LAGUNA BEACH

In an attempt to overturn last week’s city approval of the controversial Treasure Island resort plan, a civic group has started gathering signatures for a referendum.

“This is the biggest project in our city’s history--and this is not the best we can get for this site,” said Ron Harris, president of the South Laguna Civic Assn. He said his group is talking with the developer about alternatives for the coastal site.

According to Harris, hundreds of people stood in line over the weekend to sign the group’s petition. The civic association has until Dec. 30 to get signatures from at least 10% of November’s voters. If it succeeds, the City Council would be forced to either rescind the ordinance approving the plan or call a special election.