I have a very leggy lavender dream rose that I intend to prune pretty dramatically. Is it possible to prune to or very near to the crown of the rose? Thanks.

Yes. Rose growers in northern areas have to do it often to remove winter-killed canes.

I'm not positive but I think it is very close to your regular pruning time in NorCal so I'd say go for it! I wouldn't go all the way to the crown. Leave maybe about 6 or 8 inches of cane.

Seil is right-DON'T go "all the way to the crown " by any means. Roses store energy in their canes-make sure you leave at least those 6-8 inches. I'd probably leave a little more than that myself,but that's just me.