Plan Ahead

* Gift-Giving--The Children’s Auxiliary of the Ventura County Foster Children’s Program will host the Gingerbread Giving Tree beginning Nov. 26 at the The Oaks mall, 22 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. The tree will be decorated with gingerbread tags, each representing a child living in a foster home. Shoppers are invited to purchase a gift to be donated to area foster children during the holidays. The tree, staffed each day by local volunteer groups, will be on display through Dec. 22. It will be in the Robinsons-May East Court on the lower level of the mall. 376-3515.

* Holiday Crafts--San Buenaventura Heritage will host its annual “Victorian Holiday Boutique” beginning Nov. 26 at the historic Dudley House, at Ashwood Avenue and Loma Vista Drive, Ventura. The event will feature handcrafted holiday gifts, decorations and collectibles fashioned by more than 25 area artisans. Open daily, noon to 8 p.m., through Dec. 5. Proceeds will benefit the restoration of the Dudley House. Free. 654-8381.

* Celluloid--The Ojai Film Society will screen “The Buena Vista Social Club” Nov. 28 at the Ojai Playhouse, 146 E. Ojai Ave. The critically acclaimed documentary was the outgrowth of a 1997 CD of the same name, which was produced by musician-musicologist Ry Cooder. The album, like the film, celebrates Cuba’s traditional music and musicians. The film is rated G. Show time: 4:30 p.m. $7 general; $4 senior citizens, students and children. 646-8946.

* Cowpoke--Michael Martin Murphey will do what he does best--sing songs about the cowboy life--Dec. 1 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The popular western music artist will present his annual Cowboy Christmas Concert, which will include carols, cowboy poetry and more. Show time: 8 p.m. $21.50-$36.50. The plaza is at 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. 449-2787.