who worked in that factory.
I love linen as a textile material. And am especially interested in making canvas, if that's possible without a weaving machine. Not for building a house, but for building a removable tent, canoe, sails etc.
I have read on wikipedia that
canvas used to be made from hemp.
Flax/linseed oil is edible.