California Gardening: Can you tell me plant name and what is wrong with it?, 1 by NY2CA

NY2CA wrote:
Hi guys,

Am new to LA area and just moved into a little house in Pasadena. I inherited a garden and several fruit trees, most in good shape, though the lawn is a little patchy (any advice is welcome in that regard, I am from NYC and no nothing of lawns).

Anyway there are a few of these plants/shrubs lining the wall between my neighbor's yard and mine. They are very nice but I noticed one of them was covered with a white powdery film and it was not doing very well. I don't know what these shrubs are so included a picture below. I also am attaching a photo of a powdery area that I cut off.

Identification and advice about what to do would be appreciated. (and am open to advice about lawns also!)

Thanks,

Lee