Oxnard Levity Live comedy club closed permanently, 69 workers laid off
The comedy club at The Collection shut its doors August 17, affecting servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff.
Oxnard Levity Live and Copper Blues at 591 Collection Blvd closed permanently on August 17, laying off all 69 employees, according to a WARN Act notice dated June 17.
The notice, submitted by Comedy Club Oxnard LLC, was sent to the California Employment Development Department, the Ventura County Workforce Development Board, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson, and Oxnard Mayor Luis A. McArthur, per the notice. It lists 16 servers, 11 bartenders, 11 food and drink runners, 9 door hosts, 7 line cooks, 3 audio visual technicians, 2 box office attendants, 2 dishwashers, 2 prep cooks, 5 managers, and 1 barback among the affected workers. The employer said it would not coordinate reemployment services with the Ventura County Workforce Development Board.
The closure is permanent, and the notice states no bumping rights apply, since all staff at the location are affected regardless of seniority.
The closure comes as a blow to The Collection, the mixed-use retail and dining complex in Oxnard that has anchored the city's entertainment district since opening in 2015. The venue hosted national touring comedians and local open-mic nights.
Affected workers are eligible for unemployment insurance through the California Employment Development Department. The Ventura County Workforce Development Board can be reached at (805) 477-5306 or wdbvc@venturacounty.gov for job placement and training assistance.