Born and raised in Houston, Erica joins Houstonia as their News and City Life Editor, covering topics like education, policies, sports, and more. Previously, Erica served as the Food Reporter over at Chron.com, covering food news and features. She loves critical analysis, 2000s media, graffiti, and covering under-served communities. Erica graduated from Southwestern University and has a Masters in International Affairs from Boston University.

Game Time

Houston’s Mahjong Boom: Meet the Women Teaching the Game, One Tile at a Time

Mocha Mahj is revamping the centuries-old Chinese game in Houston.

07/23/2025 By Erica Cheng

Croissants, Cubed

Asiatown Trendsetter Debuts Houston's First Viral Korean Cream-Stuffed Pastry Shop Le Kream

Stuffed with cream in flavors like matcha and yuzu, these cube-shaped croissants are selling out fast—and flooding Houston’s feeds.

07/18/2025 By Erica Cheng

Bonkers

Only in Houston: Celebrity Encounters, Flies, and a Political Coin Flip

All the weirdest, whack-a-doodle news buzzing around town.

07/17/2025 By Erica Cheng

Hip-Hop Lore

713 Day Is Houston’s Annual Citywide Holiday. Thank Rapper Lil' Keke.

Houston’s unofficial July 13 holiday is more than just area code pride—it’s a tribute to the city’s hip-hop legacy and one of its most influential voices.

07/11/2025 By Erica Cheng

713 Day

The Best 713 Day Events in Houston, According to Houstonia Editors

Grab a beer from Axelrad, enjoy a day at the zoo, or turn up at the Houston Food Bank to celebrate this very Houston holiday.

07/09/2025 By Erica Cheng, Sofia Gonzalez, and Meredith Nudo

Landmark Lost

‘A Loss That Speaks Volumes’: The Life and Death of Houston’s Graffiti Park

Demolished for a freeway expansion, Graffiti Park was the beating heart of the city's street art community. The artists who built it now ask, What’s next?

07/09/2025 By Erica Cheng

Red, White, and Boom

How to Celebrate the 4th of July in Houston

From food trucks to fireworks, there are so many celebrations to choose from this Independence Day.

07/01/2025 By Erica Cheng