Public Citizen presents comedy benefit in SF

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Consumer news and humor rarely go together, so it is a unique night that is scheduled for this Sunday.

Consumer advocates in this country are well-meaning, generally East Coast-based and humor isn't too big on their agenda.

Public Citizen is probably best known for testifying before congress and, when not allowed in the doors of the rich and powerful, protesting and making speeches out front. So it is unique that when Public Citizen decided to make an appearance in the Bay Area. The organization chose humor as its opening gambit.

When asked what's funny about consumer affairs, San Francisco-based comic Will Durst joked, "Well, the title 'consumer affairs.' A lot of people are confused. They think it is a hook-up site or something.

Durst is co-hosting an event called Stand Up! for Main Street.

He welcomes the opportunity to host a benefit for guys he says wear the white hats.

Durst also likes the idea of making a left coast impression on a Washington, D.C.-based consumer group.

"This is their first incidental foray into northern California. There is such an East Coast chauvinism because they go to bed before our sports teams play. They don't even know that we exist. I think it is time to rattle the cage and let everybody know we are the center of the universe," Durst said.

Durst, who is considered a San Francisco icon, acknowledges that change comes slowly and often begins here.

He said, "If it is going to start, it has to start here. We are the ones that can make not just a ripple, but a wave, if not a tsunami."

The Stand Up! for Main Street all-star comedy benefit is being held at the San Francisco Jazz Center on Sunday night. Click here for more information.