SANAI v. MCDONNELL (2020)

MEMORANDUM **

Attorney Cyrus Mark Sanai appeals pro se from the district court's judgment dismissing his 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action seeking to enjoin the enforcement of a state court contempt judgment. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291. We review de novo. Gilbertson v. Albright, 381 F.3d 965, 982 n.19 (9th Cir. 2004) (en banc). We may affirm on any basis supported by the record. Johnson v. Riverside Healthcare Sys., LP, 534 F.3d 1116, 1121 (9th Cir. 2008). We affirm.

Dismissal of Sanai's action was proper under the Younger abstention doctrine because federal courts are required to abstain from interfering with pending state court proceedings where the federal action would have the practical effect of enjoining the state proceedings. See Gilbertson, 381 F.3d at 977-78 (setting forth Younger abstention requirements); see also Juidice v. Vail, 430 U.S. 327, 335-36, 97 S.Ct. 1211, 51 L.Ed.2d 376 (1977) (recognizing important state interest in the contempt process; Younger abstention doctrine precludes federal interference with state court contempt proceedings). Contrary to Sanai's contention, no exception to the Younger abstention doctrine applies. See Baffert v. Cal. Horse Racing Bd., 332 F.3d 613, 617 (9th Cir. 2003).

The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Sanai's motion for disqualification and disclosure motions related to disqualification because Sanai presented no basis for disqualification. See Glick v. Edwards, 803 F.3d 505, 508 (9th Cir. 2015) (setting forth standard of review).

The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Sanai's motions for a preliminary injunction because Sanai presented no basis for such relief. See Jackson v. City & County of San Francisco, 746 F.3d 953, 958-59 (9th Cir. 2014) (setting forth standard of review and requirements for a preliminary injunction).

To the extent the district court erred by denying Sanai's post-judgment motion to vacate dismissal of the action under the Rooker-Feldman doctrine, any error was harmless because dismissal was proper under the Younger abstention doctrine.

Sanai's motion for miscellaneous relief (Docket Entry No. 37) is granted as to the request to file a corrected reply brief, and denied in all other respects. The Clerk will file the reply brief submitted at Docket Entry No. 38.

Sanai's request to dismiss the appeal as to defendant McDonnell, set forth in the corrected reply brief, is granted. This appeal is dismissed as to defendant McDonnell only.

Each judge on this panel declined the request to recuse.

All other pending motions and requests are denied.

AFFIRMED.