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
'We don't treat them as a joke': FBI warns about student threats on the rise
The FBI told ABC13 that they have seen and heard it all, from threats on social media to emails, calls, and comments made even on gaming apps. Agents warn students that their actions could negatively impact their future.
National nonprofit has message for anyone creating child sexual abuse material using AI
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says creating child sexual abuse material using AI is not only harmful but illegal.
National nonprofit continues helping teens scrub deepfakes or nonconsensual explicit images
The initiative, called "Take It Down," was launched in 2022 by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Building a future: Trade school director is helping Latina women build careers
Texas Technical Trade School offering scholarships, gas, and childcare assistance to set students up for success. The founder said that through her own experiences, including becoming a teen mom, she found the inspiration to not only transform her own life but to make a difference for others as well.
Meet "The Space Latina" empowering the next generation
Zaida Hernandez is shaping future Artemis missions and inspiring the next generation of girls to reach for the stars.
What to ask yourself before interacting with AI-generated images, according to the experts
Since we're still learning how to live with artificial intelligence, experts say there are steps to take and questions to ask before interacting with AI-generated images.
How scammers use artificial intelligence to target search engine users
Experts say even the top search results on Google and other search engines can be fraudulent. Here's what to look out for.
'Take It Down' initiative aims to help teens with non-consensual photos online
The platform by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children works to ensure non-consensual pictures aren't being circulated online.
Expert shares tips on how to respond to deepfake AI scams: 'Really scary'
An expert shared how one of the latest AI-generated scams can manipulate your voice to create something convincing enough to fool your own family.
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.