Phew, so my name change was a success!
Here is what happened:
I argued with the judge's clerk for like 1/2 hr and he told me to call back in 2hrs because he was going to try and go over the new law with him. So I called him again, and he asked me if I knew the civil code for AB 1121, and I couldn't find it. He said the Santa Monica Courthouse got a revised name change instruction packet which did mention the portion about if no one contests 2 days prior, the judge "may" approve, but their judge refuses to do that, and everyone has to come to their hearing.
So I took time off of work and went to my hearing. I had to remind the clerk AGAIN that I did not need my newspaper publishing of my name change. But after pointing to section 7 on NC-100, the clerk said I was fine.
So, the judge approved my name change; didn't even ask my reason for changing it, and I picked up my decree copies.
So, the Santa Monica Courthouse will know proper protocol now.