My question involves traffic court in the State of: California

I have lost my Trial by Written Declaration, and I will have my Trial de Novo in a few days in the Central Justice Center in Orange County. My citation was VC 21453 (a), and I have no previous record of traffic violation.

I have gone through quite a few threads on the forum regarding TDN and traffic school and I understand that it's up to the judge to grant the opportunity of doing traffic school while s/he has no obligation to do so. I also read that in some cases the judge may offer the opportunity before each case is presented one by one. Some posts also mentioned that you will know if your defendant shows up by recognizing the officer's face among the crowd.

I don't think I will be able to recognize the officer's face and say I do not elect to do traffic school when the judge offers before the session starts. How should I present myself in order to win the opportunity to do traffic school if the officer does show up? What should I say /do to erase the point? Anyone knows anything about this court?

Thanks in advance for any advice.