Wake up with KHOU 11's Chita Johnson

The arrival of Chita Johnson to Houston started off with a big bang on this blog and then news of the meteorologist kind of fizzled like Houston's chance of rain. Sorry about that. I know Johnson has fans that stop by here.

However I can report that Chita has been doing fill-in weather this week on KHOU 11 News this Morning with Christine Haas and Ron Trevino. So if you are working while KHOU 11 News at 4 is on (May I ask where your priorities are?), here is your chance to wake up and see Chita. I also understand that Chita has started doing the weather on KHOU's noon newscast. It's like we're watching an ever expanding Chita nation across KHOU.

I imagine that meteorologist David Paul must be on vacation. He needs it. Paul has been working overtime helping out Houston's theater district.

RELATED
- VIDEO: KHOU 11's Chita Johnson dances with the Houston Texans cheerleaders
- PICS: KHOU 11's Chita Johnson with Texans cheerleaders
- KHOU 11's TV promo for News at 4 with Len Cannon and Chita Johnson
- KHOU 11's Chita Johnson from KRCR can dance and rap

PICS: Chita Johnson and Lane Craft wedding photos #ChitaGetsCrafted

UPDATE MARCH 4TH, 2017
Chita Craft has her baby

Who is delivering the news? All of Houston TV was at the Chita Johnson and Lane Craft wedding!!! Who cares? Here's the video and photos of the big event!

Chita Johnson before she was Chita Craft

Tonight is the night all of Houston TV land has been waiting for, the marriage of KHOU 11 morning meteorologist Chita Johnson and rancher Lane Craft. So when she returns to channel 11 post honeymoon, she will be Chita Craft on air.

The star-studded reception was held Saturday night at the River Oaks Country Club (although I am not sure where the actual ceremony was held).

SportsRadio 610 KILT's Sean Pendergast says Houston rappers Bun B and Paul Wall even rapped during Chita's bride dance with her dad!

Check out the couple's engagement photos here. Then really go back in time for kid photos of the duo.

And... @ChitaKhou is married! Next up, reception! #Congrats! #ChitaGetsCrafted pic.twitter.com/76OEigGe7u

— Miya Shay (@miyashay) June 4, 2016

All in formation. T-Minus 10 minutes. #ChitaGetsCrafted

A photo posted by Erin A. Garza (@thetexaserin) on Jun 4, 2016 at 3:48pm PDT

#Repost @thelilyjang (via @repostapp) ・・・ #ChitaGetsCrafted! 🎉🎉🎉

A photo posted by Crystal Wall (@cryswallbaby) on Jun 4, 2016 at 7:14pm PDT

Celebrating the Crafts! 🙌👰🏼 #chitagetscrafted #nuptialsandmore #weddingbells

A photo posted by Drew Karedes (@dkaredes) on Jun 4, 2016 at 6:42pm PDT

Now that's a proper cake! 🎂 #chitagetscrafted 👰🏼👦🏻❤️✨

A photo posted by Erica Rose 🌹 (@ericatherose) on Jun 4, 2016 at 5:59pm PDT

This is a cake #ChitaGetsCrafted ... pic.twitter.com/o2PNemW1zY

— Sean Pendergast (@SeanTPendergast) June 5, 2016

VIDEO: Chita Johnson plays with Darby Douglas' most valued possession

KHOU FOUL! NCAA bracket contest with Chita Johnson turns hair-raising for Darby Douglas

Chita Johnson

KHOU 11 traffic anchor Darby Douglas returns to his former gig after five years, and learns the hard way that he shouldn't take a gamble with his new co-workers.

Call it a friendly contest, or maybe a sunrise hazing, but one thing for sure, Darby will probably never make a bet with morning meteorologist Chita Johnson again. Not only can she forecast the weather, but apparently Chita knows how to forecast NCAA brackets! In the ‎#DarbyVsChita‬ bracket challenge, Johnson put a slam dunk on Douglas.

As the winner, Chita got a crack at Darby's prized hair.  With tools like flower headbands and styling gel, what could go wrong?

If you know anything about Douglas, then you know he really takes pride in his hair. His Facebook page is full of photos of the top of his head in shots around KHOU and Houston. And why shouldn't he like it? His hair is luxurious. Vidal Sassoon would even be impressed.

To see Chita Johnson: The Demon Hairstylist of Allen Parkway in action, watch the video embedded below.   It's full of Douglas' hair with flowers, a Three Stooges look and even a fohawk with talk of spray paint. Quick, get Douglas a copy of London Calling!

Darby Douglas KHOU lost his NCAA bracket bet, and his hair paid the price! LOL. Do you think he should keep any of the styles?
Posted by KHOU 11 News on Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Chita Craft announces second pregnancy

UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2019
Chita Craft has baby #2


While I was on my blog break last week, the Houston media scene exploded as KHOU 11 #HTownRush morning meteorologist Chita Craft announced she is expecting her second child and spoiler alert...it's a girl due in early December.

This is one of those stories it doesn't even matter if I post quickly because you've probably already read it in the newspaper, CultureMap or KHOU.com.

The great Houston TV baby wave of 2019 rolls on!

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“This is just something we’ve prayed for and hoped for, we wanted two babies,” Chita told the KHOU morning audience. “I’m really excited.”

The TEGNA station reports Craft never thought a girl was in the cards since both sides of the family tend to have boys.

The baby girl will be named Chita, following a six-generation tradition. The Houston Chronicle writes the now famous Houston name is derived from "Conchita."

The Chron also reports that the then Chita Johnson met her husband, Lane, in 2014 when former channel 11 sports director Butch Alsandor and Lane's uncle set them up.

RELATED
PICS: Chita Johnson and Lane Craft wedding photos #ChitaGetsCrafted

The couple had their first child, Les, in March of 2017.


Les' birth announcement was an online video with Pastors Eric Huffman (The Story Houston) and Dr. Tom Pace (St. Luke's Methodist), Houston rap legend Bun B and fashion designer Preston Boyer. She then sang the 1982 Weather Girls hit "It's Raining Men."

Craft came to KHOU 11 in 2011 for the launch of its 4pm newscast. Before Houston, she worked for KRCR in Redding, CA.

Just last month, #HTownRush anchor Lisa Hernandez shocked her channel 11 morning team as she not only announced she was pregnant, but also revealed the baby's gender on air.

UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2019
Chita Craft has baby #2

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- Erica Rico has baby girl
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OTHER PREGNANT HOUSTON NEWSCASTERS
- Haley Hernandez is expecting
- Britta Merwin is pregnant
- Lauren Freeman is pregnant with 5th baby
- Katherine Whaley is expecting
- Kaitlin Monte announced baby #2
- Lisa Vaughn is pregnant

VIDEO: Chita Craft announces pregnancy - sings 'It's Raining Men'

UPDATE MARCH 4TH, 2017
Chita Craft has her baby

KHOU 11 morning meteorologist Chita Craft is having a baby!


Before Chita Johnson Craft announced her pregnancy on the morning newscast, the KHOU 11 meteorologist actually revealed the news in a video where she carpools with two pastors. By the way, it's a boy.

Fast forward to five minutes into the video to see Craft, who shows up walking in the sunshine wearing a poncho with an opened umbrella in hand. She meets Pastor Eric Huffman (The Story Houston) and Dr. Tom Pace (St. Luke's Methodist), who in addition to Craft, also pick up Houston rap legend Bun B and fashion designer Preston Boyer.

Pastor Huffman Dr. Tom Pace (Correction) and Bun B both have a connection to Craft's wedding. Huffman officiated it, Bun B performed at the reception with Paul Wall.

Craft tells the pastors she doesn't get nervous going on TV, but did get the butterflies during her wedding ceremony.

Taking a cue from late night TV's James Corden, Craft also belts out the 1982 The Weather Girls hit "It's Raining Men." Extra points for those who know who co-wrote this song!

It's at 7:52 or so when Craft tells the pastors the big baby news while talking about her husband, Lane.

On KHOU 11 this morning, Craft admitted the pregnancy thing, "happened a little fast."

"I know its not a litte Chita, I'm Chita the fifth, I was kinda inside hoping for a Chita the sixth, but it's OK," Craft said.

Instead the Crafts and Houston TV viewers will welcome Les William Craft. Les and William are both family names from each side.

"I am the worst secret keeper of all times, so this has been the hardest thing for me," Craft added.

Craft is close to four months. Little Les is due March 1st, 2017.

"Please don't make fun of me once I start getting really big," Chita pleaded.


The Story Houston: Carpool Karaoke from The Story Houston on Vimeo.

KHOU 11's Chita Johnson from KRCR can dance and rap

You'd think most of this blog's readers are journalists or something the way they find information on new TV hires in Houston...oh, wait a minute. Many of the folks who do stop by here are journalists.

Chita Johnson courtesy of KRCR

Within hours of posting Wednesday about the new KHOU 11 News at 4 with Len Cannon and meteorologist Chita Johnson, readers were already finding videos on YouTube of Ms. Johnson. Above is a video of her dancing to It's Raining Men conveniently by the group The Weather Girls (Factoid: The song was written in 1979 by Paul Shaffer of the Late Show with David Letterman).

However, we have also learned that Chita can rap. WATCH HERE.

And just where does the name Chita come from? According to Johnson's personal site bio:

You may think Chita, pronounced Cheetah, is an unusual name. Actually, it’s a family name. In fact there are five generations of mother-daughter Chita’s in her family..

You can read more about Johnson's work experience here. She has a lot of radio experience which will help with those anchor crosstalk segments (plus she can do the splitz as we learned in her dance video...good if the weather computer breaks and she needs to fill time).

Below are some videos of Johnson's actual on air TV news work (no dancing or rapping). My first assessment of watching her work, is that she is not a typical KHOU hire, more a KPRC or KRIV hire based on look and personality. Is this the dawn of a new era at KHOU?:











Johnson leaves KRCR and the airwaves of Redding, CA July 15th (tomorrow). She starts at the new KHOU 11 News at 4 August 1. KRCR appears to be having a Redding version of the Katie Couric Today send off for Chita that day.

Chita Craft says goodbye for maternity leave

UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2019
Chita Craft has baby #2


It's almost new baby time for Chita Craft

KHOU 11 morning meteorologist for #HTownRush, Chita Craft, announced on socials she is off for a while ahead of her baby daughter's birth.

"My last day on air before #BabyChita ❤️ I still have 2.5 weeks until my due date- (Dec 8) just want to spend the next couple weeks with my son and hubs @lanecraft," Craft posted.

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Craft announced her pregnancy last June. The baby will be named Chita which follows a six generation tradition in her family. The Chita name is derived from "Conchita."

When she made the announcement, Craft said she never thought a girl was possible since both sides of the family tend to have boys.

Below, you will see a photo that fellow #HTownRusher, Stephanie Simmons, posted from Craft's baby shower.

The Craft's first child, Les, was born in March of 2017.

Speaking of KHOU 11 babies, at the end of October, anchor Lisa Hernadez gave birth to her second daughter.

UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2019
Chita Craft has baby #2

View this post on Instagram

Celebrating baby Chita tonight! Weeks away from meeting the beauty! @chita_craft

A post shared by Stephanie Simmons (@stephaniesimmonstv) on Nov 2, 2019 at 10:42pm PDT

Where's KHOU's Chita Johnson at high noon?

UPDATE MAY 2013
- Brooks Garner joins KHOU 11 from WFLA 8 as noon and 4pm meteorologist
- KHOU meteorologist Brooks Garner has UFO sighting

Is Chita Johnson on the KHOU noon news or not?

Chita Johnson

Chita Johnson, KHOU 11's morning meteorologist, originally worked the noon and 4pm news when she first arrived to Houston. Then David Paul was moved to nights (eventually replacing Gene Norman as the chief) and Johnson started waking up really early.

So where does that leave the Belo station's noon show weather schedule?
I'm getting lots of questions about Johnson's status on that show. 

According to KHOU news director Philip Bruce, Chita Johnson will continue to work the noon show Monday and Tuesday. Weekend meteorologist Mario Gomez will handle the noon show Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

And by the way, I've never met Johnson, but she seems like a very community minded person. I bet if she were here with us right now, she would want you to vote for me in the Reliant Energy Rodeo Roundup by CLICKING HERE. With your one click (no Facebook log in required), I can win my son's school $2,500 from Reliant Energy!

Back to the issue at hand, as far as the 4pm newscast's weather schedule, that's another story. A KHOU rep tells me there's no new info on that at this point.

Houston media watchers will know there is still a KHOU meteorologist job posting still open at the time of this post's publishing. We can only assume that person will replace Chita on the noon and 4pm shows.

You can see more open positions on my Texas TV jobs page.

UPDATE MAY 2013
- Brooks Garner joins KHOU 11 from WFLA 8 as noon and 4pm meteorologist
- KHOU meteorologist Brooks Garner has UFO sighting

KHOU 11 weather team shake up

I found out last week there are some big changes coming to the KHOU 11 weather team just in time for the height of hurricane season.

Chita Johnson moves from the noon and 4pm shows to the mornings (still will do noon).
David Paul moves from mornings to the 4 and 5 pm shows.
Gene Norman gives the 5pm to Paul and will handle the 6 and 10pm shows.
Mario Gomez will still handle the weekend shows.

Out of the changed schedules, David Paul has been in the affected shift the longest. According to his bio, Paul has been at the Houston Belo station since 1996. Gene Norman joined KHOU in 2008. Chita Johnson came to Houston in 2011.

Now I am no forecaster obviously (there is no degree from Mississippi State University on my wall), but I always figured Chita Johnson would end up on a morning show either at KHOU or somewhere else. Her bubbly personality fits perfectly with mornings.

A KHOU 11 spokesperson told me the new weather schedules go in effect September 3rd.

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Chita Craft has baby #2

KHOU 11's Chita Craft introduces baby Chita

KHOU 11 morning meteorologist for #HTownRush, Chita Craft, made her big baby announcement this afternoon.

"Meet Chita Ann Craft born 12.9.19, 9 pounds, 20 and 3/4 inches long. She is just a dream! Big brother Les is coming to meet her today. All of our prayers were answered! To all the mamas to be... Delivery with #2 is a lot easier," Craft posted on Facebook.

Craft left the channel 11 airwaves in late November for maternity leave.

When Craft announced her second pregnancy in June, she said the thought of having a girl seemed impossible since both sides of the family tend to have boys.

Les, the Craft's first born, came along in 2017.

See how we are doing on the Houston TV News baby boom of 2019.

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Stephanie Simmons returns to KHOU

The Chita Johnson and Clutch love affair?

Houston Rockets mascot Clutch has crush on KHOU 11's Chita Johnson

Chita Johnson

Wow! What is going on with KHOU 11 meteorologist Chita Johnson and Houston Rockets mascot Clutch!

"Sorry to my fiancé-- Lane Craft haha," wrote Johnson on her Facebook page.

At least we know how Clutch really feels. He even went in with a sign declaring his love for the popular TV met.

Richard Rosso wrote the funniest comment: "Gee clutch just swallow her whole lol"

Go Rockets!

Wow this morning getting HOT haha Clutch is in the studio for the Houston Rockets home opener tonight. Sorry to my fiancé-- Lane Craft haha- Mid 80s this afternoon.. Rain for Halloween
Posted by Chita Johnson KHOU on Wednesday, October 28, 2015

PICS: KHOU 11's Chita Johnson with Texans cheerleaders

Sunday night, before Monday's total financial meltdown, I posted a photo of KPRC 2's Jennifer Reyna with some Houston Texans cheerleaders. It was to cheer you up before you lost much of your 401K and other investments. It's the least I could do.

 So today, after the accounts have been largely wiped out, I offer you an entire web gallery of new KHOU 11 meteorologist Chita Johnson with the Houston Texans cheerleaders. It's becoming very apparent there are two camps forming in Houston. The lines are being drawn. Judging by comments on this blog and in other message boards, some Houston TV news viewers are going to one side of the line for Reyna and the other for Chita. Which side are you on?

 Like I said before, KHOU knows it has a powerful weapon with Chita. Now it is capitalizing by sending her to cheerleader practice. Smart move. And think of all those guys people clicking on these photos online. Maybe whomever hired Chita should replace Timothy Geithner and crew!

 And while you're here anyway, I noticed during Monday's Len at Work: A day in the life of a big rig trucker, Cannon was filmed wearing some fancy designer sunglasses. Click on the title to find out which designer protects this KHOU anchor's eyes!

VIDEO: KHOU 11's Chita Johnson dances with the Houston Texans cheerleaders

Last week's post of KHOU 11's Chita Johnson with Texans cheerleaders photos got a big reaction. So this week, I'm giving you one better! Raw video of Chita practicing with the Texans cheerleaders (embedded above). Who knows, maybe she will make the squad.

Also, check out Chita learning about downtown Houston.

VOTE FOR MIKEMCGUFF.COM: Want more Chita posts? Help this blog win CBS Houston's Most Valuable Blogger Awards 2011 CLICK HERE (you can vote everyday) | Also, you can write me in for the Houston Press' Best of Houston 2011. Go to the end of the list and enter "Best Blogger Mike McGuff" in the "102. Category We Forgot" field.

Will Chita Johnson be tempted by Darby Douglas?

KHOU 11's Chita Johnson is going on a plant-based diet, but Darby Douglas is waving the carbs in front of her face!


It's February sweeps and KHOU 11 meteorologist Chita Johnson is going on a five day plant-based diet. She posted this video talking about what she's trying to do, but traffic anchor Darby Douglas has other ideas. His involve bread and oil.

Another channel 11 staffer told Chita she will have lots of gas.

I'm starting my plant based diet ... Hmmmm .. Chitas Challenge day 1
Posted by Chita Johnson KHOU on Monday, February 8, 2016

By the way, Johnson is talking with Houston YouTube sensation and Rawfully Organic Co-op owner Fully Raw Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram. And did you know that Bucaram has a book out now? The Fully Raw Diet: 21 Days to Better Health, with Meal and Exercise Plans, Tips, and 75 Recipes just came out a month ago.


I interviewed Bucaram a few years ago when I took the Snap Kitchen #21DaysforGood challenge. So for the last year, I've kept the 20 pounds plus off! For me, portion control was the big issue.

Chita Craft talks with Houston Moms

Chita Craft is interviewed on the Houston Moms' "Cold Coffee Club" podcast.

The KHOU 11 morning meteorologist talks waking up VERY EARLY, then parenting two children with her husband, Lane and making it all work!

RELATED
- PICS: Chita Johnson and Lane Craft wedding photos #ChitaGetsCrafted
- Chita Craft's first baby arrival
- Chita Craft has baby #2

VIDEO: Chita Johnson shakes her thing on the runway

Chita Johnson does her thing on the runway, her parents to appear in Kay Jewelers' commercial


TV anchors and weather people sometimes get a chance to show their moves on the fashion runway, but KHOU 11's Chita Johnson turns it up to 11 when she gets a turn (get it 11, like in Spinal Tap and her channel number...oh never mind). Johnson and fiance Lane Craft were supporting non-profit Dec My Room at Tootsies.

According to its Facebook page:

Dec My Room…Is all about “creating a healing place”. Volunteers shop and then decorate a room, with knowledge of the likes and interest of each individual patient. The goal is to change a dull hospital room into a cozier, more personalized room.

My baby and I walked the runway to support Dec My Room ... I decided to have fun! Sometimes you just have to shake it! TOOTSIES great event!!
Posted by Chita Johnson KHOU on Wednesday, February 10, 2016

And don't forget about Chita's parents. They are doing an NBC - Kay Jewelers A Valentine’s Day Story this weekend. Watch it here.

Chita Johnson issues unique "save the date" card

KHOU 11's Chita Johnson forecasts clear skies and hearts for her upcoming wedding in clever "save the date" card


KHOU 11 morning meteorologist Chita Johnson and fiance Lane Craft just issued their save the date card for their upcoming wedding and as you might guess, the weather is involved.

The card, which shows Johnson and Lane getting cozy in front of the five day forecast, has Johnson forecasting clear skies with hearts!? Yes hearts, for the day of the wedding!

Johnson posted on Facebook:

Our Save the Date... Haha.. Countdown is on! Only a few more months as a Johnson. (The things I make my man do haha)

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Our Save the Date... Haha.. Countdown is on! Only a few more months as a Johnson. (The things I make my man do haha)
Posted by Chita Johnson KHOU on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Chita Craft baby update

UPDATE MARCH 4TH, 2017

Chita Craft's baby is here. From her Facebook page:

Welcome Les William Craft 💙 Born 3/3/17 9 pounds 15 ounces and 22.5" long. Delivery was HARD- no one prepared me!!!! But I would do it a million times to welcome him! We are both so in love!

RELATED
PICS: Chita Johnson and Lane Craft wedding photos #ChitaGetsCrafted

KHOU 11 morning meteorologist Chita Craft announces maternity leave

Can you believe it's almost time for the Chita Craft to have her baby?

"Last day of work for 3 months and my hubby came in to surprise me," Craft wrote on Facebook. "Our baby coming soon!"

Back in my hometown! Excited to help out @KHOUweather while @chitakhou is on mat leave! Tune into @KHOU tmrw morning 7am #Houston pic.twitter.com/lmS2fnSv9T

— Kailey Carey (@kaileybcarey) February 18, 2017

Looks like meteorologist Kailey Carey is filling in for Craft. She writes on Twitter, "Back in my hometown! Excited to help out @KHOUweather while @chitakhou is on mat leave! Tune into @KHOU tmrw morning 7am #Houston."

KHOU 11's TV promo for News at 4 with Len Cannon and Chita Johnson

KHOU 11 News at 4 starts August 1st and the station has already rolled out a big promo campaign that involves chalk drawings and a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and River Oaks Theater (also an unnamed grocery store - maybe the new Whole Foods Montrose right by the KHOU studios?). We also get a chance to see Len Cannon and new meteorologist Chita Johnson together (if only briefly).

From the quick glance we get of Chita on video, I gotta say, she will probably make a splash in Houston. She seems pretty comfortable on camera (and I'm going to make sure my wife doesn't see the blog today) and looks really good on camera too. Readers of this blog already have been talking about the latter aspect in the comments section.

RELATED
- KHOU 11's Chita Johnson from KRCR can dance and rap
- KHOU 11 announces 4pm newscast

VIDEO: Chita Johnson + Darby Douglas = Charby

KHOU 11 morning meteorologist Chita Johnson had to pay up in a big way

Be careful when making bets. KHOU 11 morning meteorologist Chita Johnson bet on the Final Four with traffic anchor Darby Douglas and picked the wrong team. Therefore, Johnson had to dress as Douglas on the air.

Introducing Charby!

Posted by KHOU 11 News on Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Pay back has begun! #KHOU11 #ChitaVsDarby

Posted by Darby Douglas KHOU on Tuesday, April 5, 2016

I lost a bet to Darby Douglas KHOU so I had to dress like him.... Ayyyeee

Posted by Chita Johnson KHOU on Tuesday, April 5, 2016