BrightonGirl
It's not a dumb question at all. Just adding to the guys who have already answered they are right in that there are altitudes to be met. If I recall 10,000' at LAX etc on the Daggett transition and 14,000' for a SID via Seal Beach. Hence you need to fly out over the sea to gain sufficient height before turning eastbound.
It's also worth remembering that the SSA in this region is about 13.5 'cos of the bloody great mountains! Hope this helps.
