I need help making my lawn more appealing, please...

Yes-you can!The St. Augustine needs to be de-thatched (must be a utube on that) and then you can seed with rye grass or other winter grass. I had same questions after moving to SoCal from New England. Good Luck!! The St Augustine turns green in summer.

Besides thatching the lawn the soil needs amendments. You need a good layer of top soil and peatmoss,lime, which will neutalize the soil,grass seed for your area,starter fertilizer and more peat moss ,keeping moist at all times.Watering in the morning is the proper time,however if needed due to extreme heat you must re-wet the seed.