Robert was on staff at L.A. Weekly from 1997 to 2006.  During those years, which began after his first psychotic break in March 1997 and included his relapse in January 1999, Robert worked as a proofreader and copy editor while also contributing articles from time to time.  His 2005 piece on a chance encounter in Santa Monica with the late President Ronald Reagan won honorable mention in the feature category at the L.A. Press Club Awards.