Get a grip, people. I know a thing or two about missiles. There are several problems with this story. To begin, calling it a “missile” rather than what we can see it is, a rocket, invites conclusions that aren’t warranted by the facts. KCBS does not indicate how they estimated the distance, allegedly 35 miles, or how they estimate the size.
The ionized launch plume from a large rocket would have left a huge radar signature, visible on every radar in the LA basin and for a good distance beyond. This would imply a cover-up involving not just the military but the FAA and several non-governmental research facilities as well.
I have yet to see the full video, which leads me to wonder whether it has been edited for effect. Are the clips we’ve seen running in real time, for example?
My guess? This is a very large amateur rocket launched from a boat at a good deal shorter range than the chopper estimated. Remember, being a news chopper pilot does not make them experts or qualified observers of rocket flight.
Those not familiar with amateur rocketry would be amazed at what is possible:
Amateur Rocketry-notable events

On May 17, 2004 Civilian Space eXploration Team (CSXT) successfully achieved the first officially verified flight of an amateur high-power rocket into space, achieving an altitude of 72 miles (115 km).[5]

Prior to that the Reaction Research Society on November 23, 1996 launched a solid fueled rocket, designed by longtime member George Garboden, to an altitude of 50 miles (80 km) from the Black Rock Desert in Nevada.

Compare the photo of the CSXT launch to the KCBS video clips.