In SoCal, as long as they were already happy, they will be fine. Might even be a beneficial regeneration.

In a cold climate like mine, cutting back a Med. subshrub at this time of year can provoke late season regrowth, which will then freeze.

Thanks, David! I will keep my hopes up. I have noticed, like you say, that a little trimming sometimes does wonders to stimulate new growth. I had to cut back a clematis and a climbing rose because of a broken sprinkler near their arbor, and immediately both started sending up healthy, new growth. Hurray!

I cut a large lavender to the ground with the intention of removing it. I got distracted with other projects. 6 months later, it is 3' tall and wide. I think it looks better and now I'm thinking it can stay.

I think it will be fine also. I have cut my goodwin creek back to almost nothing and they are fine. Would have been better in the spring. Hopefully new growth won't get fried before the temps cool off.

I have a very woody ten year old lavender and have to be careful not to cut back too far. The really old woody parts won't generate new growth. Moral of story: shape every year.