What the heck does "act on the default mean?"

You should consult with an attorney.

 

When you sue somebody pro se the courts expect you to know what you are doing.

CA courts have a very good self help website:

California Courts - Home

There are two other sources:

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/f...e=CCP&tocTitle=+Code+of+Civil+Procedure+-+CCP

Rules of Court

If you can't figure out what to do next, you'll need a lawyer.

 

I assume this means you filed the form CIV-100 Request for Entry of Default. Correct? Did the clerk actually enter the defendant's default?

For what purpose? Case management conference?

In this context, "act on the default" means to seek entry of a default judgment. Walking you through the process is way beyond the scope of any internet message board. When you chose to handle your case without an attorney, you essentially chose to learn how to follow all of the rules of civil procedure. It's not the judge's or court clerk's job to hold your hand through the process. My recommendation is that you spend several hours at the county law library reviewing the relevant chapter of The Rutter Group's Civil Procedure Before Trial practice guide.