BETTER BUMPERS: It’s not health care reform,...

BETTER BUMPERS: It’s not health care reform, but a bill recently introduced by Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson could affect anyone who buys a new car. The Democrat wants all new cars to be equipped with bumpers that can withstand any damage in accidents occurring at 5 m.p.h. or less. The current standard is 2.5 m.p.h. . . . Stronger bumpers result in lower car repair bills, Beilenson said.

MADE IN AMERICA: Sky-high prices on Japanese imports have been averted, but there are still kinks in the United States’ new trade pact with Japan (D1). . . . Although it opens doors for American car manufacturers, it has little effect on domestic car dealerships in Ventura County, said Jim McConica, a Ventura Buick dealer. . . . Still, he is happy for Detroit’s Big Three: “We will be competitive.”

STAMPEDE: Ventura County residents are going wild over Marilyn Monroe. The stamp, that is. . . . Since the late actress’ sultry pose in a low-cut gown went on sale June 1, 100,000 stamps have sold in the city of Ventura alone, postal worker Bill Pendergrass said. And there are only 13,000 left of the limited-issue run before it’s goodby Norma Jeane, he said. “She’s hotter than Elvis.”

CONDOR CONDOS: Biologists have built mini-caves in the mountains north of Fillmore to house California condor chicks (B1). . . . What do baby condors eat? Hatchlings start with mashed rats and as adolescents graduate to whole rats, biologist Robert Mesta said. Adults eat stillborn calves . . . Working closely with the carrion-feasters has its drawbacks, Mesta said. “It gives new meaning to the term ‘bad breath’ ” he said.

TONIGHT: A Salute to Glenn Miller, 9:30 p.m., Oxnard Hilton Inn, $12.50. Info: 486-2424.