It's always harder to advance in your career in a remote office VS HQ
HQ always. Better projects, better visibility, more opportunities for promotion ...
HQ tends to be better but it really depends on the team/ project as well. If a remote office has a significant presence for a team you are excited about, it will be better. Smaller remote offices sometimes have more limited growth opportunities but that's usually for very senior levels. For lower levels it is sometimes easier to stand out remote.
In general I agree with the advice that HQ is better for career growth because of improved visibility and higher odds of working with people who can open doors, but Google LA is expanding a lot (two new offices opening up - one in Playa Vista and one in West LA), so that probably also has opportunities. Don't forget that cost of living is lower in LA (rent isn't exactly cheap but it's a lot cheaper than the Bay), and there are other benefits (warmer weather, beach life, dating scene, etc).
Fb hq