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Article snippet: OJAI, Calif. — Ernest Niglio traded Brooklyn 20 years ago for healthy, spiritual living in this laid-back, picturesque town. His daughters could attend a vegetarian elementary school founded by a renowned Indian guru. He could practice meditation and the family could enjoy both the mountains and the ocean nearby. On Friday, Mr. Niglio, an owner of Rainbow Bridge, a popular organic grocery store downtown, was cruising the aisles in a protective mask. “Breathing smoke like this makes my fight-or-flight syndrome kick in,” said Mr. Niglio, sounding like a New Yorker again. “But we are a big part of the community and they need their food.” Mr. Niglio, who had not slept in his own bed for three nights, returned to his ranch-style house on Friday, relieved to find it covered in ash but unscathed. “The pool is disgusting,” he said, adding, “Of course, I feel very, very lucky.” Ojai, about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles, has long been a haven for nature lovers, spiritual seekers, artists, stressed-out urban exiles and Hollywood celebrities, all of whom felt protected by the pleasant valley surroundings and pure air. But for the last few days, Ojai has been at the center of the largest of several wildfires ravaging Southern California. The Thomas Fire, which has resulted in at least one death, has chewed through more than 140,000 acres in Ventura County, fanned by unpredictable winds that have battered coastal areas and inland communities like Ojai. Firefighters have be... Link to the full article to read more