No driver license , traffic court in CA , what to do?

[fitche]

Hi guys , i moved 7 months ago to the u.s and bought a car , i was told by my country that the international license was valid in the u.s , well i found out it was not when the police stopped me for a traffic violation today , now the ticket says i have to go to the court. it says "without admiting the guilt, i promise to appear at the time and place indicated below" , okay now some questions , what does that mean? if i dont appear i'm guilty? if i am guilty , what happens exactly ?? if i appear what should i say? the questions may sound dumb but im very nervous about this and dont know what to do.
another thing is , court date is the same as an international work travel , is it possible to reschedule?