"We have another round of funding opportunities coming up and we are hoping to get the word out to potential applicants," Leal explains. "We are looking for Oakland residents who are pursuing art activities in Oakland that culminate in a local public outcome that benefits the community."

According to the Cultural Arts Web site, these activities may include, but are not limited to, performances of dance, music or theater, classes and workshops, exhibits and literary activities.

Local writer and columnist Erika Mailman was the beneficiary of a cultural funding grant two years ago, and the outcome of her project will be available in local bookstores in time for the holidays.

Her new book, "Oakland's Neighborhoods," provides a fascinating overview of the history of Oakland's many neighborhood districts along with selected writings from residents with something to say about where they live.

"I guess you can say the book is a hybrid local history summary and a literary journal," says Mailman. "I wanted to provide a way for residents to learn more about where they lived, and also encourage their expressions of how they feel about their hometown."

As part of her grant proposal, Mailman hosted writing workshops in different branch libraries, where she encouraged participants to write down their thoughts, experiences and attitudes about their neighborhoods.

"I was so glad to have the support of the Oakland library staff to hold these workshops," says Mailman. Workshops were held at the Lakeview, Elmhurst and Temescal branch libraries.

"I particularly enjoyed working with young people who came into the Elmhurst branch, and the creative writing sessions ended up being extended once I collaborated with Mills College and its MFA program," says Mailman. "Melinda Barnes, the director there at Mills, was able to find additional funding so that her writing students could continue to work with Elmhurst residents."

"Additional original writing pieces were created as a result," she adds.

Mailman turned to the staff at the Oakland Library History Room for help in assembling histories for the various districts. "I started out thinking that I would be able to identify all of the distinct neighborhood areas and their boundaries. I soon learned that there can be quite an overlap," she says. "My lofty ideal of creating a comprehensive book that covered every single neighborhood became impracticable."

Still, with History Room librarian Steve Lavoie's help, Mailman was able to compile quite a few interesting anecdotes. Betty Marvin, of the city's Cultural Heritage Survey, was enormously helpful on checking facts and clarifying sometimes confusing references. "I couldn't have done this without reviewing the journals from the Oakland Heritage Alliance, and author Beth Bagwell's history of Oakland was invaluable."

More than 80 photographs, some never before published, from the History Room collection illustrate the text.

While the city grant covered the costs of collecting the essays and poems from the more than 80 resident contributors, Mailman decided to publish the book herself. "I wanted control over the format and design. Naomi Schiff helped me produce the final product. I am particularly pleased with the way the book cover turned out."

The cover features Lake Merritt, with Lakeshore Boulevard apartment buildings in the background.

Mailman, who has a MFA from the University of Arizona, moved to Oakland a dozen years ago and currently lives in the Glenview neighborhood. She recently celebrated the publishing of her book with friends and workshop participants at the Lakeview Branch Library. Gary Turchin and Alison Chokwadi Fletcher, two of the contributors, were on hand to read their selections.

Another event is planned for Saturday, 7 p.m., at A Great Good Place for Books, 6120 LaSalle Ave in Montclair. "I've asked two more of the contributors to read their submissions there," she says.

For those interested in submitting proposals for the upcoming round of funding, there will be technical workshops for potential grantees in December and January, says Leal. All of the information, including a downloadable application, is available on the Web site, http://www.oaklandculturalarts.org.

Applications are also available at City Hall (on the ninth floor of the Cultural Arts and Marketing Department offices), the Oakland public libraries, Pro Arts Gallery and the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St.

Deadlines for grant proposals are

Jan. 6 for Organizational Assistance and Project Support (which includes individual artists) and Jan. 13 for Art in the Schools (to support artist residencies in the schools. For more information, call 238-2241.

Erika Mailman is currently at work on her latest project, an update chapter for Beth Bagwell's history of Oakland. The book, currently out of print, will be republished later next year by the Oakland Heritage Alliance. For more information, visit her Web site at http://www.erikamailman.com.

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