California Code, Streets and Highways Code - SHC § 6764

When the legislative body acquires jurisdiction to order the improvement to be made, the person having the track on the streets to be improved shall notify, in writing, the superintendent of streets, if the person elects to enter upon the direct performance of the work at its own charge and expense.

The notice shall be delivered to the superintendent of streets within 10 days after the first publication of the notice of award of contract.  The omission or neglect to make the election makes the superintendent of streets the agent of the owner of the track, with authority to enter into a contract in accordance with Section 20852 of the Public Contract Code for making the improvements.