Will I Have to Go to Court for First Time Shoplifting

CALIFORNIA/
I have been caught shoplifting in Target in southern California today, the total value was 21 dollars and it is my first time ever doing this. I have a clear background and don't even have a parking ticket.
I am very scared and don't know what to do. The security man told me that I will be getting a "Ticket" by mail and have to pay a civil fine, which I am ok with, as long as I don't have to go to jail or court, or get a lawyer to face it.
I wanted to know if I pay the fine, will I be charged again? and do I have to go to the court anyway?
They also photographed me and asked for my social security number. At the end I signed a paper saying that my information is correct. Does this mean that it will go to my criminal record? If so, for how long?
Please Help.

I don't know from what you posted if by "ticket" they simply mean the civil demand, or if they mean that they will be filing a police report and you may receive a "ticket" from the court ordering you to appear on shoplifting charges.

Yes, they just told me I will get a "ticket". What will happen when I pay the civil fine? Do I still have to appear in court? And how am I supposed to find out if they have filed a police report or not?
How long will this remain on my record?

If you receive a civil demand, whether or not you pay it will have no effect on any criminal prosecution. If they filed a police report and charges are authorized, you should get a notice from the court to appear in court.

If you are convicted of shoplifting, your conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely, although you can take steps to "clean up you record".

Thank you so much for all your information.
I recieved my letter today, which reads:
"The state law that authorizes a merchant to recover damages from an individual who has unlawfully taken merchandise from their store is enclosed with this letter. The amount of this demand is 500.00. Payment may be by credit card,...."
At the end:
"IMPORTANT NOTICE: Payment of this claim is a release of your civil liability, but does not preclude possible criminal prosecution by local law enforcement officials."
I wanted to know if I can request to go to the court, then request to do community/public service instead of paying. Also I don't really understand what the lines at the end of the letter (The Important Notice) means.
I'll be more than happy if you can help.
The letter is from the Target corporation and it's not from the court, so does this mean they have not filed a police report?
Thanks again.

A civil demand has nothing to do with a criminal prosecution. If you go to court over a civil demand they will be suing you for money damages, and community service will not be available as an alternative.