Gear choice

Tough call, I can understand your dilemma... neither one is a bad gear for your intended use.
My guess is to take a long, realistic look at how much highway vs city driving you're actually going to be doing, and base your decision on that.
I honestly think stop and go LA city traffic isn't going to allow for much stoplight fun anyways, and you'll be happier when you get out on the open highway (is there such a thing anymore? Last time I was on an LA highway I spent four hours at an average of 5 mph between Anaheim and Long Beach...). Best bet is to make sure it cools well at idle and has a good radio. :)