My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

Received PC 190.1(a) Petty Theft, Misdemeanor
I am 17
Value of item shoplifted was more than 150, less than 200
I am cited with a "Notice to Appear"
Never been convicted of any infraction, misdemeanor, or felonies, except for a parking ticket and an expired license plate.
Top 11% of my class

The court I was assigned to is around two hours from where I live and is outside of my county of residence.
1. Is there a way to be reassigned to a court in my county or closer to my residence?
2. Should I call the courthouse to ask this question?
If not, who should I call?

3. What will happen when I get to the court?
Will I simply be asked if I plead guilty or not guilty?
4. What is no contest and would it work in my favor to plea no contest?
5. Will I be asked many questions about what transpired that day, or is it guilty or not guilty?
6. Do I have to pay a bail? ( I was asked to sign and given, a "Notice to Appear")
7. Should I seek any advice from an attorney?
8. What should I expect will be my punishment?
Money - Around how much money will I be required to pay?
Community Service - What kind of community service?
Jail/Juvenile Hall Time - Will I be receiving any? If so, how long?
Anything Else?
9. Any other advice/information you would like to offer me?

What I am expecting: Right now, I am thinking that I will have to show up at the court, the first thing that I will hear is "How do you plead" and I will say Guilty, and then I will be assigned my punishment (probably a large sum of money and some community service). I am hoping that I will not have to go to jail or juvenile hall. My father told me that I could request to work my fine off through extra community service.

Will I just walk in there, say that I plead guilty, and leave?
On the back of my notice to appear, I BELIEVE that it says something like I can contact the court and not contest the violation and then I will not have to appear in court? How does that work?

Yes, I understand that what I did was wrong. Seeing my parents as hurt as they were was more than enough to show me that I was wrong. I understand that many on this forum will have the urge to call me an idiot and say shame on me. I deserve it.

Thank you for your time in reading over my predicament. I look forward in some answers to my questions. If there is anything you would like me to clarify, please tell me. Thanks again.