Spreading the rebate wealth

Maria Agazaryan of Canoga Park is a walking billboard for the economic stimulus package that President Bush and Congress hope will pull the nation back from the brink of recession. Tony Castro in the Daily News.

She and her husband, Chris, just spent their $2,100 stimulus package check the way government leaders hope most Americans will - splurging on patio furniture for their home and a shopping spree for their three children, including tickets to an upcoming Playhouse Disney Live concert in Thousand Oaks.

"I teach economics and government, and that's why I spent my money because if you put it in a savings account, it's not going to do the economy any good," said Agazaryan, who teaches at Birmingham High School in Van Nuys.