Is this bad soil? Too dry? Fungus? Pests? Please help!

[christopherkey]

I have a wax leaf privet hedge in Southern California. We have a heat wave but this hedge had been unhealthy for weeks. Tried soaking the soil often because I thought the shriveled leaves meant it was drying out...but doesn’t seem to help. Pictures attached. Thanks in advance for any feedback and advice!!!

 

[sourland]

Pictures are not showing. There is a permanent wilting point beyond which plants are unable to respond to watering.