Somewhat OT but the folks with pertinent knowledge are here - Mystery Launch Near Los Angeles

See link below - interesting that they have the news copter video - but no
statements by others who saw it such as airline pilots, boaters, airport
radar operators, folks walking on the beach etc. If the military was
launching something, a Pacific Missile Range warning to aircraft to stay
clear would normally be issued. Launches from VAGB usually keep airplanes
out of the airspace below the missile as a launch failure precaution.

http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-80234.html