The Pumas' only previous Cup success also came in California, in Los Angeles in 2004, and this most recent victory blasts wide open the race for the 2008/09 World Series.
England and South Africa are now joint-top on 60 points, eight clear of New Zealand on 52. Argentina lie fourth with 48 ahead of Fiji, Kenya and the USA, who take 12 points from their home event.
In the Cup final Tom Biggs and Ben Gollings both scored first half tries for England either side of one by Argentina captain Santiago Gomez Cora.
Trailing 14-5 at the break, the Pumas quickly asserted pressure on the Englishmen after the restart and scored tries through Martin Rodrigues and Lucas Amorosino, before their famous defence kicked in to hold England at bay for five minutes.
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To reach the final the Pumas built an early 12-0 lead against USA but Nese Malifa and Chris Wyles each scored converted tries to edge the hosts clear, before Santiago Gomez Cora grubbed through and punced on the loose ball to score the winner.
In the other semi final South Africa were fastest out of the blocks, Gio Aplon and Mpho Mbiyozo crossing for a 12-0 lead before tries by Gollings and Philips brought England back on terms. Tom Biggs scored after the break and Philips notched a second, before Paul Delport's late try brought the Boks back to within three points. England held on, though, to reach a second successive final.
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New Zealand beat Kenya to Plate
New Zealand overcame Kenya in the final of the Plate 22-7, exacting revenge for their loss against the Africans on day one and also taking eight points for the World Series.
The kiwis led 12-0 at the break after two tries by Viliame Waqaseduadua and, although Collins Injera pulled one back for the Kenyans, Waqaseduadua struck again and a fourth try for Ben Souness rounded off a convincing win.
Earlier, the kiwis trailed Fiji 14-5 at half time in their semi final after Burotu and Tuwai cancelled out the kiwis' early lead through captain Zar Lawrence. But after the break Waqaseduadua touched down twice for the New Zealanders to edge them clear and another from Chad Tuoro took them well clear.
Kenya also had to come from behind against Samoa to reach the final. They scored first through Gibson Kahuthia but Ofisa Treviranus and Lolo Lui put the islanders ahead at the break. The Africans' superior fitness shone through in the second half, though, tries from Sidney Ashioya and Collins Injera securing a 17-12 victory.
Australia storm to Bowl success
Damon Murphy and Luke Morahan each scored a brace of tries as Australia stormed to a 40-0 victory against tired France in the final of the Bowl.
Aidan Toua and William Brock also scored tries for the Aussies, who take two points for the IRB Sevens World Series.
Earlier the Australians beat Wales to reach the final, powering to a convincing four tries to one lead with three minutes of the match to play, before the Welsh mounted a late rally through Rhys Webb (2 tries) and Tal Selley. They could not score a fifth try, though, and Michael O'Connor's Wallabies proceed to a deserved final.France were tied with Scotland late in the second half of their semi final before Paul Albaladejo sprinted over for the winner.
Moonlight inspires Canada to Shield success
Dave Moonlight scored a hat trick of tries as Canada beat Uruguay 31-7 to take the Shield.
Both sides are bound for the World Cup in Dubai in a little over two weeks time and the match was highly competitive throughout but the Canadians possessed the extra firepower and Philip Mack and Phil MacKenzie also scored for the Cannucks.
Santiago Gibernau scored the only try for Los Teros in the final.
Earlier Uruguay beat Japan 26-10 in the semis and the Canadians breezed to a 31-7 win against Mexico.
