President Clinton has declared the Sept. 3 earthquake to be the first California disaster of the year 2000, making grants immediately available for temporary housing and home, business and farm repairs.

Ana Marcelo, spokeswoman for Federal Emergency Management Agency, said the big economic impact probably brought the disaster proclamation that local officials and Gov. Gray Davis requested.

The epicenter of the 5.2 magnitude quake was just south of the summit of Mount Veeder but the vast majority of damage was about six miles away in Napa, because of the soils the city sits on.

To start the disaster application process call 1-800-642-9029. Phones will be answered seven days a week from 8 a.m.to 6 p.m.

That call can lead to federal grants from FEMA or loans for individuals and businesses from the Small Business Administration or loans from the United States Department of Agriculture.

FEMA grants are available in the following forms:

* As rent: Homeowners can get rent paid for up to three months if they were displaced by the earthquake. Renters can get at least one month paid. FEMA has set the market rate at $900 per month, Marcelo said.

* To make homes habitable: These grants are distributed the fastest and the amount is determined on a case-by-case basis.

* For essential home repairs: These include broken ovens, damaged floor or broken windows and have a maximum of $13,900 for this disaster. Most FEMA grants of this type are about $2,500, Marcelo said.

* For the home-based business: People out of work because of the earthquake who don't qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed people, can now get special disaster unemployment assistance for up to 26 weeks.

* To reduce further risk: The disaster declaration will also make matching funding available to the state for projects that can help reduce the risk of future disasters.

Local politicians have been lobbying for federal disaster status, including Napa Mayor Ed Henderson, who was returning from Washington, D.C. when the declaration was made.

"This is the single most important action needed to bring quake victims the financial resources they may need to rebuild their homes, businesses and lives," said U.S Rep. Mike Thompson, (D- St. Helena) in a press release.

"FEMA is an outstanding organization with trained personnel already in the area who are ready to roll up their sleeves and help," Thompson said.

The city of Napa will open a disaster assistance center Monday at 11 a.m. at 902 Enterprise Way off Soscol Avenue, that will provide information on local, state and federal agencies, including FEMA, that can help earthquake victims.

The disaster center will be open for 60 to 90 days from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Spanish-speaking help will be available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Some of the other disaster assistance now available includes:

* USDA loans for farmers and ranchers.

* Crisis counseling from the California Department of Mental Health

* Information on tax deferrals and other special help from the IRS and the state franchise tax board.