The Scanner Today, Feb. 21

How about that wind? The Berkeley Fire Department is heading out right now to 1511 Walnut for a report of wires down.

BFD told us they haven't had much going on yet today as far as weather calls, although they expect the usual reports about fallen tree limbs.

Other parts of the Bay Area haven't been so lucky.

We're keeping an eye on our favorite weather source, NWS Bay Area on Twitter, to see what these high winds bring.

And please let us know if you see Berkeley weather impacts. We love your weather photos and tips!

A gale warning is in effect today in Berkeley, along with wind and frost advisories.

On our way home just now we watched a still fully decorated Christmas tree blowing down the street.

We had some lovely meetings today with members and we must once again say a hearty — THANK YOU! Our readers have some of the best story ideas around.

Now we just need to figure out how to clone ourselves. This job is never boring.

Please note: We added significant updates to two of the stories below, regarding the garbage truck incident on The Uplands as well as the 12-year-olds in the stolen car.

Don't miss the latest news below.

And now, the news

UC Berkeley student charged with sorority house rape

The woman’s screams for help alerted her sorority sisters, who called police and held the man down until officers arrived, according to court papers.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

Berkeley police arrest 12-year-olds linked to stolen car

On Tuesday, police identified the pair as a 12-year-old boy from Oakland and a 12-year-old girl from San Pablo.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

Garbage truck takes down power poles, lines in Berkeley

“Our whole house shook,” one local resident said. “I thought for sure it was a huge earthquake.”

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso