As used in this article:
(a) “Local agency” means a city, a city and county, or a county.
(b) “Legislative body” means the legislative body of a local agency.
(c) “Superintendent” means street superintendent, his assistants and deputies, or other public officer designated by the legislative body to perform the duties imposed by this article upon the superintendent.
(d) “Abandoned excavation” means any abandoned mining shaft, pit, well, septic tank, cesspool, or other abandoned excavation dangerous to persons legally on the premises where the abandoned excavation is located or to minors under the age of 12 years; and any facilities or equipment used in connection with drilling oil, mining or exploring for minerals or diatomaceous soil which have been abandoned and which constitute a hazard endangering the safety and welfare of the people.