Rita Garcia
Rita is no stranger to Houston, as she was previously a weekday morning anchor in the market. Prior to joining the ABC family, Rita worked as a morning anchor in Los Angeles on Good Day LA (KTTV - FOX 11).
Rita was born in Austin, Texas. She picked up a microphone at a very young age when her parents gave her a tape recorder with a mic to read her stories aloud. She would constantly practice and record herself and, as they say, the rest is history.
Rita began her television career in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas at ABC (KRG - Ch 5) where she was Cameron County bureau chief. She reported on a number of international border stories. She's also a proud alumna of Texas State University in San Marcos.
Some of her most memorable coverage includes the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, the 2009 and 2011 NBA Finals, the death of Kobe Bryant, the Woolsey Fire in California, the Oscars and Emmy red carpet events; Super Bowl 51, Hurricane Harvey, the 2017 and 2018 World Series, and the death of Michael Jackson.
Rita was featured in the Los Angeles Times for having been the first morning news anchor in LA to broadcast an entire live morning newscast from home during the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic.
She has also been invited to guest host on Rachael Ray and feature one of her favorite recipes! In her free time, Rita enjoys spending time with her husband and family, as well as her rescue dog, Rocky. She also loves to travel.
Rita's Stories
Experts say the earlier you schedule a dental appointment, the better you cut risk of heart disease
February is "Heart Health" month and ABC13 teaches you how to reduce your risk of heart disease, starting with your dental well-being. Think mouthwash and brushing are enough? Here is why experts say it's not.
Keep your heart health in check with these delicious recipes
For American Heart Month, ABC13 is sharing some changes you can make to your kitchen to keep your heart in check.
A message from a woman recovering from cardiac arrest: 'Question if something feels off'
A cardiologist ABC13 spoke with says heart disease is killing women, and one of the reasons could be the misconception that it only affects men. Hear from a woman who survived cardiac arrest.
Doctor shares what you should buy at the grocery store to reduce your sodium intake
ABC13 went shopping with a cardiologist for the top three things you should be looking for at the grocery store to support heart health.
ABC13's Share Your Holidays: There's still time to help our neighbors in need
Nearly 667,000 meals have been created with your donations, but we're not finished yet. There's still time to donate to ABC13's Share Your Holidays Food Drive.
How to avoid overindulging this holiday season, expert weighs in
Trying to avoid overeating on Thanksgiving Day? Nutritionist Dolores Woods has several tips to help you avoid overindulging this holiday season.
Dietitian gives healthy alternatives to holiday favorites
ABC13 is serving up some healthy alternatives to holiday foods with simple recipes you can try at home!
Travel safety tips for winter weather
If you're traveling to colder weather for the holidays, you'll want to plan ahead.
Pediatrician shares tips on how to keep your kids healthy while traveling this holiday season
Visiting family for the holidays can be a daunting task. ABC13 spoke with a doctor who shares how you can keep your children healthy while traveling.
Tips on how to deal with difficult family dynamics and conversations during the holidays
ABC13 talks to an expert about the ground rules you should set for gatherings to avoid that holiday stress.