Rent was cheap in the unpainted housekeeping room in front of Alamo Square (the building still stands). A Valentino poster was the only wall decoration. Here I was born on March 11, 1923. It happened just before midnight. Dorita was awoken to meet her brother. Dad played their favorite tune on the Victrola "The Sheik of Arabi". Spot, our dog, was also in the room. I ignored everyone for the light bulb fascinated me. Mom said "I want to call him Rey, (Spanish for King)". Dad disagreed stating that it would be mistaken for Ray, the name of a sailor who had broken dad's nose a few years back. They agreed on Billy but mom always called me Rey.