Davis Declares Emergency in Napa Valley

Gov. Gray Davis declared a state of emergency in the Napa Valley, making merchants and homeowners eligible for government funds to offset costs of earthquake repairs.

The 5.2 magnitude earthquake that jolted the heart of California wine country over Labor Day weekend ruptured utility lines, shattered windows and storefronts, knocked over chimneys, and cracked walls and foundations. Damage estimates have ranged as high as $50 million.

“This declaration will make available all state personnel, facilities and resources to the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Napa,” Davis said. “Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those Californians who suffered physical harm or property damage.”

Five-year-old Nathan Schank, who suffered internal injuries when he was hit and temporarily buried by falling bricks from a chimney, remained in critical but stable condition Wednesday at Children’s Hospital in Oakland.

Teams of state, county and city inspectors fanned out across the region Wednesday to begin tallying the full toll of the quake, which was centered six miles northwest of Napa, near the small town of Yountville, in an area unmapped for faults. The inspections could take two weeks.

A decision on whether to seek a federal declaration will not be made until a final tally is complete, said Jaime Arteaga, a spokesman for the state Office of Emergency Services.

“We’re in the process of making a more in-depth assessment of the damages,” Arteaga said. “That will sort of pave the way for a federal request.”

So far, about 5,000 buildings are believed to have been damaged. Among them is the home of the Napa Register, where ceiling tiles dropped to the floor and some lights fell apart. Managing Editor Frank Hartzell described the damage as “mostly cosmetic” and said the staff was able to publish Internet and print editions that same morning.

The Bay Area chapter of the United Way is seeking donations for a special fund to offset the cost of damage to homes and structures.

Red Cross volunteers, meanwhile, are providing housing, food, clothing, eyeglasses and prescription medicines to residents. Cleanup kits, which include a broom, mop, bucket and cleaning supplies, are being delivered or can be picked up at the agency’s Silverado-Napa County office.