Back in May, we told you about a Seattle Public Utilities proposal called "Ballard Green Streets" to create green spaces in the planter strips between the sidewalk and the street to reduce stormwater pollution. Today, Governor Gregoire approved $1.5 million in funding for the project.

The project includes the area between NW 75th and NW 85th Streets and 28th to 32nd Avenues NW, controlling runoff from 2.6 acres. The green spaces will be designed to reduce stormwater pollution to the Ship Canal. Together with projects in Olympia and Spokane that were also announced today, the funding from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create 75 jobs, according to the Governor's office. (Thanks Allison for the tip!)

Once again this holiday season, Boy Scout Troop 100 will be setting up its annual Christmas tree lot in the St. Alphonsus Church parking lot.

The trees are hand picked by some of the troop's fathers and sons. "This scout is working with one of our many growers to hand-select some of the trees that we'll begin selling this weekend. Selection work begins way back in August!" tree lot manager and Boy Scout dad Dan Cress tells us. This is the one and only fundraiser for the troop and has been a tradition for nearly 60 years. The trees go on sale this Sunday through December 20th.

Just up 15th, Jimmy Wild will open his Christmas tree lot at Top Banana today, the day after Thanksgiving. He'll have eight different varieties of trees for sale.