What is 20NM reference point in "CTC SOCAL WITHIN 20NM"?
Short answer:

The primary Class C airport

Longer Answer:

Your question refers to the magenta boxes on sectional and TAC charts that read CTC SOCAL APP WITHIN 20 NM on 134.2 338.2, or equivalent:  



These boxes are used in connection with the nearest Class C airspace on the chart. Arriving pilots are requested to contact approach within 20 NM of the primary Class C airport. This is the answer to your question, the primary airport of that Class C airspace. Which airspace and airport exactly will depend on which magenta boxes you look at on the Los Angeles TAC. In the chart examples above and below, that airport would be Bob Hope (KBUR).

The deeper significance behind this instruction is the procedural Outer Area of the Class C airspace which is not depicted on the charts. Though not mandatory, this outer area of the Class C airspace is still considered part of the controlled airspace, and pilots are asked to contact approach before entering this area. See section 3-2-4 of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)


  3-2-4 c. 2. (b)
  NOTE-
  4. Though not requiring regulatory action, Class C airspace areas have a 
  procedural Outer Area. Normally this area is 20 NM from the primary
  Class C airspace airport. Its vertical limit extends from the lower
  limits of radio/radar coverage up to the ceiling of the approach
  control's delegated airspace, excluding the Class C airspace itself,
  and other airspace as appropriate. (This outer area is not charted.)


Note that the locations of the boxes on the chart (see image below) roughly correspond to the various approach sectors, with the frequencies contained in the boxes varying accordingly.

Also note that the blue boxes similarly correspond to Class B airspace, though the 20 NM note is absent, since Class B does not have the unmarked Procedural Area.