The washout rate is so high because everybody hardships out or resigns after realizing they can't afford to live there on AG pay, not due to any increased complexity in traffic. It's really the same issue.
If you have family there or a hookup with cheap rent and a reasonable commute to the center and want to stay in the area, there's really no reason not to take ZOA if you want to stay in the area. A lot of controllers don't identify with the politics or culture of California, so they don't see the appeal. Just accept that you probably are not getting out, and the techies will still be making more than you and buying out all the houses.