What is a status conference in CA Superior Courts?

Answer 1

Generally, it is a conference between the Judge and the parties usually by their attorneys to determine whether the case is ready to be set for trial or whether there are still things to be resolved first such as "discovery" or settlement possibilities.

Answer 2

I believe you're referring to a "case status conference," and they are pretty much universal throughout all court systems. The judges call in the attorneys who have cases scheduled in front of them and the attorneys inform the judge of the status of the case insofar as readiness for trial (or other judicial action) is concerned. This is a routine judicial action that judges use to keep their calender moving and to keep the attorneys noses to the grindstone.